Stephen - The Resolute Believer

In life it is easy to say we are a follower of Christ, but it is often a different story to walk the walk. Life is full of distractions that allow us to slip in our walk with Christ. However, as we take a look at Stephen, we will see that he was a resolute believer and not only walked the walk, but took it all the way to the end. Although, Stephen is not spoken about much, his story is hard to forget.

Acts 6:1-7

• The Twelve realized that they could not do everything themselves and spread the Word as Christ had commanded.
• They looked for seven men that had a good reputation, was full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom.
  • Jewish town councils often had seven members.
• Stephen was one of those chosen.
• The goal was to a point a group of men in charge of food distribution.
  • Yet their criteria for what they were looking for was that of a deacon or minister. Because they saw this as it was, a ministry.
• How could have things been different if they only looked for trust worthy people to "manage" the food distributions?

Acts 6:8-10

• We see how the Holy Spirt was working through Stephen.
• We also see to what extent the Holy Spirt was empowering Stephen.
  • This represents another fulfillment of Luke 12:11-12.
• Have you ever found yourself giving the right words at the right time, but yet don't understand how or why you said what you said?

Acts 6:11-12

• So the people resorted to lie about Stephen in order to try and get rid of him.
• This speaks a lot to Stephens character and integrity, as they had to resort to lying to have him arrested.
• Can you think of any time when you had someone lie about something you said or did to get you into trouble, or have you ever lied about something someone did or said to get someone else into trouble?
• Acts 6:13 - Acts 7:50
  • Stephen starts by summarizing Biblical history to the Council
    • It is interesting that he begins by talking about things that the Council would not deny.

Acts 7:51-53

• Stephen boldly speaks out against those in the council.
• Would you have been able to be as bold as Stephen?

Acts 7: 54-60 / Acts 8:1

• Can you imagine how angry the council must have been?
  • Yet Stephen continued to speak out to them what the Holy Spirit showed him in that moment.
• Then we see just how resolute Stephen is as he is being stoned he follows Christ's example by asking Jesus to receive his spirit, and asked that He not hold this sin against them.
• Can you imagine having the strength and faith to make such a resolute stand for Christ?

As Jesus stated in John 15:21, "They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me." We will all be persecuted for our faith in Christ at some point in our life. Some of us will be made fun of, or harassed by unbelievers, some could be physically injured, some may even give their lives for Christ. However, God needs us to grow in our Faith, so that we are made ready for the plans he has for each of us. And may we all remember Stephen and how God was shown faithful to him to the end.