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This morning we are picking back up in our study of the book of Acts.
If you’re new to our church this morning, we practice a form of preaching called Expository Preaching. What that means is we believe the best way to teach the Bible is to study it by taking books of the Bible and then studying them from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in order to understand what the Bible is saying in our lives today.
With that said, we are currently doing that through the book of Acts. A book that was written for two reasons. First, to teach us how the church was started and the circumstances that surrounded it. And second, to provide us with a template on how Jesus intends us to accomplish the mission He has given us. The mission to take the gospel to the entire world.
So, if you haven’t been with us, I would encourage you to go online to “MCF.LIFE” where you can listen to all of the messages leading up to today.
As we come back to our study today, we find ourselves back in chapter 6 as the church continues to grow, yet is about to face another challenge.
You may recall from last week, chapter 6 follows an attack on the church by a group called the Sadducees. A Jewish religious and political body that was threatened by the early church. But despite the persecution it has faced, the church continues to grow as more and more people are coming to faith in Jesus.
The growing pains
And while that’s good news and something to celebrate, there are some challenges that have come from the growth.
The growing pains
Now, at this point you might be thinking, “Pastor, it sure seems like the early church faced a lot of challenges?”
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
Acts 6
Luke says as the church grows, there are some people falling through the cracks. And this is a problem on two levels.
First, it’s a problem because nobody wants widows to be neglected. That’s not good.
And as a result the disciples are being pulled away from their primary duties of teaching and preaching in order to address the growing needs.
And second, it’s a problem because as a result of the need, the disciples are being pulled away from their primary duties of teaching and preaching in order to address this issue. And now the ministry as a whole is suffering. Luke writes:
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Now, some might say, “Well pastor, maybe the church is just getting to big.” No, that’s not the problem. Because the fact is, Jesus is all about His church growing bigger.
The problem is with a growing church come growing needs, and the apostles, like us, are human beings, and don’t have the capacity to meet all of those needs. Like us, they have limits. And now they are spread thin.
So, how do they solve the dilemma? Well, the disciples had a solution. And the solution involved asking people within the church to step up. The solution involved starting a volunteer ministry at First Century Church. Luke writes:
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
And what was true for the church then is still true today. The fact is, as a church grows, needs grow with it. And and at some point the pastor and staff are going to reach a capacity. And in order for those growing needs to be met, other Christians are going to need to step up in a volunteer capacity so that the pastor and staff can continue their focus of teaching, preaching, and raising up new disciples.
In fact, that’s how Jesus designed the church to work. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
That being the case, that’s what we asked many of you to do last week. The fact is, we are a growing church. And that’s something to celebrate. But the reality is, with our growth have come growing needs and challenges. And if we’re going to meet those needs and continue to reach more people, we need more people to step up.
And so last week, I asked for people to step up. And many of you responded to that call as you signed up for ministry opportunities in our church. In fact, nearly 40 new volunteers signed up to help meet the needs in our growing church.
And so over the next couple of weeks, our goal is to contact you and start the process of getting you plugged into ministry, and then next Sunday, I’m going ask those of you who signed up to stand up so we can pray for you. Because this isn’t just a job you signed up for. This is a spiritual opportunity to be used by God, and you need God’s help to to do that. Luke says this about those who signed up to serve tables:
6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 6:
So, that’s what we want to do for you as well. And I would say this to those who weren’t here last week, or didn’t sign up. It’s not too late. There are sign up sheets in the lobby or you can go online to MCF.LIFE and sign up for an area of ministry. Because here’s the reality for the Christian. If you want to continue to grow in your faith, if you want to walk into His plan for your life, you have to be willing to get involved in what God is doing through His church. Otherwise, you may never move forward.
So, that’s where we were last week.
With that said, as we come back to chapter 6, come to another challenge for the early church. Now, at this point you might be thinking, “Pastor, it sure seems like the early church faced a lot of challenges?”
And you would be right, they did. But as we learned last week, that’s the life of a growing church. In fact, I would say if a church isn’t facing challenges, then it’s probably not a healthy growing church. So, what’s the challenge this time?
So, what’s the challenge this time?
Now, at this point, you might be thinking, “Wow pastor, it just seems like the early church was constantly fighting battles. It
Well, it’s one of persecution. A persecution that will result in the death of the first Christian, and the widespread persecution of Christians in the chapters to come.
And if you’re thinking that, you would be correct. They faced constant challenges. And today, we’re going to talk about and discover why they faced challenges.
So, to help prepare us for what we are about to read and learn today, I want to begin by asking you a a couple of questions in regard to some possible relationship challenges you have encountered in your life. Encounters that maybe left you scratching your head. The first question goes like this:
First Question - In your experience with relationships, have you ever encountered somebody who you really didn’t know, maybe somebody you’ve never even been around, but for some reason they didn’t like you? In fact, they just didn’t not like you, as time went on, it became apparent that they hated you.
Anybody ever experienced that? I think we’ve probably all encountered somebody like that in our life.
I think we’ve probably all encountered somebody like that.
Second Question - Now, let me ask you this. When you’ve encountered that person, did you ever find yourself wondering why they hated you? Asking yourself, “What in the world did I ever do to them? Why does this person have it out for me?”
How about this. Have you ever encountered somebody that just didn’t like you, but they hated you?
Anybody?
Personal Example - I remember one time when I was in high school, I had gone to the movie with some friends, and as we were coming out of the movie, there was a guy standing by the exit door, somebody I had seen in school before. And as I walked out, for a moment I glanced at him and then turned away. And as I turned away, he said, “Do you have a problem?”
So, a little surprised by his comment, I turned around, looked at him and said, “No, I don’t have a problem.”
At which point he turned and started to walk away. And then being a punk, I said something I probably shouldn't’ have, but I felt was appropriate at the time. I said, “Do you?” Smart, right?
And no sooner had I said it, this guy came at me like it was WW3 as he verbally unloaded and tried to pick a fight with me.
To be honest, it really took me by surprise. And that point I realized this guy had it in for me. In fact, later I found out he had been waiting outside of the theatre door for me. And what was even more puzzling, is I had never had a conversation with him and didn’t even know his name. But apparently I had done something to tick him off.
Have
And unfortunately, I never found out the answer to that question
And to be honest with you, what bothered me the most wasn’t that this guy didn’t like me, but why he didn’t like me. I mean, what I had done to make him hate me so much? I”m a like-able person. I’m a nice person. What had I done to tick him off?
And to be honest with you, I never found out why he hated me so much.
Have you ever had somebody like that in your life? Somebody who hated you, and for the life of you, you couldn’t figure out why?
The reason I ask you this question, is because as we come to our passage today, we come to a similar situation.
A situation where a Christian named Stephen has been targeted.
A situation where Stephen is approached by his haters.
A situation where it appears Stephen has done nothing that merits an attack, but regardless he’s a target.
And the reason this passage is so important, is because in many ways this passage represent the treatment all Christians can ultimately expect if they are going to be All IN when it comes to their faith in Jesus.
Because the reality is, following Jesus is not a popular decision. In fact, Jesus says this about it:
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
“…and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (ESV)
The word for hate here comes from the Greek word “miseo”. It means to dislike strongly or detest. So, what Jesus is saying is, “If you’re going to follow me, then get ready for people to detest you.” That’s fun, right?
And not only that, Jesus says get ready for those same people to come after you. In Jesus says:
“…In the world you will have tribulation...” (ESV)
An enemy that doesn’t want us to reach Marysville with the Gospel.
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus says not only will they hate you but you can expect tribulation from them. The word for tribulation here comes from the Greek word “Thlipsis”. It’s the idea of trouble involving direct suffering and persecution.
So, what Jesus is saying is, “They’re not only going to hate you, they’re going to come after you.” Something to look forward to.
That’s encouraging, right?
And Jesus was right. Because starting in the book of Acts to the present, Christians have been hated, persecuted, and at times killed for their faith in Jesus.
So, that being the case, let me ask you this, “Have you ever wondered why people would hate you for following Jesus?”
In other words, why somebody you’ve never met or had a relationship with automatically hate you and target you because of Jesus? Have you ever wondered that?
If you ever have, then today’s message is for you. Because while I never figured out why the guy outside the movie theatre had it in for me, as we look at the story of Stephen today, we’re going discover why the world has it in for people who profess faith in Jesus.
An enemy that doesn’t want us to reach Marshall County with the Gospel.
So, to get us started, let’s pick pack up in chapter 6 as Luke unfolds the story and answers the question, “Why does the world hate Christians?”
Beginning in verse 8, Luke writes:
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts 6:8
Luke begins by setting the stage for this encounter. An encounter that will ultimately result in the death of Stephen, and a transition in how the church would function moving forward.
Acts
And it all starts here in chapter 6 as Stephen becomes the initial target for the persecution to come.
So, why Stephen? What did he do do draw so much negative attention? Why was he hated to the point that a group of people decided to kill him?
That’s what we are about to discover. And what I’d like to suggest to you, is based on this passage, that there are only two reasons why the world hates Christians to the point that they wold kill them. And I think the reasons are going to surprise you.
Here’s the first reason the world hates Christians:
Why The World Hates Christians:
Christians bring a supernatural hope the world can’t offer.
Luke writes:
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
You may recall that Stephen is one of the seven men who volunteered to serve food to the neglected widows just a few verses ago. And as I said last week, when a person is willing to serve in the lowliest positions, that’s when God begins to elevate them to greater works of influence. And such is the case for Stephen.
An enemy that wants to stop the move of God in our church.
Because apparently as Stephen does the job of serving tables, the Lord begins to spiritually equip Stephen and open up new opportunities for ministry.
9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.
And from what Luke tells us, these new opportunities go far beyond serving tables. In fact, Luke says Stephen begins to function in a supernatural capacity as he begins to perform great wonders and signs.
So, a good first question might be, “What are these great wonders and signs that Stephen is performing?”
The enemy I’m talking about is the devil. From the beginning he has worked to destroy God’s people. And he continues his work today. The apostle Peter describes him like this:
Well, based on the context of Acts, more than likely Stephen is operating in the same supernatural capacity as the Apostles. In other words, like Peter and John, Stephen is performing miracles. Stephen is healing people. Stephen is restoring the sight of the blind. Stephen is causing the lame to walk and the deaf to hear.
And what this highlights is two important realities for the person who is All IN.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
First, if you want to do great things for God, and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit, you don’t have to be an Apostle or somebody with a name. All you have to be is a willing servant. All you have to do is say, “God I want to be used by you. God please equip me with the power of your Spirit to do great things for you!” And if you’ll do that, God will begin to equip you and open doors of ministry opportunity. The fact is, God isn’t looking for super star Christians, He’s looking for willing servants like Stephen.
Peter says the devil is our adversary. The word for adversary here comes from the Greek word “antidikos”. It’s the idea that the devil is our opponent who is actively and continuously brining hostility towards us. In other words, he never stops. So Peter says, beware. There’s an active threat out there, and he’s looking for an opportunity to take you out.
That’s encouraging right? Aren’t you glad you came to church today?
And so in order to take us out, he attacks through various ways:
Second, when a Christian begins to operate in the power of the Spirit, it brings hope into peoples lives.
He attacks us personally as he preys on our emotions, sinful passions, and desires.
The fact is, every person that came in contact with Stephen recieved hope in some capacity. Either they were healed, encouraged, or strengthened by his ministry as Stephen offered something the world hadn’t been able to give them. What did he offer them? He offered them HOPE.
He attacks our families as he goes after our marriages and our kids.
And this is where the worlds hatred for Christians begins. Because in this moment, what the world says it can offer but can’t, Jesus now offers.
And in a way, it’s a form of jealousy as through his witness Stephen begins to show people that Jesus can offer them something the world can’t. And in that moment, the world responds. Listen to what Luke tells us:
He attacks us relationally as he works to bring disunity between friends, family members, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.
And he attacks the church, as he works to unravel God’s people through persecution and discouragement.
From what Luke tells us, as Stephen shared the Gospel and led people to Jesus, it caught the attention of a group of Jews. A group known as the “Freedmen”.
So, a good question might be, “Why are they upset?”
They’re upset because these Jews are not Christians, but a group of religious Jews who are devoted to the OT ways. And apparently Stephen is stepping on their religious toes as he challenges what they believe.
And on top that, more than likely, people are leaving this group to follow Jesus, and it’s ticking these religious Jews off.
So, what do they do? Luke says they engage Stephen in order to dispute with him.
The word for dispute here comes from the Greek word “syzeteo”, and it means to express forceful differences of opinion without necessarily having a presumed goal of seeking a solution.
9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.
We know this because Luke tells us they were Cyrenians and Alexandrians who came from north Africa and Asia. All that to say, this is a group of devout religious Jews who have returned to Jersualem and have formed their own Jewish religious group in their own synagogue.
The word for dispute here comes from the Greek word “syzeteo”, and it means to express forceful differences of opinion without necessarily having a presumed goal of seeking a solution.
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All that to say, this is a group outside of the church who is now feeling threatened by the growth and influence of the early church. And apparently Stephen’s ministry and witness is beginning to affect their attendance numbers at the synagogue as people are now turning to Jesus for their hope, and not the synagogue.
And the result is, they have now engaged Stephen in a dispute. The word for dispute here comes from the Greek word “syzeteo”, and it means to express forceful differences of opinion without necessarily having a presumed goal of seeking a solution.
So, let me ask you this
10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
In other words, they’re not engaging Stephen in order to try and understand what he is teaching or to learn about Jesus. NO. They’re engaging him in order to shut him down. Their end goal is to put an end to his influence and regain the peoples allegiance.
Here’s what this is saying to us. The fact is, when you start shining the light of Jesus in peoples lives. When you start brining hope where there has been no hope, there are going to be groups of people who have a problem with your message and witness. Groups who feel threatened. Groups who who don’t want to coincide with you, but want to get rid of you.
Now, you might be wondering, “Pastor, who are these groups?”
Acts 6:
Well, there are many, but they all fall into one of two categories.
It threatens their moral views, their ethical views, and in some cases their political views.
The first category is the secular world. This is anybody outside of faith and religion who may feel threatened by the Gospel.
It threatens their ethical views.
One of these groups we see today is Hollywood and the liberal media. Groups that are’t interested in learning more about Jesus, but silencing anybody who would talk about Jesus.
It threatens their political views.
Acts 6:
The truth is, we see it everyday as Christians are threatened to be silent and keep their opinions to themselves. Because the truth is, our message threatens everything Hollywood is promoting regarding morality, ethics, and ideology.
And the reasons the gospel is such a threat, is the gospel actually has the power to deliver people from what the world is encouraging the to put their hope in.
Because the gospel has the power to deliver people from the power of sin.
To set people free from sexual sin.
The Gospel has the power to change a persons heart and transform their thinking.
The Gospel has the power to expose darkness as it shines light and truth on cultural issues such as abortion, homosexuality, sexual sin, and immoral living.
The Gospel has the power to bring
The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
In fact, Jesus said this would happen. In Jesus says:
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
That’s encouraging, right?
But it goes even further than that. In , Jesus says, in addition to the tribulation, you’re going to be hated. He says:
The Gospel has the power to transform and renew a person from the inside out helping them see the deception of the world.
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
And it scares this group to death. Because every-time Jesus sets somebody free, it lessens their influence and power.
Let me ask you something. Have you ever wondered why people would hate you for following Jesus?
I know for me, that I know of, I’ve only had a few people who have hated me.
Let me ask you something, “Have you ever had somebody hate you, and you don’t even know why that hate you?” And you’re like, “What have I done to you? Why do you hate me so much?” That’s no fun, right? Doesn’t feel good, does it?
That’s why the media works so hard to silence and persecute Christians. Because our message has power, and they know it.
That’s encouraging, right? Aren’t you glad you came to church to find that out?
And unfortunately, Jesus was right. Because over the centuries, Christians have been persecuted, and Christians have been hated.
So, a good question might be, “What kind of attacks can we expect? What do we need to beware of?”
Let me ask you something, “Have you ever wondered why people hate Christians so much?” I mean what about Christians bothers the devil and the world so much? Why does following Jesus put a target on our backs?” Have you ever wondered that?
You see, the enemy isn’t stupid. He understands the power of the cross. He knows Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. He’s well aware of that. And the last thing he wants is for people to hear about what Jesus can do for them. So, when he sees a Stephen start having influence, he’s quick to pounce in order to silence the message.
And what’s so unfortunate about his attacks, is that he often does it through people. In fact, Jesus says this about the attacks:
He’s waiting outside the theatre waiting for you to come out.
If you’ve ever wondered that, then today’s message is for you. Because as we continue in today, the church is about to face it’s greatest attack to date.
Another group that might surprise you in this category is the average secular American.
That’s encouraging right? Aren’t you glad you came to church today?
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
So, a good question might be, “Why is the devil working so hard to unravel God’s church and God’s people?”
I think that’s a great question. A question we need to know the answer to. And the good news is, the book of Acts gives us some great insight into answering that question as the early church faces its greatest attack.
An attack that will once again bring hostility towards the church.
This group is largely made up of people who have dismissed religion and faith all together. For this group, they’ve bought into the lie that their hope, joy, peace, and happiness is found in what this world offers. So, for them:
And attack that brings hostility from those outside the church.
An attack that will challenge the faith of the early Christians.
An attack that leads to the first Christian martyr.
An attack will lead to the first Christian martyr.
An attack that will lead to the first Christian martyr.
An attack that will answer the question, “Why does the world hate Christians?”
It’s found in sexual pleasure and immoral relationships.
In fact, Jesus warned us about this. In , Jesus says:
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
It’s found in the accumulation of material goods and possessions.
Jesus says, “Listen, if you’re going to follow me, then you need to understand that there are going to be people who hate you for it.” The word for hate here comes from the Greek word “miseo”. It means to dislike strongly or detest.
It’s found in social status.
It’s found in how much money they make and how much is in the bank account.
In , Jesus puts it like this:
It’s found in anything and everything this world promises will bring fulfillment.
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
And for this group, the message of the Gospel is a real irritation. Because the message of the Gospel undercuts the idea that the world actually has something to offer, The Apostle John warns us about this. He writes:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
John says the world has nothing to offer. That all of its desires and all of its pleasures are not from God, and will not provide ultimate fulfillment in our lives.
In fact, John says those who put their hope in what the world offers, fade away with it.
And that’s why some of your non-Christian acquaintances may have a problem with you and your faith. Because what you represent flies in the face of what they’ve put their hope in. And quite honestly, they don’t want to hear it. They’re not even open to a discussion about it. That’s why they are quick to shut you down. Quick to try and silence you through intimidation or humiliation.
So, they say things like, “Oh, you’re one of those Jesus freaks now? So, you actually believe in that Jesus stuff? I thought you were smarter than that. You’re not giving money to that church are you? Come on, don’t be so gullible. Quit putting your hope in fairy tales.”
Flies in the face of their spending habits.
You see, at the end of the day, the message of the gospel provides something the world can’t offer or understand. It provides real hope and real power to change a persons life, not just in this life, but in the life to come. And the world hates it because it threatens what they’ve put their hope in.
Flies in the face of their
There’s a second category as well. This category is what you might call the religious world. And its made up of groups within and outside of Christianity.
And the answer will come through a man named Stephen, as he is targeted because of his faith in Jesus.
Those outside would be what we would consider false religions. Religions like hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Religions that serve false gods and teach false forms of salvation and redemption.
The second religious group is found within Christianity. And this group consists of anybody in the Christian faith who has put their hope in religion versus relationship.
To a degree, that’s who the “Freedmen” of represent. They are religious Jews who believe in the same God as the early Church, but their view of salvation is not the same.
You see, for the Freedmen, salvation is found through the law and rituals of the OT. For them, salvation is found there, and not in Jesus.
That’s why in verse 13 they make the following accusation against Stephen:
“This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him se that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” (ESV)
You see they were upset because Stephen had apparently made claims about Jesus that worked against their religious views on two fronts.
First, they accuse Stephen of saying Jesus was going to destroy the temple. So, did Stephen say that? Well, more than likely what they are referring to is an accusation that was made against Jesus back in . In Mark records the following from Jesus’s trial:
57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ”
So, to get us st
So, did Jesus really say he was going to destroy the temple? No. Jesus was referencing himself when he made this claim. You see symbolically, Jesus is the temple. And the destruction he referred to was the destruction of his own body. In other words, his death. But then He said the temple wouldn’t stay destroyed. Within three days it would be raised.
And so it was, because after three days, Jesus rose from the grave in a new body.
That’s what Stephen probably said. So, here’s what’s going on. For the Jew, the temple represented the place where the presence of God was and where repentance could be found through the sacrificial system. But Jesus says there’s a new temple and a new sacrifice. And that through Him, a final sacrifice was made. And now through Him repentance and a relationship with God can be found. So, Jesus is the new temple.
So, apparently as Stephen shared the gospel, he used this analogy. But the religious Jews rejected what Stephen was saying, and accused him of calling for the destruction of the temple and its rituals, which is what their faith was in.
The second part of their accusation involves Moses, which has to do with the law. For the Jew, the law was their source of righteousness. IN other words, how they stayed right with God.
So, was Stephen encouraging people to abandon God’s law? Of course not. More than likely he was reiterating what Jesus had said about the Law. In Jesus says this:
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
You see the problem with trying to find righteousness in the Law, is that we can’t keep the law. At some point you’re going to mess up. You’re going to have a bad day. You’re going to sin and offend God. And at that point you are guilty. That’s why Paul says in :
What Jesus was saying is that he is the fulfillment of the law. In other words, because He was perfect, He accomplished what we couldn’t. And so now, if we put our faith in Him, the requirements of the law can be fulfilled in us. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
So, what Jesus was saying is that he is the fulfillment of the law. In other words, because He was perfect, He accomplished what we couldn’t. And so now, if we put our faith in Him, the requirements of the law can be fulfilled in us. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
You may recall we talked about Stephen last week. Stephen was one of the men that was chosen to serve food to the widows. One of the men who volunteered to serve tables so the apostles could continue to teach and preach.
3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
The point here is that God’s Law is as important as ever. But that’s not where we’re going to find our righteousness, because we can’t keep the Law. So, instead, we put our faith in the one who kept it for us. And that’s where repentance and salvation can be found. The writer of Hebrews puts it like this:
25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
So, that’s why they are upset with Stephen. Stephen is stepping on their religious beliefs.
And what was true then is still true today. The fact is, within the church today there are people who have put their hope in the wrong thing. They’ve put their hope in religion. They’ve put their hope in rituals. They’ve put their hope in church affiliation and attendance. They’ve put their hope in keeping sacraments. They’ve put their hope in being a good person. They’ve put their hope in a system of religion that doesn’t save them.
And the fact is, when you start trying to help the religious person see that, they’re going to get offended. Like the world, they’re going to get angry because you’re challenging what they’ve put their hope in.
And please hear me, I’m not saying tradition or rituals are bad. What I’m saying is they don’t save you. What I’m saying is instead they represent what Jesus has done for us. But keeping them doesn’t save you. The only thing that saves you is faith in Jesus.
For example, taking communion doesn’t save you. Instead, it symbolizes what does save you. The blood and sacrifice of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews puts it like this:
11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
He goes on to say:
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
The writer says, “Jesus is the way to salvation. Not your religion. Not your rituals. Not your traditions. Not your church affiliation. Not the sacraments. It’s Jesus, that’s it.”
And that message is going to anger the person devoted to religion. Because in that moment, you are debunking what they have put their hope in.
So, those are the two categories and why they
This leads us to the second reason people who put their faith in Jesus are hated. Because not only does the message of the Gospel threaten what they believe:
This leads us to the second reason the world hates Christians. Because not only does the message of the Gospel threaten
2. Christians present a truth that can’t be overcome or denied.
Luke writes:
10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Here’s what we need to understand, when the truth of God’s Word is presented and explained, it’s really undeniable. And here’s why. Because real truth exposes darkness and leads to undeniable conclusions. Let me give you some examples of what I’m talking about:
When it comes to abortion, as much as the world wants to say abortion isn’t murder, it is. And you don’t even need the Bible to prove that. Science proves it. Science has shown us it’s not a fetus, it’s a living human being in that womb.
I’m sorry, but as much as the world wants us to believe that homosexual relationships are normal, they’re not. And again, you don’t even need the Bible to prove that. Biology and nature confirm it.
I’m sorry, but premarital sex doesn’t lead to a healthier relationship. And again, you don’t even need the Bible to back that up. Studies have shown that people who engage in premarital sex experience decreased sexual pleasure in marriage and have a higher divorce rate.
I’m sorry, but being a good person isn’t going to make you right with God and get you into heaven. And you’re the living proof of that. Because you’re not a good person. You’ve done all kinds of wicked and evil things in your life. You’ve failed to keep God’s law.
I’m sorry, but your religion isn’t going to save you or make you right with God. And if you’re a religious person and believe what the Bible says, guess what, the Bible actually says that. Regardless of what your religion, pastor, or priest has told you, the Bible actually says Jesus is the source of true salvation through faith.
You see, the reason people hate Christians, is because the truth exposes the lie, and while people may try and defend the lie, in the face of truth, lies can’t be denied. \
It’s like when you catch your son or daughter in an obvious lie. You have the proof. You have the evidence. It can’t be denied.
And that’s what infuriates the world or religious person. Because in that moment they don’t know what to say. They can’t argue with the truth. And it really irritates them.
It’s kind of like when you get in your car early in the morning and start driving, and the stupid sun is in your face. So you’re flipping the sun visor down, moving around in your seat, irritated because the sun is so bright in your eyes.
That’s a picture of somebody who gets exposed to the truth. It’s very uncomfortable. It’s irritating as they scramble to cover it up and get it out of their face.
So, how do they cover it up and get it out of their face? They do it by trying to take out the truth teller. Listen to what Luke says happens next. Luke says because they couldn’t overcome the truth:
11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
Acts 6:11-
Luke says their solution to silencing Stephen was to take him out. And the only way to take him out would be to frame him. To make up things about him that weren’t true. To try and discredit him through false accusations and deception.
So they found some people who were willing to frame him. They made up stuff that he had said. Using lies and deception they turned the people against Stephen.
And what was true then is true today.
I mean think about it. What happens to the person who stands up against homosexuality? What happens to the baker who won’t bake the cake? To the flower shop owner who won’t put the flowers together.
They’re attacked, right? They’re accused of being hateful. They’re accused of being homophobes. They’re dragged out into the court of public opinion and then what they did say is taking out of context, twisted, and then used against them.
The goal. To discredit them. To get people angry with them. To intimidate them. Ultimately, to get rid of them, to close their business.
You see how that works?
The same is true when it comes to how religious people respond to the truth. I mean think about it. What does the religious person do when a church like ours challenges what they believe?
They attack, right? They make stuff up. They say things like, “Well, I guess that pastor out there at MCF hates Catholics. I guess he hates Lutherans. In fact, you know what I heard. I heard he’s an anitcathite. Not only that, I heard they swing from the rafters out there. I also heard if you go to MCF, you have to provide your tax information. They’re all about the money out there. And to top it off, I heard they believe in weird stuff out there like tongue talking.”
You see how that works? They respond like that because the truth has them backed in a corner. And the only way to combat now is take out the truth teller. By trying to discredit the truth teller. By making stuff up that isn’t true in order to get people riled up against the truth.
Now, at this point, you might be wondering, “Ok pastor, it makes sense what you are saying. But why do we need to understand this and how does this apply to us?”
We need to understand it, because if you’re going to follow Jesus, if you’re going to be All IN, this is what lies ahead. And quite frankly, you need to be at peace with it. You have to get to a place where it doesn’t rattle you or through you off your spiritual game. You have to come to terms with the fact, that what is happening is exactly what Jesus said would happen. That this is part of the plan. That this is part of the journey. We have to get to the same place Stephen was at where withe peace, confidence, and grace, we face our accusers. Listen to what Luke tells us about Stephen in this moment:
15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Acts
Luke says as his accusers look at him, Stephen’s face appears like that of an angel. Now, let’s think about that for a moment. What does that mean? What is that meant to depict for us?
It’s meant to depict a face of strength and stark contrast. In other words, this isn’t the face of somebody who is afraid. This isn’t the face of somebody who doesn’t know what to say. This isn’t the face of a coward. This is a face of truth. A face that confidently delivers the message of truth on behalf of God.
And it’s the face we need to have as well. Bottom line, we can’t back down from the truth, because regardless of what our accusers say or do to us, we are the heavenly messengers that God has sent into this community. Into this county. Into this world.
To deliver the message that Jesus is Lord. To deliver the message that the world has been lying to you. To deliver the message that your religion can’t save you. To deliver the message that real Hope and true salvation has arrived. To tell the people the truth. That if you’ll put your faith in Jesus, you can be saved.
That’s our mission and that’s our message, and it’s why the world will hate you. It’s why some will persecute you. It’s why friends will abandon you. It’s why family may even disown you. But even if that happens, you can’t back down. You have to keep standing as you proclaim the truth.
Because as we’re going to see in chapter 7, Stephen isn’t about to back down as he delivers a dose of truth to his accusers. A message that will lead to his death, but will serve as a catalyst for the gospel to expand further than anybody could have possibly imagined.
Because just like a rising sun, light eventually expels all the darkness. And because Stephen was willing to stand strong, by the end of chapter 7, somebody who started in ministry by serving tables, will became a beacon of light and an example for all who stand for Jesus.
The question for you and me this morning is, are we willing to stand with him? Despite the hatred. Despite the false accusations. Despite your fears. Despite what people may say, are you willing to stand when somebody you do know or maybe don’t know ridicules you, disputes with you, and maybe even hates you because of your faith in Jesus?
The question for you and me this morning is, are we willing to stand with him? Despite the hatred. Despite the false accusations. Despite our
My prayer is that you will be willing to stand. That like Stephen you won’t back down, run away, or cower in fear. But instead, with the face of an angel, with confidence in your faith, you will stand before those who accuse you as you shine light in darkness.
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Because as we’re going to see in chapter 7, Stephen isn’t about to back down as he delivers continued doses of truth to his accusers. A message that will lead to his death, but will serve as a catalyst for the gospel to expand further than anybody could have possibly imagined. You don’t want to miss chapter 7.
But before we get to chapter 7, we have to be willing to stand.
Let’s Pray
Let’s Pray
Let’s Pray
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Peter says the devil is our adversary. The word for adversary here comes from the Greek word “antidikos”. It’s the idea that the devil is our opponent who is actively and continuously brining hostility towards us. In other words, he never stops. So Peter says, be aware. There’s an active threat out there, and he’s looking for an opportunity to take you out.
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
So, a good question might be, “Why will we have that kind of trouble?” Jesus tells us. In He says:
22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
That’s encouraging, right? Aren’t you glad you came to church?