Stephen the Deacon
STEPHEN, A MAN OF GOD
TEXT: Acts 6 & 7
I. FULL OF FAITH (6:5)
A. Faith has three main traits
1. It is the act in the will in receiving Christ
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
2. It is the accent of the life in obedience to God
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
3. It is the consent of the heart in leaving things in His hands
2 Corinthians 4:13-14 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
B. To be "FULL OF THE FAITH" means there is no room for doubt, nor fear in the heart, even as there is no room for anything else in a full vessel
II. FULL OF GRACE (6:8) {r.v. GRACE}
A. Grace means more than favor
1. It is favor on God's side and signifies receiving everything for nothing when we do not deserve anything.
B. It shows itself in various ways
1. It is strength to equip us.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2. It is salt to preserve us
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
3. It is beauty to beautify us
Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
4. It is fragrance to perfume us
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.
5. It is power to use us
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
6. It is liberality to bless us
1 Corinthians 8:7-9 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.