Acts 7 (Stephen)

Intro

the first sermon I ever preached was on stephen. I remember preparing for it. I was terrified in one hand but convinced I was John MacArthur on the other hand. And as a 20 year old I was ready to tell middle schoolers they were stiff necked, stubborn, and going to hell if they didnt repent.

In this story of the first Martyr of the church. Stephen supplies us with a great model and we have beautiful reminders of God’s grace and persistent love for His people.

I dont know how clear I can say this or how clearly scripture can make this but let me speak clearly to the FACT, that

IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING AFTER CHRIST, YOU ARE INDEED PURSUING PERSECUTION

lets camp out here a second

The New International Version Chapter 6

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

now I am going to summarize or story IZE the majority of chapter 7 BUT, I encourage you to read the chapter in entirety tonight when you lay down. here is why.

The New International Version Chapter 7

51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him—53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

Now I said the phrase stiff necked earlier and so many people just use the word stubborn. But it is more than that.

farming

toddlers

The New International Version Chapter 7

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

WHEN WE PURSUE PERSECUTION FOR CHRISTS SAKE WE WILL SEE THINGS ABOUT HIM THAT NO ONE ELSE WILL SEE.

PERSECUTION IS PERFECTED WHEN WE PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTOR.