Two Small Fish
November
21, 2005
Introduction:
“You’re just like your father.” How many of us have heard that statement from our mothers. At times, the phrase is used to point out our faults and point the blame to the one who attributed to that fault.
Stephen pointed the finger at the religious leaders and reminded them that they were without excuse. The religious leaders were so dogmatic about their traditions that they repeated their forefathers’ mistakes instead of learning from them.
The brief account of Stephen’s ministry and death teaches us: (1) God’s active role in the history of His chosen people, (2) His continued strength in our individual lives, (3) God’s ability to use our suffering to benefit others.
Core of the Lesson:
I.
God’s active role in the history of His chosen people
Beginning with Abraham, Stephen related God’s purpose throughout history to create a holy people who will worship him with a pure heart. From creation to the tabernacle, from Abraham to the prophets, all things in the Scriptures point to Christ. Stephen pointed to the life of Moses to illustrate the significance of the Old Testament.
W Moses was raised in a palace as the son Jesus, the King of kings, lived in heaven.
of Pharaoh’s daughter.
W Moses left the comforts of the palace Jesus left the comforts of heaven to
to associate with his brothers. associate with sinners.
W Moses knew he was called to deliver Jesus knew He was sent to deliver the world
his people out of bondage. from the bondage of sin.
W Moses was rejected as the judge Jesus was rejected as the Messiah.
and deliverer.
W Moses fled and lived among strangers. Jesus was crucified, risen, and accepted by
Gentiles.
W Moses returned to deliver his people. Jesus will return to deliver the Jews.
Stephen made the comparison perfectly clear to his audience. He concluded with, Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (7:51-53 KJV)
The truth hurts. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrew 4:12 KJV). The council became so stricken with guilt that they bit Stephen, and then led him out of the city to stone him.
This event opened the door for the first great persecution of Christians. We can see God’s purpose unfold as the believers scattered and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe. God continues today to fulfill His desire for a holy people to worship Him alone.
II.
God’s active role in our individual lives
Stephen was not one of the original apostles: yet, he was empowered by the Holy Spirit the same as they were. Stephen’s reputation for being full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit was known throughout Jerusalem (6:5). Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence, Stephen did great wonders and signs. His accusers were unable to combat Stephen’s wisdom. He spoke with the authority of Jesus Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can empower a man to witness with this kind of authority and power. We can acquire all the knowledge we want and have a great testimony to tell, but without the power of the Holy Spirit we were merely puffing air. Testifying is more than giving an account of historical facts. It is spiritual weaponry used by God to defeat the powers, principalities, and the rulers of the darkness of this age; and against spiritual hosts of the wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Proper and effective testimony requires the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit working in the soldier. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, (2 Corinthians 1:12a KJV.)
Stephen’s testimony frustrated his audience and they resorted to their familiar tactics. They bribed men to testify against him just like they did during Jesus’ mock trial. Instead of exhibiting fear, Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s face. At that moment, the Holy Spirit prepared Stephen for the end before he began his final discourse to the religious leaders.
When the mob began to bite Stephen, he was not left defenseless. Jesus rose from His throne and opened the curtain to heaven to encourage and strengthen him. Stephen gazed at the spectacular site and proclaimed, “Look! I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (7:56 NKJV). At that point, the council stopped listening and took action. Luke said they were of “one accord.” People are capable of great and horrific feats when they unite for a common cause.
During this extreme suffering, Stephen prayed for his accusers, as did Jesus. With sincere compassion and deep love, Stephen pleaded with his heavenly Father, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (7:60 NKJV). Stephen’s testimony ended in tragedy in the world’s eyes, but in his eyes and in ours it shouts – VICTORY!
III.
God’s ability to use our suffering to benefit others
The question remains – How do we make sense out of senseless suffering? God did not leave Stephen during his suffering. God could have prevented it, but choose to give Stephen the strength to endure it not for Stephen’s benefit, but for ours. God used the martyr and the persecution of the church to spread His love to the lost and dying world. It is difficult to understand such harsh means; but through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can see God’s glorious scheme unfold. Stephen’s testimony, vision, and prayer continue to work in our lives over 2000 years later. It is better to suffer temporarily then to suffer eternally.
ÿ We attain a knowledge of God that we could not acquire any other way
ÿ We see the wickedness of humanity
ÿ We realize our need for salvation
ÿ The Holy Spirit empowers us to persevere
ÿ God reveals His love and desire to answer prayers.
Conclusion and Challenge
While suffering is a harsh reality of this world, Christians have the assurance of the Holy Spirit to help them through the most difficult of times. Like Stephen, let’s testify of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit who equips us with His wisdom.
Prayer Requests:
Tammy, Melinda Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, Aaron, J.J., Joyce, Donna, Jackie, Nora, Karen and Raph, Anna, Trinity, Roger, Ayden, Nick, Anita, the Snyder family, our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Next Week:
Read Acts 8:4-40. I will not have Bible study next week. On December 5, we will study Phillip’s ministry.
If you are a Christian, rely on Jesus to help you through your struggles, trials, and persecutions.