Living with Conviction: The Example of Stephen
Summary
Today, I explored the profound concept of living with conviction, drawing inspiration from the life of Stephen as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen's life exemplifies a heart fully surrendered to God, filled with wisdom, faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and God's power. This fullness enabled him to perform great wonders and stand firm in his faith, even in the face of death.
The sermon began by addressing the early church's challenges as it grew, highlighting the distribution of food to widows and the appointment of godly men like Stephen to manage these tasks. This narrative from Acts chapter 6 sets the stage for understanding how mundane responsibilities, when infused with spiritual fullness, can lead to extraordinary faith and service.
I delved into the nature of conviction, which I defined as a belief so integral to our being that we would rather die than abandon it. This led to a discussion on what we are each willing to die for, emphasizing that our convictions about Christ should surpass all earthly concerns.
Stephen's story is particularly poignant. He was full of grace and power, performing wonders among the people. Yet, his bold proclamation of the truth led to false accusations and his eventual martyrdom. His face, like that of an angel, reflected his inner fullness and conviction, even as he faced death.
Central to the sermon was the idea that to be filled with the things of God, we must first empty ourselves of everything contrary. This means letting go of personal fears, doubts, and self-centeredness. I emphasized the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which displaces our weaknesses and empowers us to live out God's commands.
The practical steps towards achieving this spiritual fullness include deep engagement with God's Word, dedicated service to God and others, and a willingness to be publicly identified with Christ. These practices ensure that our inner fullness translates into outward conviction, visible in our actions and choices.
As we concluded, I invited the congregation to stand and make a public declaration of their desire to follow Jesus with full conviction, to not live half-heartedly but fully committed to God's purposes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living with Conviction Requires Knowing God's Word
To be full of God's wisdom and to live with conviction, one must immerse oneself in the Scriptures. Just as Stephen demonstrated his deep understanding of the Scriptures during his defense, we too must let the Word of God dwell richly in us, transforming our minds and hearts. This transformation is essential for standing firm in our faith amidst challenges. [58:14]
2. Service as a Pathway to Fullness
True fullness in God's kingdom comes not from status but from service. Stephen, chosen for the seemingly mundane task of distributing food, exemplified this by serving with great faith and power. His example teaches us that serving in any capacity, when done wholeheartedly and with reliance on God, fills us with divine strength and purpose. [59:14]
3. The Visibility of Our Conviction
A life full of God's presence is evident to those around us. Stephen's face shone because he was filled with the Holy Spirit, reflecting his deep communion with God. We too should live in such a way that our faith and conviction are visible, influencing others towards righteousness. [01:00:47]
4. The Courage to Stand Firm
Stephen's unwavering stand in the face of persecution underscores the courage required to live out our convictions. He did not shrink back even when faced with death. This level of bravery is cultivated by being full of faith and the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to face any opposition with divine strength. [44:12]
5. Fullness Leads to Impactful Living
The ultimate goal of being filled with the things of God is to impact the world around us positively. Stephen's life, though ended prematurely, left a lasting impact that contributed to the spread of the Gospel. By striving for fullness, we too can leave a mark that furthers God's kingdom on earth. [01:09:36]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [33:45] - Introduction to Acts and the Early Church
- [39:36] - Exploring Conviction and Sacrifice
- [41:08] - Stephen's Ministry and Challenges
- [56:44] - The Necessity of Emptiness for Fullness
- [01:09:36] - Call to Action and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 6:8-15 - Stephen's Ministry and Arrest
2. Acts 7:51-60 - Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom
#### Observation Questions
1. What qualities did Stephen possess that enabled him to perform great wonders and signs among the people? (Acts 6:8)
2. How did the members of the synagogue react to Stephen's wisdom and spirit? (Acts 6:10)
3. What was Stephen's response when he was falsely accused and brought before the council? (Acts 7:51-53)
4. How did Stephen's face appear to those who sat in the council, and what might this signify? (Acts 6:15)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "full of the Holy Spirit" as described in Stephen's life? How does this fullness manifest in one's actions and decisions? (Acts 6:5, [51:01])
2. How does Stephen's unwavering stand in the face of persecution illustrate the concept of living with conviction? (Acts 7:54-60, [44:12])
3. In what ways does Stephen's deep knowledge of the Scriptures contribute to his ability to stand firm in his faith? (Acts 7:2-50, [57:29])
4. How does Stephen's willingness to serve in a seemingly mundane task (distributing food) reflect his spiritual fullness and commitment to God's work? (Acts 6:1-6, [59:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Stephen was full of wisdom, faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and God's power. Which of these qualities do you feel you need to grow in the most, and what steps can you take to cultivate it in your life? ([47:46])
2. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition or false accusations for your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Stephen's example to improve your response in the future? ([42:44])
3. Stephen's deep engagement with God's Word was crucial to his spiritual fullness. What specific practices can you adopt to immerse yourself more deeply in the Scriptures? ([57:29])
4. Serving others was a pathway to fullness for Stephen. Identify a specific area in your church or community where you can serve wholeheartedly. How can this service help you grow spiritually? ([59:14])
5. Stephen's face shone with the presence of the Holy Spirit, making his faith visible to others. How can you ensure that your faith is evident in your daily interactions and choices? ([01:00:47])
6. Stephen's courage to stand firm in his convictions, even unto death, is a powerful example. What fears or doubts do you need to let go of to live more boldly for Christ? ([44:12])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of being willing to be publicly identified with Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are hesitant to show your faith? How can you overcome this hesitation and be more open about your beliefs? ([01:02:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Word Deeply
To live with conviction, one must be deeply rooted in the Scriptures. Just as Stephen demonstrated profound knowledge and application of God's Word, believers are called to let the Scriptures permeate every aspect of their lives. This immersion transforms thoughts and strengthens faith, enabling one to stand firm against life's adversities and challenges. By consistently engaging with the Bible, believers can develop a robust spiritual foundation that not only informs their beliefs but also guides their actions and decisions in alignment with God's will. [58:14]
Colossians 3:16-17 ESV: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside daily to deepen your engagement with Scripture this week?
Day 2: Service as a Pathway to Divine Fullness
True spiritual fullness arises not from personal status but through service. Stephen's role in distributing food, a task that might seem mundane, was elevated to a divine ministry because he served with faith and power. This example teaches that any act of service, when performed with a whole heart and reliance on God, can be a powerful expression of faith. It fills the servant with God's strength and purpose, transforming even the simplest tasks into significant spiritual endeavors. [59:14]
1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Identify one act of service you can perform this week. How can it be an expression of your faith?
Day 3: Reflecting God's Light in Our Lives
A life filled with the Holy Spirit manifests visibly to others. Stephen's face shone like an angel, reflecting his deep communion with God. This visible sign of spiritual fullness can inspire and influence those around us towards righteousness. By living in a way that visibly demonstrates our faith and conviction, we become beacons of God's love and truth in a world that desperately needs divine direction. [01:00:47]
Acts 6:15 ESV: "And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel."
Reflection: In what ways can your life more clearly reflect God's presence to those around you?
Day 4: The Courage to Stand Firm in Faith
Living out our convictions requires courage, especially when faced with opposition or persecution. Stephen's unwavering faith in the face of death exemplifies the bravery needed to stand firm. This courage is not self-generated but comes from being filled with faith and the Holy Spirit. Believers are empowered to face any challenge with divine strength, knowing that their ultimate accountability is to God. [44:12]
Daniel 3:17-18 ESV: "If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Reflection: What fears are you currently facing that require God's strength to overcome?
Day 5: Impactful Living Through Spiritual Fullness
The ultimate goal of being filled with the things of God is to positively impact the world. Stephen's life, though ended prematurely, had a lasting influence that contributed to the spread of the Gospel. By striving for spiritual fullness, believers can leave a mark on the world that furthers God's kingdom. This impact is not measured by the length of life but by the depth of one's commitment to God's purposes. [01:09:36]
Matthew 5:16 ESV: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you use your God-given gifts to make a lasting impact in your community this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Wisdom is knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve that goal. Wisdom is being able to properly, and effectively apply knowledge. It's not having knowledge. Knowledge is different than wisdom. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people that are not wise at all. Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing when to say it. I would even add how to say it." [49:13]
2. "Every Christian has the Holy Spirit. That is something promised to us. When we give our lives to Jesus, repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus. For the forgiveness of you. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We all have the Holy Spirit. You can't be a Christian without having the Holy Spirit. But that doesn't mean that we are all yet full of the Holy Spirit." [54:01]
3. "Are there things that are worthy, that are worth dying for? And I ask you again, what are you willing to die for? This is what I like to call conviction. A belief that you hold so deeply that nothing else is more important, not even your own life. A belief that you will hold on to so securely that you would rather die than let go of it." [39:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you want to be full, if you want your heart to be full of God, then you need to get to know the word of God let it go from your head to your heart. You need to read it, you need to think about it, you need to talk about it, and you need to follow it." [58:14]
2. "Serve God with all your heart. It's so interesting to me that the example of someone who is full that we get, who live with conviction, wasn't actually one of the spiritual leaders in the church, wasn't one of the teachers, it was a servant. It was Stephen. He was picked to wait on tables. He was someone who was willing to do the behind-the-scenes stuff, the unappreciated stuff. But man, he served God with all of his heart." [59:14]
3. "Whatever you are full of on the inside will eventually show on the outside. Maybe not in your face, but in how you live, in your character, the things that you say, it'll show up. When asked about what he believed, Stephen didn't hide it. He didn't back down. He wasn't ashamed of it. He wasn't going to compromise." [01:00:47]
4. "He lived with conviction because. He was full. But here's the reality when we're going to fill. If I'm going to fill this cup with the things of God, then it has to displace the things of me. If I'm going to be full of the Holy Spirit, then I have to be emptied of myself." [56:44]
5. "We have a king also. We have a king that we serve, that we follow, that we are loyal to. And I'll tell you what, we may never be called or forced to die for our king. I can't say never, but if we get to live, continue to, things continue to be the way they are, we will likely not be called to die for our king. But I'll tell you something, we've been called to do something that is sometimes more difficult than dying for him. We are called to live for him." [01:04:59]
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