Recognizing Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prophecy and Law

In our journey through the Scriptures, we find ourselves in Acts chapter 7, where Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, stands before the religious council in Jerusalem. He recounts the history of Israel, focusing on Moses, a pivotal figure who prophesied the coming of a prophet like himself. This prophecy is recognized by the Jews as referring to the Messiah. Stephen highlights the parallels between Moses and Jesus, emphasizing that just as Moses was initially unrecognized as a deliverer, so was Jesus during His first coming. However, the day will come when Jesus will be recognized as the Messiah by all.

Stephen's defense underscores the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The law, given through Moses, was intended to guide people to a good life, but over time, it became burdened with human traditions and interpretations. Jesus came to clarify the true intent of the law, focusing on the heart's attitudes rather than mere outward actions. He taught that the law was not meant to make us self-righteous but to reveal our need for God's grace and mercy.

The response to Stephen's message was mixed. Some resisted the truth, while others, like Saul, who later became Paul, eventually embraced it. This illustrates the power of God's word to penetrate hearts, even when initially rejected. The truth of Jesus as the Messiah, like Moses, is a message that cannot be ignored forever.

As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded of the importance of simply teaching and believing God's word. Theological debates and traditions can complicate the simple truths of the gospel. Our focus should be on understanding and living out the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ. May we be open to receiving God's truth and allowing it to transform our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. righteous but to reveal our need for God's grace. Jesus clarified that the law addresses the heart's attitudes, not just outward actions. This understanding should drive us to seek God's mercy and live in His grace. [29:31]
  3. The Power of God's Word: Stephen's message, though initially resisted, eventually penetrated the heart of Saul, leading to his transformation into Paul, the Apostle. This demonstrates the enduring power of God's word to change lives, even when initially rejected.
  
  4. The Simplicity of God's Truth: Theological debates and traditions can complicate the simple truths of the gospel. We are encouraged to teach and believe God's word simply, focusing on the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ.
  
  5. The Coming Recognition of Jesus as Messiah: Just as Moses was eventually recognized as a deliverer, Jesus will be recognized as the Messiah by all when He comes again. This future recognition calls us to live in anticipation of His return and to share His truth with others.
  
  ** [29:31]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:14] - The Frailty of Life
• [02:42] - Prayer for God's Beauty
• [03:58] - Introduction to Acts 7
• [04:33] - Stephen's Defense
• [05:40] - Moses' Prophecy of the Messiah
• [06:57] - Jewish Expectations of the Messiah
• [08:21] - The Antichrist Prophecy
• [11:12] - Prophecies of the Messiah as the Son of God
• [14:19] - Parallels Between Moses and Jesus
• [18:29] - The Word of God Through Moses and Jesus
• [23:05] - Misinterpretations of the Law
• [29:31] - The Law's True Purpose
• [36:45] - The Power of Truth
• [39:07] - The Future Recognition of Jesus

1. Acts 7:37 - "This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."
2. Deuteronomy 18:15 - "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken."
3. Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

1. What parallels did Stephen draw between Moses and Jesus in his defense before the religious council? [14:19]
2. How did Stephen describe the initial recognition of Moses and Jesus as deliverers? [17:49]
3. What was the reaction of the religious council to Stephen's message, and how did it affect Saul? [36:01]
4. How did Stephen use the prophecy of Moses to point to Jesus as the Messiah? [06:57]

1. What does the comparison between Moses and Jesus reveal about God's method of revealing His chosen deliverers? [17:49]
2. How does Stephen's message about the true purpose of the law challenge the traditional Jewish understanding of righteousness? [29:31]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that theological debates can complicate the simple truths of the gospel? [38:17]
4. How does the transformation of Saul into Paul illustrate the enduring power of God's word? [36:45]

1. Reflect on a time when you initially resisted a truth about Jesus. What changed your perspective, and how can you be more open to God's truth in the future? [36:01]
2. How can you focus on the heart's attitudes rather than mere outward actions in your daily life, as Jesus taught about the law? [29:31]
3. Consider the parallels between Moses and Jesus. How does this understanding strengthen your faith in God's plan, even when it is not immediately apparent? [18:08]
4. In what ways can you simplify your understanding and teaching of the gospel to focus on the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ? [38:17]
5. How can you live in anticipation of Jesus' return and share His truth with others, knowing that He will be recognized as the Messiah by all? [39:07]
6. Identify a tradition or theological debate that has complicated your understanding of the gospel. How can you move past it to embrace the simplicity of God's truth? [38:17]
7. Think of someone in your life who, like Saul, may be resistant to the gospel. How can you pray for them and share God's word in a way that might penetrate their heart? [36:45]