God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Resistance and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Faithfulness Despite Human Resistance

Throughout history, God’s people have often resisted His plans, rejecting the deliverers He sent and turning away from His truth. Yet, God’s love and faithfulness remain steadfast, always working out a plan of deliverance even in the face of rejection and misunderstanding. He does not abandon His promises, but continues to pursue, redeem, and restore, offering grace to those who turn to Him. Even when people act out of envy, hatred, or unbelief, God can turn what is meant for evil into good, fulfilling His purposes for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. [03:38]

Acts 7:51-53 (ESV):
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God’s leading or refusing to let go of your own plans? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 2: Faith Means Leaving the Old Life Behind

Abraham’s journey began with a call to leave behind everything familiar—his country, his family, and his old ways—to follow God into the unknown. True faith is not static; it is dynamic and transformative, requiring us to turn away from our old life and trust God’s promises even when we cannot see the outcome. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning from the world’s comforts and corruptions, believing that God has something better ahead—a new land, a new life, and ultimately, heaven itself. [13:47]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV):
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Reflection: What is one habit, relationship, or comfort from your old life that God may be calling you to leave behind so you can follow Him more fully?

Day 3: God’s Promises Are Fulfilled by His Grace

Abraham received God’s promises not because of his own strength or merit, but by grace through faith. Even when he had no land or children, Abraham trusted that God was able to do what He had promised. In the same way, God’s promises to us are gifts of grace, not rewards for our performance. We are called to trust Him fully, believing that He is able to accomplish what He has spoken, even when circumstances seem impossible. [23:04]

Romans 4:20-21 (ESV):
No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Reflection: Where are you struggling to trust God’s promises in your life? How can you remind yourself today that His faithfulness does not depend on your ability, but on His grace?

Day 4: God Is Present and Working Even in Hardship

The story of Joseph and the people of Israel in Egypt shows that God is not limited by location or circumstance. He is with His people in times of suffering, oppression, and spiritual famine, working behind the scenes to bring about deliverance and growth. Even when rejected or misunderstood, God’s presence is not confined to a temple or a place, but is with those who trust Him, turning trials into opportunities for His purposes to be fulfilled. [29:28]

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: Think of a recent hardship or disappointment. How might God be present and working for good in that situation, even if you can’t see it yet?

Day 5: The Call to Decision—Surrendering to God’s Will

Every believer faces a decision point: whether to hold back parts of their heart or to fully surrender to God’s will. Jesus Himself modeled this in Gethsemane, choosing the Father’s will over His own desires. God invites us to trust Him with every area of our lives, not just the parts we are comfortable with. True transformation and power come when we yield our will to His, allowing Him to change us from the inside out and use us for His purposes. [50:18]

Luke 22:41-42 (ESV):
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to say, “Not my will, but yours, be done”? What step can you take today to surrender that to God?

Sermon Summary

Acts chapter 7 offers a profound look at the history of God’s people—a history marked by both God’s relentless faithfulness and humanity’s persistent resistance. As Stephen stands on trial, he recounts the story of Israel, not to condemn, but to reveal a pattern: God continually reaches out, raises up deliverers, and offers grace, while His people often respond with rejection and unbelief. Yet, through every act of resistance, God’s love and purpose remain unshaken. He calls Israel His beloved, His wife, and even in their rejection, He orchestrates deliverance, culminating in the coming of Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer.

Stephen’s life is a testimony to the power of faithfulness in small things. He began as a servant, waiting on tables, but because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and faithful in little, God entrusted him with greater things—even miracles and bold proclamation. This progression reminds us that God’s call is dynamic, not static. Like Abraham, who left everything behind to follow God’s promise, we are called to a journey of continual transformation. Faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong pilgrimage, marked by repentance, surrender, and trust in God’s promises.

The story of Israel’s resistance is not just ancient history; it is a mirror for us today. Just as the prophets and Jesus Himself were rejected, so too do we resist God’s call when it challenges our comfort or exposes our need for change. Yet, God’s grace persists. He sees our struggles, hears our cries, and comes to deliver us—not because we deserve it, but because of His unchanging love and faithfulness.

God’s promises to Israel remain, and so do His promises to us. The restoration of Israel as a nation is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and a reminder that He does not abandon His people. Likewise, He will not abandon us. Our inheritance, like Abraham’s, is received by faith, not by our own strength or merit. In every season—whether in times of famine, bondage, or blessing—God is present, working out His redemptive plan.

Ultimately, the call is to trust, to surrender, and to allow God to transform us. Jesus, who was rejected and crucified, made the ultimate decision for us: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” As we remember His sacrifice, we are invited to make our own decision—to receive Him fully, to walk in the Spirit, and to live as people marked by grace, faith, and obedience.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Faithfulness Persists Despite Human Resistance Throughout history, God has continually reached out to His people, even when they rejected His messengers and His plans. This pattern reveals that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our response; He remains steadfast, always working toward our redemption and restoration, even in the face of our unbelief. [03:38]
2. Faithfulness in Small Things Leads to Greater Purpose Stephen’s journey from serving tables to performing miracles and preaching boldly demonstrates that God honors those who are faithful in the little things. When we serve with humility and depend on the Holy Spirit, God prepares us for greater works and deeper impact in His kingdom. [05:31]
3. True Faith Requires Dynamic Surrender and Transformation Abraham’s call to leave his old life behind illustrates that faith is not static; it demands ongoing surrender and openness to God’s transformative work. Genuine faith leads to real change—leaving behind old patterns, embracing repentance, and allowing God to shape our desires and direction. [13:47]
4. God’s Promises Are Fulfilled by Grace, Not Human Effort Abraham received the promise of land and descendants not by his own strength, but by trusting in God’s ability to fulfill what He had spoken. Our inheritance in Christ is likewise a gift of grace, not something we can earn or secure by our own efforts. This calls us to rest in God’s sufficiency and faithfulness. [23:04]
5. God’s Presence Makes Any Place Holy, and He Sees Our Struggles The encounter of Moses at the burning bush shows that holiness is not tied to a location or institution, but to God’s presence. He sees our oppression, hears our cries, and comes to deliver us. In every circumstance, we are invited to trust that God is near, attentive, and actively working for our good. [44:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Stephen’s Trial and Accusations
[03:38] - God’s Plan of Deliverance
[05:31] - Stephen’s Faithfulness and Growth
[08:34] - The Need for the Holy Spirit
[10:51] - God’s Call to Abraham
[12:43] - Dynamic Faith and Transformation
[15:17] - The Promise of a New Land
[16:54] - Spiritual Stagnation and Growth
[18:02] - The Miracle of Israel’s Restoration
[20:43] - The Error of Replacement Theology
[23:04] - Trusting God’s Promises
[27:07] - Circumcision and Baptism: Signs of Faith
[28:39] - Joseph: A Foreshadowing of Christ
[32:39] - Spiritual Famine and Jealousy
[34:25] - The Church’s Witness to Israel
[37:41] - Growth Through Hardship in Egypt
[39:48] - Moses’ Early Life and God’s Providence
[42:34] - Moses, Jesus, and Rejection
[44:10] - God’s Presence and Deliverance
[46:33] - The Call to Decision
[48:59] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[51:09] - The Power of the Blood
[53:46] - Closing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Stephen’s speech in Acts 7, what pattern do we see in the way God interacts with His people and how they respond? ([03:38])
What was Abraham called to do when God first appeared to him, and how did he respond? (Genesis 12:1-4; [10:51])
According to the sermon, what was Stephen’s first role in the early church, and how did his responsibilities change over time? ([05:31])
What does Romans 4:20-21 say about Abraham’s faith in God’s promises?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Stephen chose to recount Israel’s history in such detail to the religious leaders? What was he hoping they would see about themselves and about God? ([03:38])
The sermon says that faith is “dynamic, not static.” What does it mean for faith to be dynamic, and how is this seen in Abraham’s journey? ([12:43])
How does Stephen’s example of being “faithful in small things” challenge our ideas about what it means to serve God? ([05:31])
The sermon points out that God’s presence, not a specific place, makes something holy. How does this truth affect the way we think about church, worship, or our daily lives? ([44:10])

Application Questions

The sermon says that God’s faithfulness persists even when we resist Him. Can you think of a time when you resisted God’s leading or correction? What happened, and how did you see God’s faithfulness in that situation? ([03:38])
Stephen started by serving tables and ended up preaching boldly and performing miracles. Are there “small” areas of service in your life right now that you might be overlooking? How could you approach them differently this week? ([05:31])
Abraham had to leave behind his old life and trust God for a new future. Is there something God is asking you to leave behind or surrender right now? What would it look like to take a step of faith in that area? ([12:43])
The sermon warns against spiritual stagnation—“parking” our spiritual lives. Are there areas where you feel stuck or complacent in your walk with God? What is one practical step you could take to move forward? ([16:54])
God’s promises are fulfilled by grace, not by our own effort. Are you tempted to try to “earn” God’s favor or blessing? How can you remind yourself to rest in His grace this week? ([23:04])
The story of Moses at the burning bush shows that God sees our struggles and comes to deliver us. Is there a struggle or burden you need to bring honestly before God right now? How can your group support you in prayer? ([44:10])
Jesus said, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Is there a decision or area of your life where you need to echo that prayer? What would it look like to surrender your will to God in that situation? ([49:33])

Sermon Clips

And God's final plan of deliverance was, of course, Jesus, the Christ, his own son, the son of God who became flesh and dwelt among us to give himself up for us. And he who knew no sin became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. That was his plan of deliverance, first for the Jew and then for the Gentile. [00:03:38] (30 seconds) #JesusPlanOfDeliverance

People don't want to hear the truth. They don't want to hear that they need to change, that they need to repent of their sin. They need to get right with God. They need to obey God. They don't want to hear that. Tell me something that entertains me. Tell me something that makes me feel good about myself. And I'll tell you what, the good things that the Bible says always starts with the premise we are all sinners. And we're saved only by grace through faith and only through Jesus Christ. Amen? And that's where all the good news is. It's in the gospel. [00:06:20] (38 seconds) #GraceThroughTruth

Here's the man, just like us, guys. Bunch of weirdos, aren't we? I know you guys look weird, but I mean, no. We're all weird. We all got problems and struggles, but God chose us. He chose you. If you know Christ, he's chosen you. He's chosen you and he's not leaving you in that weird state. Now you're a different type of weirdo, right? We're aliens and strangers in this world. Everybody looks at us like we're maybe weirdos because of our viewpoints and the things that how God changes us. But man, oh man, what a wonderful journey it is, isn't it? [00:11:05] (40 seconds) #ChosenWeirdos

And Abram became a pilgrim because spirituality, understand this, is static. It's not static. It is dynamic. He's going to follow God. He's going to leave behind the old life by faith, by grace. He didn't deserve it. He didn't do anything to deserve God's wonderful grace and his plan for him, but God chose him. And he had faith to believe God. And so that means there's going to be changes in your life. Guys, I hope that you understand that, that to receive Jesus Christ is not just raising your hand and coming forward and, you know, saying a little prayer, but it's about that God wants to change you. He wants you to leave behind the old life. [00:12:33] (58 seconds) #DynamicSpiritualJourney

When I came to know Christ, I was so ready. I hated my old life. I hated what I had become. I really did. Change me, God. Change me. I can't do it on my own, but you can do it in me. And when you come to that place of surrender in your life, let me tell you, it's one magnificent experience to see God in his power change the very motives of our heart, the very desires of our heart. It's an amazing thing that he does. [00:13:30] (38 seconds) #SurrenderForChange

God hasn't turned his back on Israel, nor is he ever going to turn his back on us as Christians, because he loves us. His gifts and his callings, right? Irrevocable, irrevocable, and I thank God for that. [00:37:22] (19 seconds) #IrrevocableLove

Guys, he's showing them. It's not the temple that has the holy ground. It's wherever God is in our life. There is holy ground. It's his presence that makes the ground holy, not some temple somewhere. [00:44:44] (15 seconds) #GodHearsAndComes

He came to his own and his own received him not. What are you doing with Jesus today? If you're not in a dynamic, spirit-filled relationship with him, what's left? Are you rejecting him? Oh Lord, you're welcome in this part of my heart, but not in the other part, where all my idols are, where all my lust is, where all my deceitfulness is. Oh Lord, no, not there. That's a little too personal. I invite you today to make a decision for Christ once and for all, guys. And don't allow the devil to influence you about him. Trust him in your life. He died for you and he died for me. [00:46:25] (50 seconds)

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