Examining Prejudice: The Call of the Gospel

 

Summary

In the opening verses of Acts 7, we find Stephen standing before the Sanhedrin, accused of blasphemy and opposing the law of Moses and the temple. His response is a profound historical review, not merely for historical interest but because it speaks directly to the condition of our world today. We live in a world of confusion and sin, and the only message that can address this is the Christian Gospel. This Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is often rejected by the world, just as it was by the Sanhedrin. The reasons for this rejection remain unchanged: prejudice, a misunderstanding of true religion, and a failure to recognize the glory of Christ.

Stephen's sermon is a call to examine our own prejudices and misconceptions. The Sanhedrin, despite being religious leaders, were blinded by their false notions of religion. They were satisfied with their own righteousness and failed to see their need for Christ. They misunderstood their own history and the true meaning of the law, reducing it to mere morality and ritual. This is a warning to us today, as many still rely on tradition, morality, and religious rituals, thinking these make them right with God. But true Christianity is not about external practices; it is about recognizing our need for Christ and the salvation He offers.

The Gospel is a reasoned argument, a body of truth that demands our full attention and intellect. It is not mere emotionalism but a profound message that challenges our preconceived notions and convicts us of our need for a Savior. Stephen's appeal to the Sanhedrin is the same appeal to us today: to listen, to hearken, and to consider the Gospel with an open mind and heart. Only then can we truly understand and experience the salvation that Christ offers.

Key Takeaways:

- Prejudice and Misunderstanding: The Sanhedrin's rejection of the Gospel was rooted in prejudice and a misunderstanding of true religion. They were blinded by their own self-righteousness and failed to see their need for Christ. This is a warning to us today to examine our own prejudices and misconceptions about faith. [09:52]

- The True Meaning of Religion: True religion is not about external practices or traditions but about recognizing our need for Christ. The Sanhedrin misunderstood their own history and the law, reducing it to mere morality and ritual. We must seek a personal and living relationship with Christ, beyond mere religious formalities. [22:24]

- The Gospel as a Reasoned Argument: The Gospel is a reasoned argument, a body of truth that demands our full attention and intellect. It is not mere emotionalism but a profound message that challenges our preconceived notions and convicts us of our need for a Savior. [44:00]

- The Unique Message of the Gospel: The Gospel is unlike anything else in the world. It cuts across all our prejudices and preconceived ideas, offering a unique message of salvation through Christ. We must be open to this message and willing to let it transform our lives. [50:37]

- The Call to Listen and Consider: Stephen's appeal to the Sanhedrin is the same appeal to us today: to listen, to hearken, and to consider the Gospel with an open mind and heart. Only then can we truly understand and experience the salvation that Christ offers. [56:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 7
- [00:32] - Stephen's Historical Review
- [01:14] - The Charges Against Stephen
- [02:39] - Stephen's Response
- [03:58] - The Relevance of the Gospel
- [05:32] - The World's Rejection of the Gospel
- [07:26] - The Sanhedrin's Prejudice
- [09:24] - Misunderstanding True Religion
- [13:21] - The Need for Christ
- [17:21] - Misunderstanding Their Own History
- [22:24] - Misunderstanding the Law
- [33:50] - Failure to Recognize Christ
- [41:04] - The Modern Rejection of the Gospel
- [56:12] - The Call to Listen and Consider

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 7:1-2
2. John 5:39-40
3. Galatians 3:24

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the charges brought against Stephen by the Sanhedrin, and how did he respond to them? ([03:40])

2. How does Stephen begin his sermon, and what historical figure does he reference to make his point? ([04:31])

3. According to the sermon, what was the attitude of the Sanhedrin towards the Gospel, and how is this similar to the modern rejection of the Gospel? ([07:26])

4. What does the sermon suggest is the main reason people reject the Gospel, both in Stephen's time and today? ([09:52])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Stephen's historical review in Acts 7 serve as a critique of the Sanhedrin's understanding of their own religious heritage? What does this suggest about the importance of understanding one's faith history? ([17:53])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Sanhedrin's reliance on tradition and external practices blinded them to the true message of the Gospel? How might this apply to religious practices today? ([22:24])

3. The sermon mentions that the Gospel is a reasoned argument that challenges preconceived notions. How does this perspective on the Gospel differ from the common perception of it as merely emotional or simplistic? ([44:00])

4. How does the sermon describe the unique message of the Gospel, and why is it important for individuals to approach it with an open mind and heart? ([50:37])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own religious practices. Are there traditions or rituals you rely on that might be blinding you to a deeper relationship with Christ? How can you move beyond these to seek a more personal connection with Him? ([22:24])

2. Consider the prejudices or misconceptions you might hold about faith. How can you actively work to challenge and overcome these in your spiritual journey? ([09:52])

3. The sermon emphasizes the Gospel as a reasoned argument. How can you engage more deeply with the intellectual aspects of your faith, and what steps can you take to study the Gospel more thoroughly? ([44:00])

4. Stephen's appeal was to listen and consider the Gospel with an open mind. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are truly listening to and considering the Gospel message in your daily life? ([56:12])

5. Think about a time when you rejected a message or teaching because it challenged your preconceived notions. How can you cultivate a more open and receptive attitude towards challenging truths in the future? ([50:37])

6. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying on self-righteousness rather than recognizing your need for Christ. What changes can you make to address this reliance? ([13:21])

7. The sermon calls for a personal and living relationship with Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him and experience the salvation He offers? ([22:24])

Devotional

Day 1: Examining Our Prejudices and Misconceptions
In Acts 7, Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin, accused of blasphemy. His response is a historical review that challenges the Sanhedrin's understanding of true religion. Despite being religious leaders, they were blinded by their own self-righteousness and failed to see their need for Christ. This serves as a warning to us today to examine our own prejudices and misconceptions about faith. We must be cautious not to rely solely on tradition, morality, and religious rituals, thinking these make us right with God. Instead, we should seek a personal and living relationship with Christ. [09:52]

"Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Say not, 'Why were the former days better than these?' For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." (Ecclesiastes 7:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What are some preconceived notions or prejudices you hold about your faith or others' faith? How can you begin to address these with an open heart and mind today?


Day 2: Understanding True Religion
True religion is not about external practices or traditions but about recognizing our need for Christ. The Sanhedrin misunderstood their own history and the law, reducing it to mere morality and ritual. This is a call for us to seek a personal and living relationship with Christ, beyond mere religious formalities. We must understand that true religion is about a heart transformation that leads us to Christ and the salvation He offers. [22:24]

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been relying on religious rituals or traditions instead of seeking a genuine relationship with Christ? How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with Him today?


Day 3: The Gospel as a Reasoned Argument
The Gospel is a reasoned argument, a body of truth that demands our full attention and intellect. It is not mere emotionalism but a profound message that challenges our preconceived notions and convicts us of our need for a Savior. We are called to engage with the Gospel intellectually and spiritually, allowing it to transform our understanding and lives. [44:00]

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (Isaiah 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with the Gospel intellectually and spiritually? What steps can you take to allow its truth to transform your life today?


Day 4: The Unique Message of the Gospel
The Gospel is unlike anything else in the world. It cuts across all our prejudices and preconceived ideas, offering a unique message of salvation through Christ. We must be open to this message and willing to let it transform our lives. The Gospel challenges us to let go of our biases and embrace the truth of Christ's salvation. [50:37]

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: What preconceived ideas or biases might be hindering you from fully embracing the Gospel? How can you open your heart to the transformative power of Christ's message today?


Day 5: The Call to Listen and Consider
Stephen's appeal to the Sanhedrin is the same appeal to us today: to listen, to hearken, and to consider the Gospel with an open mind and heart. Only then can we truly understand and experience the salvation that Christ offers. We are invited to approach the Gospel with humility and a willingness to be transformed by its truth. [56:12]

"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." (Proverbs 19:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a posture of listening and openness to the Gospel in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are attentive to God's voice and guidance today?

Quotes



Now you remember that this statement was made by Steven in reply to the invitation extended to him by the high priest who was presiding over the council you remember we read that portion from the previous chapter in which we are told that Steven this man Steven would be made a deacon in this way this man full of faith and of power did great wonders and miracles among the people but because he had done that because he had done good because he'd done acts of kindness because he'd worked miracles certain people rose up against him and brought these false charges against him so Steven finds himself on trial for his life before this great council at Jerusalem which is called the Sanhedrin. [00:50:51]

We are in a world of trouble in a world of confusion in a world of sin in a world of Shame nobody will dispute that the world is in great trouble and not only is the world in trouble individually we're all in trouble we've got problems we've got difficulties that's why we are here we wouldn't be here but for that very well it is our contention that there is only one message that can deal with this situation and that is this Christian Gospel that's the business of the church to preach this gospel it's good news we are called we are commissioned to preach good news to the world that's how it's put everywhere it's called The Gospel meaning good news. [00:05:36]

The world refuses this the world rejects it even in its trouble even in its misery even in its unhappiness it turns against it it have nothing to do with it and it does so with scorn and with derision can't you see the world is still doing to this message and to this blessed person the Son of God the very selfsame thing that the members of that Council the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem were doing 1900 years ago and more it's exactly the same thing now that is my reason for calling attention to it the world is rejecting the gospel now the world as represented by these good people was doing it then. [00:06:50]

They were prejudiced they really had never given the gospel a fair listening a fair chance they were Prejudice they were blinded by Prejudice and they were blinded by Prejudice because they had a completely false notion and idea as to what constitutes True Religion now remember these were highly religious people yet they reject the gospel why well because their whole notion of religion was wrong it was that that was blinding them as it blinded all the Pharisees who were so constantly contending with our Lord to his great and wonderful message. [00:09:56]

They were satisfied that they were all right as they were there was nothing wrong with them they were living a good life they were religious people they worshiped God but here is a suggestion in this man's preaching and teaching as was true of all the apostles that they were not all right that there was something wrong with them that they needed to believe in this new person Jesus of Nazareth and his message that was the thing that infuriated with them this suggestion that they needed anything why they were the leaders of the people they were the religious people they were all right. [00:13:08]

These people rarely failed to understand the true meaning of what they claim to believe in now I I I want to make this particularly clear here are people with a tradition they've got a background they've got a history and they think that this is all that is necessary and they're very proud of it now you'll see that Steven convicts them of a complete failure to understand even themselves what they claim to believe and their own story there's something almost incredible about this but I'm emphasizing it because I'm trying to show that as I see things that in it this is perhaps still the greatest Obstacle of all which stands between many many people and becoming Christian. [00:17:16]

They had completely misunderstood Moses and his teaching the teaching of the law you remember the judge that was brought against this men Steven they said we have heard this men speak Blasphemous words against M and against God this man ceaseth not to speak Blasphemous words against this holy place and the law now you know again how these Pharisees and scribes and the Jews in general listening to their leaders gloried in the fact that the law had been given to them that's why they despised the Gentiles they were dogs they had no law God hadn't given them these laws teaching them how to live they would just lived anyhow summer but God had told them out of live had given them the law this living law through the hands of their great leader and lawgiver Moses. [00:26:34]

The object of the law is just to show us that we cannot save ourselves that's why it was given as Paul puts it the law is our school Master to lead us to Christ but these wretched Jews have misunderstood the whole thing they said here's the system these these are the things we've got to do those are the things we must do as long as I do these and done to those I'm all right I've saved myself it's a complete misunderstanding of the law it's a reversal of the very thing the law was meant to teach by the Deeds of the law shall no man be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin the law was added because of transgressions the law was given that we might see the exceeding sinfulness of sin the law was given to condemn us all and to drive us to Christ for refuge and for safety and for salvation. [00:29:59]

The first appeal of the Gospel is this hearken listen control your prejudices and your passion read the Bible for the first time truly get hold of the whole case ask God to give you his Spirit to Enlighten you open your mind your heart your everything to this blessed and glorious gospel the moment you begin to hearken you are on the high road to believing and experiencing so great a Salvation well God willing we'll go on with our consideration of this great sermon next Sunday evening now shall We join in singing our closing hymn hymn number 12 the god of Abraham praise who Reigns enthroned above ancient to Everlasting days and God of love himym number 12. [00:56:12]

The gospel is an argument the gospel is a statement of a reason case that's what Steven is doing he's on trial and he's addressing his judges and he presents his case and you read it read it study it read it many times over watch the procession of argument watch the building up of the facts in the case watch the logic in it all now this is this is this is Christianity you know this is a matter of reason this is a matter of a reason case it it is an argumentation why am I saying this well I'm saying this because so many people today fondly think and imagine that they reject Christianity because they're reasonable people and that they're not interested in sub stuff emotionalism Christianity they say all right for women and children all right for people perhaps In the Backwoods of some unknown and unexplored continent but not from Modern Men Modern Men come of age with reason understanding scientific knowledge or that they say the thing is monstrous and I'm not going to allow you to play on my feelings. [00:44:00]

The message of the Gospel is unlike everything else in the world tonight think of your politics think of your Arts think of your learning think of your science think of your music anything you like here I say is something that is entirely different there's nothing like it this is absolutely unique and we've got to realize that at the very beginning we've got to shut down our prejudices therefore we've got to realize that we are here facing something we've never really faced before so it demands the whole of our attention but further you see it cuts across all our prejudices and our preconceived ideas we've got to be prepared for this whether we like it or not this is one of the first steps in becoming Christian. [00:50:37]

I simply ask you one question do you know what you've rejected do you know the case of the Gospel these people thought they were all right they thought they knew it is people I say who think they are Christians who dislike the message of Christianity most of all have you ever really listened to this have you ever really considered it you know the tragedy is this we've all done it we reach a certain age and we think we know we sh nothing in Christianity we dismiss the whole thing have nothing more to do with it the sign of being a man is that you sto going to a place of worship stop doing what you are forced to do as a child you become a man and you say there's nothing in Christianity I'm simply asking you in the name of God to listen to hearken to hear to consider the case be open-minded enough to give it a chance find out what Christianity really is and you know the moment you do that you'll soon find that you've never known anything about it at all you've known about some tradition you've known about Christendom. [00:54:12]

The greatest hindrance to becoming Christian is that we think that we are Christian what makes us Christian born in Great Britain a Christian country we must be Christians because we are born in this country as the Jew thought that that put him right so many people in this country they say I've always been a Christian Christian country Christan when I was a child you see the Traditions here it is the same thing resting on the history resting on the background what else well always brought up to be religious taken to Chapel or church when I was a child yeah circumcised the a baptized when I was a child I could repeat everything that Paul says about himself and you'll find it's true of so many people say I've always been a Christian I've always believed in God I've always said my prayers always gone to church yes particular types of worship you may even have been zealous in them may have been very regular and you've lived a good life morality I haven't done certain things I know many people in my same age they have been doing terrible things I've never done them I'm all right I'm a good good person I'm a Christian isn't that the trouble you see you see such people have never seen the very essence of Christianity. [00:37:12]

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Transcript
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