Faith, Suffering, and the Power of Forgiveness

 

Summary

In the story of Stephen, we find a profound lesson on the nature of faith, suffering, and the transformative power of the gospel. Stephen, a deacon in the early church, was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performing miracles and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. His bold proclamation of the gospel led to his arrest and trial before the Jewish ruling council, where he delivered a powerful sermon. Stephen accused the council of resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting Jesus, the Messiah, just as their ancestors had rejected the prophets. This accusation enraged the council, leading to Stephen's martyrdom by stoning.

Stephen's story highlights the stark contrast between those who embrace the gospel and those who resist it. At Pentecost, Peter's sermon led to repentance and baptism, while Stephen's message was met with anger and violence. This difference underscores the challenge of admitting one's wrongs and the difficulty of relinquishing power and status for the sake of truth and repentance. The rich and powerful often struggle with the gospel because it challenges their established systems and identities, while the poor and broken more readily accept the hope and transformation Jesus offers.

Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God during his trial is a testament to the reality of Christ's presence and authority. Despite the council's rejection, Stephen's vision affirmed Jesus' victory and sovereignty. In his final moments, Stephen echoed Jesus' words on the cross, asking for forgiveness for his persecutors and entrusting his spirit to the Lord. This act of grace and faith exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to love and forgive even in the face of death.

Stephen's martyrdom, though unjust, became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. His death marked a turning point in the book of Acts, leading to the gospel's expansion to the Gentiles. This narrative reminds us that God can redeem suffering and use it for His purposes, turning what was meant for evil into good.

In our own lives, we are called to respond to suffering with faith and trust in God. Like Stephen, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, entrusting ourselves to Him and maintaining perspective on our trials. Suffering, whether due to our own sin, the sin of others, or for doing good, can be used by God to refine us and accomplish His purposes. We are reminded that God is with us in our suffering, interceding on our behalf, and promising ultimate justice and redemption.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Challenge of Repentance: Admitting our wrongs and embracing the gospel can be difficult, especially for those whose identities and power are tied to their perceived righteousness. Stephen's story reminds us that true repentance requires humility and a willingness to let go of our pride and status. [08:23]

2. The Presence of Christ in Suffering: Stephen's vision of Jesus at the right hand of God during his trial affirms the reality of Christ's presence and authority. In our suffering, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, interceding on our behalf and sustaining us with His Spirit. [12:22]

3. Forgiveness and Grace in Persecution: Stephen's final words, echoing Jesus' plea for forgiveness for His persecutors, demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to love and forgive even those who wrong us, trusting in God's justice and mercy. [17:38]

4. God's Redemption of Suffering: While suffering is not inherently good, God can use it to accomplish His purposes. Stephen's martyrdom became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel, illustrating how God can turn evil into good for His glory. [22:22]

5. Keeping Perspective in Trials: Stephen's focus on the glory of God amidst his suffering serves as a model for us. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can endure trials with faith, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. [26:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:24] - Stephen's Arrest and Trial
- [06:53] - Contrasting Responses to the Gospel
- [07:54] - The Challenge of Admitting Wrong
- [09:33] - The Struggle of the Powerful
- [10:30] - Trapped by Comfort
- [12:22] - Stephen's Vision of Jesus
- [15:27] - The Consequences of Blasphemy
- [16:30] - Stephen's Final Words
- [17:38] - Echoing Jesus' Forgiveness
- [20:03] - Where is God in Suffering?
- [22:22] - God Redeems Evil for Good
- [25:16] - Entrusting Ourselves to God
- [26:52] - Keeping Perspective in Suffering
- [29:33] - The Turning Point in Acts
- [31:05] - The Seed of the Church
- [32:09] - God is With Us in Suffering
- [33:47] - The Nature of Suffering
- [35:24] - Justice and Discipline
- [36:57] - Joy in Suffering for Good
- [38:40] - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings
- [39:49] - The Promise of Resurrection
- [42:03] - Keeping Eyes Fixed on Jesus
- [43:23] - The Value of Suffering Well
- [44:31] - Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:54-60
- Hebrews 12:1-3
- Philippians 3:7-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Stephen's response when he was being stoned, and how does it reflect his faith? [16:30]

2. How did the Jewish ruling council react to Stephen's sermon, and what does this reveal about their attitude towards the gospel? [06:53]

3. What vision did Stephen have during his trial, and what significance does it hold in the context of his suffering? [12:22]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference in response to the gospel between the rich and powerful versus the poor and broken? [09:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might the rich and powerful struggle more with accepting the gospel compared to the poor and broken, according to the sermon? [09:33]

2. In what ways does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God provide comfort and assurance to believers facing persecution? [12:22]

3. How does Stephen's plea for forgiveness for his persecutors demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? [17:38]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of suffering in the life of a believer, and how can it be used for God's purposes? [22:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to admit you were wrong. How can Stephen's example of humility and repentance inspire you to embrace the gospel more fully? [08:23]

2. In moments of personal suffering, how can you remind yourself of Christ's presence and authority, as Stephen did during his trial? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus? [12:22]

3. Stephen forgave those who were stoning him. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? How can you take a step towards forgiveness this week? [17:38]

4. Consider a current trial or challenge you are facing. How might God be using this situation to refine you or accomplish His purposes? How can you maintain perspective during this time? [26:52]

5. How can you cultivate a heart that values the salvation of others more than your own comfort or vindication, as Stephen did? [18:59]

6. What are some ways you can entrust yourself to God in your daily life, especially when facing unjust situations? How can you practice this trust practically? [25:16]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you are tempted to prioritize comfort over the promises of God. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's will? [43:23]

Devotional

Sure, here is the 5-day devotional based on the key takeaways from the sermon summary:

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Day 1: The Humility of True Repentance
In the story of Stephen, we see the challenge of repentance, especially for those whose identities and power are tied to their perceived righteousness. Stephen's bold proclamation of the gospel led to his arrest and trial, where he accused the Jewish ruling council of resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting Jesus, the Messiah. This accusation enraged the council, highlighting the difficulty of admitting one's wrongs and relinquishing power and status for the sake of truth and repentance. True repentance requires humility and a willingness to let go of pride and status, as demonstrated by Stephen's unwavering faith and courage. [08:23]

Ezekiel 18:30-31 (ESV): "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where pride is preventing you from admitting your wrongs? How can you practice humility and seek true repentance today?


Day 2: Christ's Presence in Our Trials
Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God during his trial is a powerful testament to the reality of Christ's presence and authority. Despite the council's rejection, Stephen's vision affirmed Jesus' victory and sovereignty. In our own suffering, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, interceding on our behalf and sustaining us with His Spirit. This assurance allows us to endure trials with faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and trusting in His ultimate justice and redemption. [12:22]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of Christ's presence in your current trials? How can this awareness change your perspective on suffering?


Day 3: Forgiveness in the Face of Persecution
Stephen's final words, echoing Jesus' plea for forgiveness for His persecutors, demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to love and forgive even those who wrong us, trusting in God's justice and mercy. Stephen's act of grace and faith exemplifies the ability to forgive and love through the power of the Holy Spirit, even in the face of death. This challenges us to extend forgiveness and grace to others, reflecting the love of Christ in our lives. [17:38]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

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 4: God's Redemption of Suffering
While suffering is not inherently good, God can use it to accomplish His purposes. Stephen's martyrdom, though unjust, became a catalyst for the spread of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, illustrating how God can turn evil into good for His glory. This narrative reminds us that God can redeem suffering and use it for His purposes, turning what was meant for evil into good. In our own lives, we are called to respond to suffering with faith and trust in God, knowing that He is with us and working for our ultimate good. [22:22]

Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when God used a difficult situation in your life for good. How can this memory encourage you to trust in God's redemption of your current struggles?


Day 5: Keeping Perspective in Trials
Stephen's focus on the glory of God amidst his suffering serves as a model for us. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can endure trials with faith, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed. This perspective allows us to maintain hope and trust in God's promises, even in the midst of hardship. We are reminded that God is with us in our suffering, interceding on our behalf, and promising ultimate justice and redemption. [26:52]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

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?

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Quotes



"Now when they heard these things, they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. Okay, so that was the response that they gave to Stephen's message. And it's a very different response from what we saw at the beginning of Acts. Acts chapter two, right? Acts chapter two, Peter stands up at Pentecost and preaches a sermon. And his sermon ends essentially the same way, right? He says to the crowd, Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him, both Lord and Christ, this Jesus, whom you crucified." [00:06:35] (37 seconds)



"So on Pentecost, the people saw their sin clearly. And they saw Jesus clearly. And they said, Whatever it takes, I'm in. I want this Jesus that you are talking about. Whereas at Stephen's hearing, the people who are listening to him, they don't respond with enthusiastic welcome, but they respond instead with rage. So why do you think they were so angry? Why were they angry? It could be something as simple as they were unwilling to admit that they were wrong." [00:07:28] (38 seconds)



"To admit that they need repentance requires them to repudiate basically everything that they have, everything that they've done, and to become nobodies. Their entire reality is being challenged here. And it's no wonder, it's no wonder that in this moment they are livid with Stephen. And ultimately, that's one of the themes that we see all throughout Scripture, is that the rich and the powerful have always struggled with the good news about Jesus. While on the other hand, the poor and the broken, the sinner, they've embraced it." [00:09:21] (38 seconds)



"Because as I've followed this counsel through Luke and through Acts, one of the things that I've seen is that even if they wanted to, like even if they said, well, this Jesus is kind of interesting. Let's see what he has to say. They can't. They can't follow Jesus without leaving the entirety of their lives behind. Even if they aren't necessarily angry here, they are definitely trapped by their comfortable lives. They can't do anything except what they've always done. And so to hang on to that, to make that thing that they've always done keep working, they can't say anything positive about Jesus." [00:10:53] (46 seconds)



"Because Stephen faced with the anger and the rage assembled against him, claims to be having a vision that vindicates everything that he has said about Jesus and further condemns those who are on the council. Because this Jesus that they crucified is not dead but alive and not just alive, but seated in the place of highest authority in all of heaven and of earth, just like he said he would be. Verse 57. But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul." [00:14:37] (49 seconds)



"And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. And when he had said this he fell asleep. So with his last words does Stephen protest his innocence? Does he complain about the injustice of it all? Does he point out the evil and the illegality of what's going on? He doesn't appear to be particularly concerned with any of those things. He doesn't plead with them to spare his life the way that you would expect. But no, instead what he does is he echoes what Jesus said when he was being unjustly executed. In Luke 23 Jesus hanging on the cross said, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do." [00:17:08] (58 seconds)



"And he can do that because the same spirit that sustained Jesus on the cross is now sustaining Stephen and is bearing the same fruit in his life. A heart that loved and trusted the Lord his God even in the face of an incredibly painful death. And a heart that valued the salvation of his persecutors more than he valued his own safety and his own vindication. He loved the Lord his God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. And he loved his neighbor as himself." [00:18:38] (40 seconds)



"So was this suffering a good thing? No. But one of the things that we see all throughout the pages of Scripture is that God can take evil that is done against people and use it to accomplish good. One of the clearest examples of this in my mind is the story of Joseph. Right? After his brothers come to him and he helps them, he saves them, they go and they beg for forgiveness and for mercy. And he says to them, as for you, you meant evil against me." [00:22:05] (36 seconds)



"And so in all of our suffering, we must continue to trust that we have been made right with God through faith in Jesus. And if we've been made right with God, if we have been restored to that right relationship, if we have been adopted as his children, then is there anything that will ever be able to separate us from God's love? Will suffering eve

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Transcript
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