Redeeming Injustice: Faith, Forgiveness, and the Gospel
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of wrestling with the concept of God redeeming unfair and wrong situations in our lives. Drawing inspiration from the example of a Japanese brother who preached the gospel despite experiencing wrong, the pastor urges the listeners to move from panic, anger, and bitterness to forgiveness and a desire to share the gospel with their enemies. The pastor also highlights the early church's ability to take the gospel to Judea and Samaria despite facing persecution, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's call to use our own experiences of injustice to spread the good news.
The pastor then reflects on the story of Stephen, who blessed and pleaded for his enemies as he was being stoned to death. This event marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. However, this persecution actually became the vehicle for the spread of the good news, just as Jesus had foretold. The pastor uses the analogy of dandelions, explaining how when you try to get rid of one, it spreads and multiplies. Similarly, when the church faced persecution and believers were scattered, they took the gospel with them, resulting in an ever-increasing number of people embracing the faith.
The pastor also discusses the persecution faced by the early followers of Jesus. The disciples were initially told to stop preaching and healing in the name of Jesus, but they continued to do so, risking their lives. The pastor emphasizes the wisdom of a leader who suggested waiting to see if this opposition was from God. The disciples were spared from death but were severely beaten. The sermon then shifts to the story of Stephen, who is now facing the same religious organization and institution. Stephen boldly proclaims Jesus of Nazareth as the only way to God and performs miracles in Jesus' name as a sign of Jesus' resurrection.
The pastor then focuses on the intense confrontation between Stephen and the religious leaders. Stephen boldly defends himself against the accusations of blasphemy, turning the tables on his accusers by accusing them of being the worst form of blasphemers. This statement triggers increased anger and rage among the leaders, who begin to gnash their teeth at Stephen. However, amidst the chaos and hostility, Stephen remains calm and composed. Instead of looking at the crowd or panicking, he looks up to heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
The sermon concludes with the pastor sharing the inspiring story of Mr. Kano, a Japanese immigrant who faced discrimination and injustice in America. Despite the hardships he faced, Mr. Kano served his fellow inmates and ministered to them during his three-year imprisonment. After his release, he dedicated the rest of his life to serving as a pastor and priest, devoting himself to the Japanese immigrant community. When offered reparations for his incarceration, Mr. Kano declined, stating that God had used that terrible experience for a greater purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- God can redeem unfair and wrong situations in our lives for His purposes. He can use our experiences of injustice to spread the good news of Jesus. This is evident in the early church's ability to take the gospel to Judea and Samaria despite facing persecution. [12:45]
- The story of Stephen, who blessed and pleaded for his enemies as he was being stoned to death, serves as a powerful example of faith and forgiveness. His death marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, which ironically became the vehicle for the spread of the good news. [24:30]
- The early followers of Jesus faced severe persecution for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus. Despite the opposition, they continued to do so, risking their lives. This boldness and courage are a testament to their faith and commitment to the gospel. [36:15]
- Stephen's confrontation with the religious leaders demonstrates the power of faith and the presence of God. Despite the intense hostility and anger directed at him, Stephen remained calm and composed, looking up to heaven and seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [48:50]
- The story of Mr. Kano, a Japanese immigrant who faced discrimination and injustice in America, serves as a powerful testament to the redeeming power of God. Despite his hardships, Mr. Kano served his fellow inmates and ministered to them during his imprisonment. After his release, he dedicated his life to serving as a pastor and priest, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [59:30]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 7:54-60 (NIV)
> When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
2. Acts 8:1-4 (NIV)
> And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
3. Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
### Observation Questions
1. What did Stephen see when he looked up to heaven during his trial? How did he respond to the vision? ([02:28:37])
2. How did the members of the Sanhedrin react to Stephen's vision and his proclamation? ([02:28:04])
3. What was Saul's role in the stoning of Stephen, and what actions did he take afterward? ([02:34:09])
4. How did the early church respond to the persecution that followed Stephen's death? ([02:36:38])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God signify about Jesus' authority and role? ([02:30:26])
2. How does Stephen's prayer for his persecutors reflect Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:44? ([02:35:24])
3. In what ways did the persecution of the early church contribute to the spread of the gospel, as seen in Acts 8:1-4? ([02:37:11])
4. How might Stephen's calm and composed demeanor in the face of death serve as an example for believers today? ([02:28:37])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced an unfair or wrong situation. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Stephen's example? ([02:44:51])
2. Stephen forgave his persecutors even as they were killing him. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? What steps can you take to move towards forgiveness this week? ([02:35:24])
3. The early church used their experiences of persecution to spread the gospel. How can you use your own experiences, whether positive or negative, to share the good news of Jesus with others? ([02:36:38])
4. Stephen remained calm and focused on God during his trial. What practices can you incorporate into your life to help you stay focused on God during challenging times? ([02:28:37])
5. Mr. Kano saw his unjust imprisonment as an opportunity to minister to others. How can you reframe a difficult situation in your life to see it as an opportunity for God's work? ([02:10:40])
6. The early church scattered and preached the word wherever they went. How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith in your daily interactions? ([02:37:11])
7. Stephen's boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the only way to God led to his martyrdom. How can you be bold in your faith, even when it might lead to opposition or discomfort? ([02:19:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Redeeming Unfairness for His Purpose
God's ability to redeem unfair and wrong situations in our lives for His purposes is a testament to His sovereignty and love. He can use our experiences of injustice to spread the good news of Jesus, as seen in the early church's ability to take the gospel to Judea and Samaria despite facing persecution. [12:45]
Isaiah 61:3 - "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life that seemed unfair. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, and how can you use it to spread the good news?
Day 2: Faith and Forgiveness Amidst Persecution
The story of Stephen, who blessed and pleaded for his enemies as he was being stoned to death, serves as a powerful example of faith and forgiveness. His death marked the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, which ironically became the vehicle for the spread of the good news. [24:30]
Acts 7:60 - "Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has wronged you? How can you follow Stephen's example and bless and forgive them?
Day 3: Boldness and Courage in the Face of Opposition
The early followers of Jesus faced severe persecution for preaching and healing in the name of Jesus. Despite the opposition, they continued to do so, risking their lives. This boldness and courage are a testament to their faith and commitment to the gospel. [36:15]
Acts 4:29 - "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness."
Reflection: What is one way you can boldly share your faith this week, despite any potential opposition or fear?
Day 4: The Power of Faith Amidst Hostility
Stephen's confrontation with the religious leaders demonstrates the power of faith and the presence of God. Despite the intense hostility and anger directed at him, Stephen remained calm and composed, looking up to heaven and seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [48:50]
Acts 7:55-56 - "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"
Reflection: When have you experienced hostility or opposition because of your faith? How can you, like Stephen, remain calm and focused on God in those moments?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The story of Mr. Kano, a Japanese immigrant who faced discrimination and injustice in America, serves as a powerful testament to the redeeming power of God. Despite his hardships, Mr. Kano served his fellow inmates and ministered to them during his imprisonment. After his release, he dedicated his life to serving as a pastor and priest, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. [59:30]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How has the gospel transformed your life? How can you share this transformation with others?
Quotes
"God took a horrific Injustice and the thing that came out of it was the Proclamation of the Gospel... God can take a terrible moment and the gospel which is the thing that ripples into eternity moves forward." [02:11:20]
"Can God take our pain and can God walk into not only pain but Injustice when something happens against us that should never happen and he doesn't even want to happen but can he walk into that and can he redeem it and use it to actually spread the good news eternal life to others?... Of course, the answer we're going to see is yes." [02:06:42]
"How could God use that moment to spread the good news of Jesus and could that actually move you from panic and anger and bitterness to being like our Japanese brother who even though it was incredibly wrong said I got to preach the gospel there and Stephen said even though it's incredibly wrong I got to forgive my enemies..." #!!02:44:51!!#
"What religious system, what philosophy, what therapy, what set of ethics, what political movement could change a person's heart not only to die for faith, but forgive well when injustice is happening?" #!!02:38:59!!#
"He's proclaiming Jesus of Nazareth as the only way to the father as the only person who can establish contact between God and humanity and he's saying that as he heals in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and does these Miracles that is a living sign that Jesus is risen from the dead because when I use the credit card it works and it's in Jesus of Nazareth's name God is living among us we're positively possessed you could say and so this is proof." #!!02:19:59!!#
"This persecution that was attempt to wipe out the church actually becomes the vehicle for the good news to spread." #!!02:36:38!!#
"Steven full of the Holy Spirit looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus Jesus standing at the right hand of God... this is called The shakina Glory or presence of God it's the Manifest glorious physical representation of God's glory." #!!02:28:37!!#
"Steven on his knees Stones being thrown just think about this striking maybe the left side of his head ripping flesh flesh exposing bone blood flowing SP splattering he looks up maybe unable to see out of one of his eyes he cries out you know Lord Jesus receive my spirit...amazingly probably out of a broken mouth a deformed mouth he utters Lord don't hold the sin against them...stepen imitates Jesus in his death." #!!02:35:24!!#
"In 1941 during a church service he literally serves communion to his congregation and at the end of that he is arrested and interrogated by the FBI...he learned in that moment he didn't know before that Japan had just bombed Pearl Harbor...he was sent to an internate camp and separated from his wife and children...just because he was Japanese." #!!02:09:21!!#
"Now when he was 99 years old President Ronald Reagan signed the law this thing called the civil liberties act that was in 1988 it officially apologized for the incarceration of Japanese Americans and at that point granted them each U $20,000 for that experience...when they brought the money to this now 99 year-old Anglican priest he said to his Bishop I don't want the money...and he said to his Bishop God used that terrible..." #!!02:10:40!!#
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