Embracing Grace Amidst Persecution and God's Call

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we reflected on the profound truth that God is the ultimate overcomer, a King who cannot be defeated by death, disease, or any earthly power. We are reminded of the immense gift we have in Jesus Christ, a gift that is often overlooked or rejected, much like the free iPods offered to students who refused them out of suspicion. This analogy serves as a poignant reminder of how we, as believers, might sometimes ignore or resist the transformative work God is doing in our lives, even when it is freely given and of immeasurable value.

Acts chapter 7 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of persecution for those who follow Christ. We are not only called to be on mission but also to be prepared for the suffering that may come as a result of our faith. This suffering, however, is not in vain. It serves a greater purpose in God's master plan, leading to the expansion of His kingdom and the salvation of souls. Even in the face of persecution, we are assured of a greater reward in Christ, who is our ultimate prize and source of strength.

Stephen's defense before the Jewish council in Acts 7 highlights the historical rejection of God's messengers and the promised Savior. Despite the Jews' reverence for figures like Moses, they missed the fulfillment of God's promise in Jesus. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to remain open to God's voice and not become complacent in our faith. We must be vigilant against the pride and stubbornness that can lead us to resist the Holy Spirit and miss the work God is doing in our midst.

The story of Stephen's martyrdom is a powerful testament to the grace and forgiveness that can be found in Christ. Even as he faced death, Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God filled him with peace and the ability to forgive his persecutors. This is a reminder that, in Christ, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness, even to those who oppose us. The same pardon that Stephen prayed for his enemies is available to us through faith in Jesus.

As we conclude, we are invited to reflect on our response to God's call. Will we reject, resist, or receive the grace and truth offered to us in Christ? My prayer is that we would be receivers of His grace, laying down our lives to embrace the new life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

- God's sovereignty and power are unmatched, and He offers us a gift in Jesus that is often overlooked. We must be careful not to ignore or reject the transformative work God is doing in our lives. [26:29]

- Persecution is a reality for believers, but it serves a greater purpose in God's plan. Our suffering for Christ is not in vain; it leads to the expansion of His kingdom and the salvation of souls. [29:33]

- The historical rejection of God's messengers serves as a warning to us. We must remain open to God's voice and avoid the pride and stubbornness that can lead us to resist the Holy Spirit. [32:16]

- Stephen's martyrdom is a powerful example of grace and forgiveness. Even in the face of death, he was filled with peace and the ability to forgive his persecutors, reminding us of the grace available to us in Christ. [50:44]

- We are called to respond to God's call by receiving His grace and truth. My prayer is that we would lay down our lives to embrace the new life offered to us in Christ. [54:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Opening Prayer
- [02:00] - The Gift of Jesus
- [05:00] - The iPod Analogy
- [10:00] - Ignoring God's Work
- [15:00] - Acts 7 and Persecution
- [20:00] - The Purpose of Suffering
- [25:00] - Historical Rejection of God's Messengers
- [30:00] - Stephen's Defense
- [35:00] - The Danger of Resisting the Holy Spirit
- [40:00] - Stephen's Martyrdom
- [45:00] - Grace and Forgiveness in Christ
- [50:00] - Responding to God's Call
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [58:00] - Announcements and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-60
- Isaiah 53:2-3

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Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 7, how does Stephen use the history of Israel to make his defense before the Jewish council? What key figures does he mention, and why are they significant? [35:17]

2. What was the reaction of the Jewish council to Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and what does this reveal about their hearts? [50:44]

3. How does the analogy of the free iPods relate to the way people respond to the gift of Jesus, according to the sermon? [26:29]

4. What does Stephen's prayer for his persecutors reveal about his understanding of grace and forgiveness? [50:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Stephen's recounting of Israel's history serve as a warning against rejecting God's messengers and the promised Savior? What does this imply about the importance of being open to God's voice? [35:17]

2. The sermon mentions that persecution serves a greater purpose in God's plan. How might this perspective change the way believers view suffering for their faith? [29:33]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that pride and stubbornness can lead to resisting the Holy Spirit? How can believers guard against this in their own lives? [39:23]

4. How does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God provide comfort and strength in the face of persecution? What does this vision signify about Jesus' role and presence in the lives of believers? [50:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you might have ignored or resisted the transformative work God was doing in your life. What steps can you take to be more receptive to His guidance? [26:29]

2. The sermon highlights the reality of persecution for believers. How prepared do you feel to face challenges or suffering for your faith? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your resolve? [29:33]

3. Consider the historical rejection of God's messengers as discussed in the sermon. How can you ensure that you remain open to God's voice and avoid becoming complacent in your faith? [35:17]

4. Stephen's ability to forgive his persecutors is a powerful example of grace. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you draw on Christ's example to extend grace to them? [50:44]

5. The sermon challenges us to respond to God's call by receiving His grace and truth. What does it mean for you personally to lay down your life and embrace the new life offered in Christ? [54:39]

6. Reflect on the analogy of the free iPods. Are there areas in your life where you might be rejecting or undervaluing the gifts God is offering you? How can you change your perspective to fully receive His blessings? [26:29]

7. How can you actively participate in expanding God's kingdom, even in the face of potential persecution or suffering? What specific actions can you take this week to share your faith with others? [29:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Unmatched Gift of Jesus
God's sovereignty and power are unmatched, offering us a gift in Jesus that is often overlooked. This gift, much like the free iPods offered to students who refused them out of suspicion, is of immeasurable value and freely given. As believers, we must be careful not to ignore or reject the transformative work God is doing in our lives. The analogy serves as a poignant reminder of how we might sometimes resist the grace and truth offered to us in Christ, even when it is right in front of us. [26:29]

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you might be overlooking or resisting the gift of Jesus? How can you open your heart to receive His transformative work today?


Day 2: Embracing the Purpose in Persecution
Persecution is a reality for believers, but it serves a greater purpose in God's plan. Our suffering for Christ is not in vain; it leads to the expansion of His kingdom and the salvation of souls. Acts chapter 7 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of persecution for those who follow Christ. We are called to be on mission and prepared for the suffering that may come as a result of our faith. Even in the face of persecution, we are assured of a greater reward in Christ, who is our ultimate prize and source of strength. [29:33]

"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you find purpose in the challenges you face for your faith? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your mission despite opposition?


Day 3: Remaining Open to God's Voice
The historical rejection of God's messengers serves as a warning to us. We must remain open to God's voice and avoid the pride and stubbornness that can lead us to resist the Holy Spirit. Stephen's defense before the Jewish council in Acts 7 highlights the historical rejection of God's messengers and the promised Savior. Despite the Jews' reverence for figures like Moses, they missed the fulfillment of God's promise in Jesus. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to remain vigilant in our faith and open to the work God is doing in our midst. [32:16]

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways might you be resisting the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life? How can you cultivate a more open and receptive heart to God's voice today?


Day 4: Extending Grace and Forgiveness
Stephen's martyrdom is a powerful example of grace and forgiveness. Even in the face of death, he was filled with peace and the ability to forgive his persecutors, reminding us of the grace available to us in Christ. This is a reminder that, in Christ, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness, even to those who oppose us. The same pardon that Stephen prayed for his enemies is available to us through faith in Jesus. [50:44]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?


Day 5: Responding to God's Call
We are called to respond to God's call by receiving His grace and truth. The story of Stephen invites us to reflect on our response to God's call. Will we reject, resist, or receive the grace and truth offered to us in Christ? My prayer is that we would be receivers of His grace, laying down our lives to embrace the new life He offers. [54:39]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

"Father, we thank you we thank you lord because you are the king that not even death can overcome not not even disease or war or violence uh lord you you there's you don't have an enemy that can overcome you because you are the overcomer and so we gather as a church today to lift up the mighty name of jesus and it's in his name that we sing and we declare your power and your glory over all the nations and so father in this time draw us close receive what comes from our hearts and our minds and and consume us with your holy spirit." [00:15:12] (52 seconds)


"That we have been given something so good, so worthy, so valuable, and we spend so much of our time just putting our hand up, or spend so much of our time just walking by and ignoring whatever, God is saying, whatever God is doing. I'm deeply worried that not just for lost people, but for us, myself included, that God is talking to us and He's doing something, and the whole time we're just not wanting anything to do with Him." [00:25:08] (38 seconds)


"You need to know that as the church, we're not just preparing you to be on mission, but we're preparing you for that day. We're preparing you for the day that some of you will lose your lives because of your faith in Christ. We're preparing you for the day some of you will lose your jobs because of your faith in Christ. We're preparing you for the day that some of you will lose your family members because of your faith in Jesus." [00:27:04] (28 seconds)


"You need to know that as you read in Acts and you read throughout the Bible, when Christians are persecuted, when God's children suffer, because of the faith, you need to know more people come to faith in Christ. You need to know that God's kingdom begins to expand. You need to know that that suffering is worth something. You need to know that suffering is invaluable for something. You need to know that suffering has a purpose and a reason to God's master plan, and you've got a greater reward in the suffering that you're going through." [00:28:33] (32 seconds)


"He's speaking to these Jews, and he said all along throughout our history, God has promised us Jesus through the patriarchs, through the life of Joseph, through the life of Moses, through all the prophets, and even the tabernacle itself, all of that points to us that God will dwell with us, and guess what? He has dwelled with us. The entire point is you are looking for a Savior. You're still looking at Moses. Moses ain't coming back." [00:34:28] (29 seconds)


"You need to know the danger of resisting the holy spirit you need to know the danger of resisting what you know to be true about jesus you need to know the danger is you will eventually become what you hate you will eventually become what you disdain you will eventually become disorderly and just dysfunctional and you will become everything that you absolutely can't stand." [00:47:08] (31 seconds)


"Stephen, full of the holy spirit, I love it. Love how he's identified. Fool of the Holy Spirit gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, look, I see the heavens open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. They yelled at the top of their voices, covered their ears, rushed against him. They dragged him out of the city and they began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul." [00:48:32] (32 seconds)


"While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And after saying this, he fell asleep. In the text, they became so enraged. None of this convinced them. None of this convinced them that they've been rejecting and resisting Christ. None of that did." [00:49:45] (31 seconds)


"And it was in this moment, that sight of Christ did something in Stephen's heart that only Christ could do. Because only Christ had done what Stephen did at the very last breath before his death. Jesus. Jesus, on the cross, begged God to forgive. And Stephen is seeing Christ as the stones pound him. Because you could imagine his body becoming deformed. And Stephen is not. Stephen is not retaliating." [00:50:32] (50 seconds)


"And so check this with me, church. You need to understand the beauty behind all of that. What Stephen is praying is what Jesus prayed. He is praying for his enemies to be pardoned. You and I, at one time, were enemies. Enemies of God. Some of you might be enemies of God right now. But you need to know that when you come to him by faith, he will pardon you in such a way it's as if there was no offense against him at all." [00:52:56] (30 seconds)


"my prayer all week all week has been that you would be a receiver is that you would receive the pardoning grace of christ that's been put on you is that you would lay your life down and say lord i need this new grace and i need this new grace and i need this new grace and i need this new grace life and i trust that you're the only one who can give it to me so church before we sing i and invite you to come forward to make a decision to follow christ or maybe you just need to gather somewhere and pray i want to take a moment right now and just pray for you and for us father i ask lord this is this has not been an easy text to preach but god i'm asking for your holy spirit to say what i can't say and do what i can't do may all of us today may all of us today maybe we just need to be reminded of what you have" [00:57:13] (65 seconds)


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Transcript
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