Serving with Faith: The Legacy of Stephen
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor and pray for those who serve in various capacities within our church, recognizing their invaluable contributions. We reflected on the life of Stephen, the first martyr of the New Testament, who was chosen to serve the widows and performed his duties with great faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. Stephen's life exemplifies the importance of serving others, not just within the church but also in the broader community. His willingness to serve, even in the face of persecution, teaches us that our value lies not in what we do but in who we belong to—God.
Stephen's story reminds us that serving others is a spiritual act, empowered by the Holy Spirit. His faith and dedication led him to perform great wonders and signs among the people, which eventually drew the ire of the religious leaders. Despite false accusations and eventual martyrdom, Stephen remained steadfast, forgiving his persecutors even as he was being stoned to death. His example challenges us to serve with the same spirit of grace, power, and forgiveness.
We also touched on the importance of asking God for wisdom in all aspects of our lives, whether in business, family, or community service. Trusting in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding is crucial for making righteous decisions. Stephen's life and death serve as a powerful reminder that our ultimate goal is to serve God and our neighbors with love and compassion, even if it means facing hardships.
In closing, we were encouraged to live out our faith actively, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to forgive those who wrong us. The stories of modern-day martyrs like Pastor Lowen Andimi and Thomas Hawkes further illustrate the enduring power of faith and the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even unto death. Let us draw strength from the Holy Spirit to continue serving and loving others, knowing that God is always with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Value of Service: Serving others, whether in the church or the community, is a spiritual act that requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Our value lies not in what we do but in who we belong to—God. Stephen's life exemplifies this as he served the widows and performed great wonders through his faith and the Holy Spirit. [54:33]
2. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Stephen's ability to perform signs and wonders and to speak with wisdom came from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This teaches us that we should rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in all our acts of service and in sharing the gospel. [57:50]
3. Facing Persecution with Grace: Stephen faced false accusations and martyrdom with a spirit of grace and forgiveness. His example challenges us to forgive those who wrong us and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of persecution. [01:18:21]
4. Asking for Wisdom: Trusting in the Lord and asking for His wisdom is crucial in making righteous decisions in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5 remind us to seek God's guidance rather than relying on our own understanding. [01:10:20]
5. Living Out Our Faith: We are called to actively live out our faith by loving our neighbors and serving our community. The stories of modern-day martyrs like Pastor Lowen Andimi and Thomas Hawkes inspire us to stand firm in our beliefs and to serve others with the same spirit of dedication and love. [01:24:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[50:31] - God with Us: Old Testament to New Testament
[51:54] - Acknowledging Online Congregation
[52:49] - The Importance of Online Service
[54:33] - From Service to Sacrifice: The Life of Stephen
[55:35] - Serving the Community
[57:50] - Stephen: Full of Faith and the Holy Spirit
[01:00:30] - Understanding Martyrdom
[01:05:59] - Stephen's Wisdom and Spirit
[01:10:20] - Asking for Wisdom
[01:18:21] - Stephen's Martyrdom and Forgiveness
[01:24:06] - Modern-Day Martyrs: Pastor Lowen Andimi and Thomas Hawkes
[01:27:50] - Living Out Our Faith
[01:31:46] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 6:5 - "And what they said pleased the whole gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit."
2. Acts 6:8 - "And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people."
3. Acts 7:55-56 - "But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What qualities did Stephen possess according to Acts 6:5 and Acts 6:8?
2. How did Stephen respond to the false accusations and persecution he faced? ([01:18:21])
3. What vision did Stephen see before his martyrdom, and how did it affect his final moments? (Acts 7:55-56)
4. How did Stephen's actions and words reflect his faith and dedication to God, even in the face of death? ([01:18:21])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Stephen's willingness to serve, even in a seemingly minor role, teach us about the value of service in the church and community? ([54:33])
2. How does Stephen's example of facing persecution with grace and forgiveness challenge our own responses to adversity and false accusations? ([01:18:21])
3. In what ways does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God provide comfort and assurance to believers facing trials? (Acts 7:55-56)
4. How can we apply the principle of asking for wisdom from God in our daily lives, as highlighted in the sermon? ([01:10:20])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you served in a seemingly minor role. How did it impact you and others? How can you find joy and purpose in such acts of service? ([54:33])
2. Think of a situation where you faced false accusations or unfair treatment. How did you respond? How can Stephen's example of grace and forgiveness guide you in similar future situations? ([01:18:21])
3. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and performed great wonders. How can you seek to be more filled with the Holy Spirit in your daily life and service? ([57:50])
4. Stephen asked for forgiveness for his persecutors even as he was being stoned. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take to extend forgiveness this week? ([01:18:21])
5. How can you actively seek God's wisdom in your decisions, whether in your personal life, work, or community service? What practical steps can you take to rely more on God's guidance? ([01:10:20])
6. The sermon mentioned modern-day martyrs like Pastor Lowen Andimi and Thomas Hawkes. How do their stories inspire you to stand firm in your faith? ([01:24:06])
7. Stephen's life and death were a testament to his faith. How can you live out your faith more actively in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to serve others with love and compassion. ([01:27:50])
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Act of Service
Serving others, whether in the church or the community, is a spiritual act that requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Our value lies not in what we do but in who we belong to—God. Stephen's life exemplifies this as he served the widows and performed great wonders through his faith and the Holy Spirit. Stephen's story reminds us that our acts of service are not just tasks to be completed but spiritual acts that reflect our relationship with God. His willingness to serve, even in the face of persecution, teaches us that our value is rooted in our identity as children of God. This perspective transforms our approach to service, making it an expression of our faith and love for God.
Stephen's life challenges us to see service as a divine calling, empowered by the Holy Spirit. His faith and dedication led him to perform great wonders and signs among the people, which eventually drew the ire of the religious leaders. Despite false accusations and eventual martyrdom, Stephen remained steadfast, forgiving his persecutors even as he was being stoned to death. His example challenges us to serve with the same spirit of grace, power, and forgiveness. [54:33]
Acts 6:8 (ESV): "And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you approach this act of service as a spiritual act, empowered by the Holy Spirit?
Day 2: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Stephen's ability to perform signs and wonders and to speak with wisdom came from being filled with the Holy Spirit. This teaches us that we should rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in all our acts of service and in sharing the gospel. The Holy Spirit is not just a source of power but also a guide who leads us in wisdom and truth. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to serve others effectively and to share the gospel with boldness and clarity.
Stephen's life is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. His faith and dedication were not based on his own abilities but on the power of the Holy Spirit working through him. This reliance on the Holy Spirit enabled him to perform great wonders and to speak with wisdom that confounded his opponents. As we seek to serve others and share the gospel, we must remember to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. [57:50]
Acts 6:10 (ESV): "But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in your daily acts of service and in sharing the gospel?
Day 3: Facing Persecution with Grace
Stephen faced false accusations and martyrdom with a spirit of grace and forgiveness. His example challenges us to forgive those who wrong us and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of persecution. Stephen's response to persecution was not one of anger or bitterness but of grace and forgiveness. He prayed for his persecutors even as they were stoning him to death, reflecting the love and forgiveness of Christ.
This example challenges us to respond to those who wrong us with the same spirit of grace and forgiveness. It is not easy to forgive those who hurt us, especially when we face false accusations or persecution. However, Stephen's life reminds us that our response to persecution should reflect the love and forgiveness of Christ. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel. [01:18:21]
Acts 7:60 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of someone who has wronged you. How can you begin to extend grace and forgiveness to them, following Stephen's example?
Day 4: Asking for Wisdom
Trusting in the Lord and asking for His wisdom is crucial in making righteous decisions in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5 remind us to seek God's guidance rather than relying on our own understanding. Stephen's life and death serve as a powerful reminder that our ultimate goal is to serve God and our neighbors with love and compassion, even if it means facing hardships.
Asking for wisdom is not just about making the right decisions but about aligning our hearts and minds with God's will. When we seek God's wisdom, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance. This posture of humility and trust enables us to make decisions that honor God and reflect His love and compassion. [01:10:20]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's wisdom? Take a moment to ask God for His guidance and to trust in His wisdom rather than your own understanding.
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
We are called to actively live out our faith by loving our neighbors and serving our community. The stories of modern-day martyrs like Pastor Lowen Andimi and Thomas Hawkes inspire us to stand firm in our beliefs and to serve others with the same spirit of dedication and love. Living out our faith is not just about what we believe but about how we act on those beliefs in our daily lives.
The examples of modern-day martyrs remind us that living out our faith often requires courage and sacrifice. These individuals stood firm in their beliefs, even unto death, and their stories inspire us to do the same. As we seek to live out our faith, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to serve our community with dedication and compassion. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. [01:24:06]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you actively live out your faith this week? Think of a specific way you can love your neighbor or serve your community, and commit to taking that action.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And just during that time of worship, as I was praying now, just reminded that it's... It's the same God that we serve, that same God of the Old Testament that looked after his people so faithfully, he still looks after us. And we can give a testimony to that, I'm sure, just as we find ourselves daily needing him and daily needing his, yeah, just his hand upon our life. And that he's doing that to us and that he cares for us." [51:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't just exist for our members. We're not a club that exists for its members. We are a body of believers that are together here, that is here for one another. We love one another. We serve each other. But for a greater thing, and that is to serve those people in our communities." [55:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we serve and when we look after others. And when we love them. We can only do so. By the power of the Holy Spirit. We need the Spirit of God to come and anoint us. And prepare us for the task at hand. That's why we pray for people. I want to say to you even for those that serve coffee. It's something spiritual for us when we serve coffee." [01:02:16] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus will always be. With his children. Regardless of our circumstances. Regardless of what we go through. He is with us. We need to continue. Maintaining our faith. And yes the tough bit. Extending forgiveness. Even when we face suffering. At the hand of those. That looks like they are against us." [01:27:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Father I pray that your church would be known. As a church of compassion. And a church of justice. And a church of love. And a church of servanthood. And a church that cares. Father that we will be known as a church. That forgives quickly. That we will be known as a church. That even if we suffer. As believers. That we do that with the face of an angel." [01:30:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Stephen was willing to serve. And he had the desire to be filled with faith and the spirit of God. And in that he served. Let that be an example for us. To desire that. To have a willingness to serve. And to ask God to fill our hearts with faith. And with the power of the spirit. And to do so by the power of his Holy Spirit." [01:05:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Stephen was accused because he spoke clearly and he taught clearly about who Jesus was. He said that Jesus was greater than Moses. That does not mean it was blasphemous. It was truth. Jesus was greater than Moses. Jesus was God. And they took offense to that because they just thought Jesus was a man. Yet Jesus is the truth and the way and the life. And he is the son of God." [01:08:16] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Stephen was fearlessly. Fearlessly. Fearing about how these very religious leaders. That have now captured him. How they are in the same way. As these people that was rebellious against God. And that they resisted the Holy Spirit. Stephen was not making any friends here. But he was with his face of an angel. He was speaking the truth in love." [01:14:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we make big decisions. Whether you sit in a big business somewhere. Making big decisions. Whether you need to make decisions around your home front. Or about raising your children. We need the wisdom of God. Amen. I know many guys that are in business. That before they have to make big decisions. They make it a prayerful thing before God. And say Lord would you help me. Will you guide me. Because I need your wisdom here." [01:10:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Church this morning as I said to you. Very unlikely that you and I would die. For our faith. But can I ask us this morning. Will we start living for our faith? Will we start living for Christ. In such a way that our community. Sees that there is something different in us. Can we love in a way. That he expects of us. To love our neighbor. As he said as we love him. We need to love our neighbor. And reach out." [01:26:45] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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