Reader (Not the teacher)
Exodus 18:13-27
It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening. Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?" Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws." Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people's representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace." So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. They judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge. Then Moses bade his father-in-law farewell, and he went his way into his own land.
Moses assumed full responsibility to settle all disputes and complaints from person to person or group to group in the nation. Observation: Moses knew more about God's expectations than anyone else. He was likely more conversant with the Law since God gave it to him to give to Israel. He (1) was likely filled with a sense of His responsibility and (2) had a deep sense of loving concern for these people he led out of Egypt.
Moses did that from morning until evening. Observation: were he to continue that schedule, he would 'burn out'--exceed his physical limitations. If that occurred, Israel would have no spiritual leadership.
What are you doing? Why are you doing it all alone? Observation: when we feel indispensable, we become part of the problem.
Moses replied, "The people come to me to tell them what God expects." Observation: Moses unique visible relationship with God made the people expect things of him that were unfair.
What you are doing is not good. Share the responsibility with other able people--teach others what you know. Observation: to Moses it seemed both good and needful.
Select other capable people, and expect them to do what they are capable of doing. Realize others care about God and people as much as you do. You resolve only those matters they cannot resolve. Then you will last longer.
Not only would Moses last longer, but the people would receive justice more quickly. Observation: There were two issues involved, not one. Moses' endurance was but one issue. The second was quick justice. Delayed justice breeds discontent.
Practical Application Questions
Obviously, Moses, the people, and the nation benefitted. Moses endured, the people received quicker justice, and the nation was more stable.
It was too demanding on Moses, too slow in resolving grievances, and discontent would increase national instability.
No, Moses did not intend to do something 'not good.' He was so focused on the immediate need he lost sight of the 'larger picture.' He was so 'now' oriented he did not see the future.
Reader (not the teacher)
Acts 6:1-14; 8:4-13
Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God." And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, "This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us."
Acts 8:4-13
Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was much rejoicing in that city. Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the Great Power of God." And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.
The disciples were increasing in number. Observation: this happened at time of growth, at a time when things were going 'right', at a time when many might say, "Do not rock the boat."
One segment of the church (Jewish Christians who were culturally different, from outside Palestine) were discriminated against by another segment of the church (Jewish Christians from within Palestine). Observation: this is a serious problem, not an insignificant problem
The apostles called the congregation. Observation: the apostles did not make a decision and announce it 'because we are more qualified to make this decision.'
It was not appropriate for them to cease investigating God's word in order to care for the proper distribution of food. Observation: there are priorities based on ability that determine responsibility in caring for God's work.
You find the men who can distribute the food fairly.
The apostles would devote themselves to prayer and to the ministry of God's word. Observation: everyone needs to be encouraged to do what he/she is able to do.
The congregation selected the men. The apostles commissioned the men to their task.
We know that Stephen and Philip became evangelists. Observation: the way to grow in motivation and responsibility is to begin by doing what you can do.
Practical Application Questions
No one was more qualified than the apostles. Their qualifications did not justify their doing everything. The discussion should include this: the key to greater spiritual development is utilizing the ability you know you have.
Service will increase as responsibility assumed increases.
There must be the convictions that (1) God is bigger than I am; (2) I exist as a Christian to fulfill God's will; and (3) God can use my abilities if I let Him.
The people who do nothing do not grow.
If "I" do it, it is often faster than showing someone else.
It becomes easier (1) if expectations are realistic, (2) we do not regard ourselves as indispensable, and (3) we look to the future of the work instead of just now.
It worked (1) because people were empowered to be responsible; (2) some people turned loose; and (3) those people truly belonged to God.
Link to Student Guide
Lesson 1