Embracing God's Presence: Living Boldly in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of Stephen from Acts 7, a man filled with the Holy Spirit who stood before the Sanhedrin, a council of religious leaders, to defend his faith. Stephen's speech is a powerful recount of Israel's history, highlighting God's faithfulness and the people's repeated resistance to His Spirit. Stephen's face shone like an angel, a testament to the divine presence within him, as he boldly proclaimed the truth of God's work throughout history, from Abraham to Moses, and ultimately pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises.
Stephen's message challenges us to recognize that God's presence is not confined to physical spaces like temples or churches. Instead, His Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies His temple. This truth invites us to live with a heightened awareness of God's holiness and the responsibility that comes with being His dwelling place. We are called to live set apart, acknowledging the sacredness of the Holy Spirit within us.
Furthermore, Stephen's recounting of Israel's history reminds us of the promises God has spoken over our lives. Like Abraham, Moses, and Joseph, we may find ourselves in seasons of waiting or facing obstacles that seem insurmountable. Yet, God's promises remain steadfast, and He calls us to step into obedience, trusting that He will fulfill what He has spoken.
As we reflect on Stephen's boldness and the history of God's faithfulness, we are encouraged to examine our own lives. Are there areas where we have become complacent or allowed idols to distract us from God's promises? Today is an invitation to lay down those distractions and step into the fullness of what God has for us.
Key Takeaways:
- God's presence is not limited to physical spaces like temples or churches. His Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies His temple. This truth calls us to live with a heightened awareness of God's holiness and the responsibility that comes with being His dwelling place. [01:25:51]
- Stephen's speech reminds us of the promises God has spoken over our lives. Even in seasons of waiting or facing obstacles, God's promises remain steadfast. We are called to step into obedience, trusting that He will fulfill what He has spoken. [01:34:14]
- The Holy Spirit within us is the same Spirit that empowered Stephen and the early church. This Spirit equips us to live boldly and proclaim the truth of God's work in our lives and the world. We are invited to live with the same boldness and faithfulness. [01:28:06]
- We must examine our lives for idols or distractions that keep us from fully embracing God's promises. Today is an invitation to lay down those distractions and step into the fullness of what God has for us. [01:37:03]
- God's faithfulness throughout history assures us that He is with us in every season. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we can trust that He will guide us into His promises and purposes for our lives. [01:44:48]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03:46] - Honoring Chris and Nick
[01:09:06] - Introduction to Acts 7
[01:11:38] - Stephen's Speech Begins
[01:14:17] - Moses' Story
[01:16:24] - Israel's Rebellion
[01:19:09] - Stephen's Bold Accusation
[01:21:47] - The Power of Scripture
[01:25:51] - God's Presence Beyond the Temple
[01:28:06] - The Holy Spirit Within Us
[01:31:21] - Living Set Apart
[01:34:14] - Holding onto God's Promises
[01:37:03] - Laying Down Idols
[01:44:48] - Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Story of Stephen
Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-53
- Isaiah 66:1-2
- Hebrews 4:12
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main accusation against Stephen by the Sanhedrin, and how did he respond to it? [01:11:38]
2. How does Stephen describe the history of Israel in his speech, and what key figures does he mention? [01:14:17]
3. What does Stephen say about the presence of God and its relation to the temple? [01:25:51]
4. How does Stephen's face being described as "like the face of an angel" impact the perception of his speech? [01:09:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Stephen's speech reveal about his understanding of God's promises and their fulfillment throughout history? [01:34:14]
2. How does Stephen's recounting of Israel's history serve as both a defense and a challenge to the Sanhedrin? [01:19:09]
3. In what ways does Stephen's speech challenge the traditional views of the temple and the law held by the Sanhedrin? [01:25:51]
4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in Stephen's life compare to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers today? [01:28:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Stephen emphasized that God's presence is not confined to physical spaces. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life, beyond church gatherings? [01:25:51]
2. Reflect on a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. What steps of obedience can you take to align yourself with God's timing and purpose? [01:34:14]
3. Stephen's boldness was fueled by the Holy Spirit. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for courage and guidance? [01:28:06]
4. Are there any "idols" or distractions in your life that are hindering your relationship with God? What practical steps can you take to lay them down and refocus on God's promises? [01:37:03]
5. How can you ensure that your body, as a temple of the Holy Spirit, reflects God's holiness in your actions and decisions? [01:31:21]
6. Stephen's speech was a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in your own life during challenging times? [01:44:48]
7. Consider the role of Scripture in your life. How can you deepen your understanding and application of the Bible to better equip yourself for God's work? [01:21:47]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence Within Us
God's presence is not confined to physical spaces like temples or churches. Instead, His Spirit dwells within us, making our bodies His temple. This truth calls us to live with a heightened awareness of God's holiness and the responsibility that comes with being His dwelling place. As Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin, his face shone like an angel, a testament to the divine presence within him. This same Spirit that filled Stephen is within us, inviting us to live set apart, acknowledging the sacredness of the Holy Spirit within us. [01:25:51]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence within you today? Consider setting aside a specific time to invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions.
Day 2: Trusting in God's Promises
Stephen's speech reminds us of the promises God has spoken over our lives. Even in seasons of waiting or facing obstacles, God's promises remain steadfast. We are called to step into obedience, trusting that He will fulfill what He has spoken. Just as God was faithful to Abraham, Moses, and Joseph, He is faithful to us. Our journey may include times of uncertainty, but we are encouraged to hold onto His promises, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [01:34:14]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are holding onto in this season? How can you actively trust Him to fulfill it, even when the outcome seems uncertain?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit within us is the same Spirit that empowered Stephen and the early church. This Spirit equips us to live boldly and proclaim the truth of God's work in our lives and the world. We are invited to live with the same boldness and faithfulness, knowing that the Spirit empowers us to overcome fear and share the gospel with others. Stephen's courage before the Sanhedrin serves as a reminder that we are not alone; the Holy Spirit is our advocate and strength. [01:28:06]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in a specific area of your life where you feel fear or hesitation? What step can you take today to act in boldness?
Day 4: Laying Down Idols
We must examine our lives for idols or distractions that keep us from fully embracing God's promises. Today is an invitation to lay down those distractions and step into the fullness of what God has for us. Stephen's recounting of Israel's history highlights the people's repeated resistance to God's Spirit, reminding us to be vigilant against anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. By identifying and removing these idols, we can experience the freedom and joy of living in alignment with His will. [01:37:03]
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." (1 John 5:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction or idol in your life that is hindering your relationship with God? How can you intentionally remove or reduce its influence starting today?
Day 5: God's Faithfulness in Every Season
God's faithfulness throughout history assures us that He is with us in every season. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, we can trust that He will guide us into His promises and purposes for our lives. Stephen's unwavering faith, even in the face of persecution, inspires us to remain steadfast, knowing that God's presence is constant and His love unfailing. We are encouraged to trust in His timing and provision, confident that He is working all things for our good. [01:44:48]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in a current challenge or season of waiting? Consider writing down past instances of His faithfulness as a source of encouragement.
Quotes
I've selected 12 quotes from the transcript that align with the key takeaways provided. Here they are:
"I find it amazing that the same Holy Spirit that Stephen had on him then is, you're the same person that lives in us now. And so would you keep revealing yourself to us? And as we hear this or read this that you would come and just download something new, fresh revelation, fresh wisdom to us. Would you show me something new as I unpack this as well this morning? I want to hear from you and see you, Holy Spirit, in this. Come and inhabit these words right now." [01:09:06]
"Stephen challenges the Sanhedrin's belief that God's presence is confined to the temple and the law that they've kind of put their hope in they've put their faith in that. And I'm kind of going to say where I'm going to land in a minute. I wonder if we end up putting our own faith and our own hope in coming to a space like this on a Sunday in our own temples and in our own places. Oh we need to do this this and this to have a relationship with Jesus." [01:24:38]
"And how much do we live out of actual relationship with him because God is everywhere isn't just in this place and we love that we can gather to here we can gather here together we can worship him we can experience his presence we can pray for each other we can be family and that's really important. But this isn't the only places glory dwells. And Stephen points this out to the Sanhedrin who become so fixated on the law and the temple." [01:25:51]
"And Stephen even hammers this home at the end of what he says before he cuts himself off. And he quotes Isaiah, where God says, heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. So what kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord? Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things? God, at this point, and even now, is doing a new thing, not involving the temple and the law." [01:28:06]
"And that's relevant for us today. As we give our yes to him, he comes on the inside of us and our body becomes his temple. His body, that same Holy Spirit that's on Stephen as he's speaking. The same Holy Spirit that's there hovering over the waters at the beginning of creation. That same Holy Spirit who reveals promises of God to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Moses." [01:28:44]
"As our body becomes his temple. And the God who is everywhere loves to show up somewhere in places where we are. And we carry that into spaces. So what does it look like for you to be obedient to that, to step into that, and to acknowledge that for yourself? What does it look like if your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?" [01:29:33]
"There are promises that God speaks, have spoken over you, that I don't think, that have spoken over me, that I haven't seen to come to fruition yet. And what Stephen does here in his speech to the Sanhedrin is basically he starts listing those promises that God makes. And something I noticed in this is that even about Abraham early on, he says, Abraham was called to go to the land that he was promised, but he waits and he stops." [01:32:16]
"So Abraham left Mesopotamia and God said, leave your country and your people and go to the land I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haram. So that's not where God was sending him to. God was sending him to the land that he was going to show him, but he stopped halfway and waited and rested." [01:32:56]
"And there are moments where God makes a promise to us that there's a moment that we stop and we go, oh, I need to rest here a minute. I'm not ready to move on yet. And what I love about that is that God has still, that promise still stands. Just because Abraham stopped in that moment, the promise still stands and there's still something to walk into and to go to." [01:33:36]
"And Joseph, as well, ends up in slavery despite the promises that God gives him through his dreams. And I think as I was preparing this today, there are people in this room who've had God promises. God has promised you something or there's something you're being invited into that you're holding on to. And it's, you haven't seen this come to fruition yet. You haven't seen this come to its fullness yet." [01:34:14]
"And there's a moment where you need to choose to step into obedience in order to see that promise come to fruition. There's a step to go. You've got stuck in Haran. You're kind of, God's called you over there, but you're stuck here. Or you feel like you're enslaved to something. There's something holding you back that you need God with you in that moment to step out of into the new thing." [01:34:54]
"Or you've made an idol of something that wasn't meant to be an idol. You've made a golden calf of something that is distracting you from the promise that God has for you. And I think God wants to release those in people and release you from those things this morning. And as we come into land, can I just ask you to stand, please?" [01:35:34]
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