Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
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ACTS 6:5 - 7:60
-this passage marks a transition in the book of Acts
-up to this pt - Peter has been the dominating figure – ministering to Jews
-another man looms on the horizon – Paul – introduced in 7:58
-Paul is converted in chap 9 – will minister to Gentiles
-after Paul comes on scene – Peter begins to fade from the scene
-exp w/Cornelius(10) /freed from jail (12) /on council (15) – then ???
-the rest of the book focuses on Paul
-bridging the gap between those two giants of God is Stephen.
-only 3 mentions of Stephen in Bible -- Acts 6-8, 11:19 & 22:20
-his ministry catapulted church out of Jerusalem – scattered - 8:1 -his death must have left an indelible impression on Paul.
-this all makes Stephen a key figure in the early history of the church
-showed - efforts of one courageous person can have far-reaching effects.
-proves that impact of a man’s life & ministry is not restricted by it’s length
-his ministry (tho brief) was essential to God’s plan for world evangelism
-Stephen paid the ultimate price for his commitment – 1st Christian martyr
v5 -- Stephen is spoken of as "a man full . . . of the Holy Ghost"
-this is the EXPLANATION of the IMPACT of his SHORT life/ministry
-THIS was the THEME / SECRET of his life, ministry, impact for God
-THIS is God's plan & provision for every Christian
-not for few Christians ONLY / older / mature / preachers / msnries
-is to be the NORMAL experience for God's children
-if took a picture of a man full of the Holy Ghost…what would it look like ???
1. Available & Willing to Serve 6:5-7
-available to the Lord for whatever He appoints.
-7 men needed --- NOT for preaching/prominence/position - but hidden ministry - serve tables -- to distribute to widows in need – HIDDEN MINISTRY
-7 men selected were ready & AVAILABLE– 1stmentioned – STEPHEN
-EVIDENCE THAT……
a. out of 1000’s of men now in the Jerusalem church -- he was one of 7
-reveals the high esteem the church had for him
-what does Spirit-filled man look like?
great preacher?
prominent pastor?
b. a Spirit-filled Christian will be available to the Lord & to the Church for whatever task the Lord appoints – ARE WE AVAILABLE for whatever He wants?
-the task may not be a prominent one, it may be a "backroom" job
-like David’s servants -- 2 Sam 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
-we ought be willing to do ANYTHING the LORD would ask of us
-preach sermon/teach lesson OR take out trash/clean floors or restrooms
v7 – the result of their service / being plugged in where they were needed
-a church full of servants will grow / be blessed / people will grow in faith
2. A channel for the power of God.
v8
-Stephen was used of the Lord
-it says that Stephen did great wonders … but don’t miss … “full of power”
-NOT POWER of Stephen, charisma, personality, public speaking ability
-see the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit through Stephen
-but – Stephen WAS the channel – thru which the Spirit could work
-every Christian – to be a CHANNEL of the working power of the Spirit of God
-God may not perform miracles through us in same way as Stephen
-BUT – there WILL BE evidence of His wonder-working power through our transformed lives --- LET SPIRIT OF GOD WORK THRU YOU
-some people are draining, discouraging – BUT PEOPLE ought look at what SPIRIT of GOD is doing in your life and be ENCOURAGED
-people ought be able to look at your life and SEE GOD / working of God
-people should be able to “tune in” to your channel & see GOD AT WORK
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
-our lives ought to touch others thru our:
a. words – ever heard the encouraging words of a friend & know they came from God ?? *IL* Marc Monte – encouraged me recently
b. attitudes – are contagious – gripey / positive
c. works – the things we DO to help people / impact them for Christ
3. Grace under provocation.
v9-14
v9 …disputing with Stephen
v11-13
-suborned: throw in stealthily, introduce by collusion (planned attack)
-recruited false witnesses / hatched up a wicked plot
-BUT -- all this failed to overthrow / discourage this Spirit filled man
*IL* maybe you have had unkind/untrue statements made about you
-Stephen had all that, and more.
How did he react?
v15 -- gives us the answer
-we might have understood if he had become rattled & angry & retaliated
-BUT – we are reading about him in God’s WORD because he didn’t
-this set him apart from the avg Christian who has no “longsuffering”
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is… …longsuffering
-under tremendous provocation -- …."as it had been the face of an angel"
*IL - David – many enemies – “behaved himself wisely in all his ways…”
-similar thot concerning the apostles --- Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
4. Mighty in the Scriptures.
Chap 7
-practically whole 7thchapter is taken up with Stephen’s defense / sermon preached to his accusers
-we will read thru it later --- see it is packed full of scripture
a.
He knew the Scriptures well to be able to quote them so freely.
-how many verses do we know?
- memorization is a lost art
b.
He believed the Scriptures – ALL of them – historical/poetical/prophetic
c.
He preached the Scriptures.
His sermon was "all Bible" !
d.
He presented the Christ of the Scriptures - preached the cross – v52
e.
He applied Scriptures to his hearers & did it fearlessly -- v51
6:10 …they were not able to resist…
-what does this snapshot of a Spirit-filled Christian look like?
-a Spirit filled Christian knows / loves / believes / preachesthe Bible
-he presents Christ in all the Scriptures / applies Scriptures to his own life
-helps others to know the Word of God
-SPIRIT OF GOD WILL ALWAYS POINT TO WORD OF GOD
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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