Standing Boldly for Christ: A Call to Courage
Summary
This morning, we celebrated a season of accomplishment and transition, honoring our graduating seniors and reflecting on what it means to stand courageously for Christ. We began by considering the story of Malala Yousafzai, a young woman who risked everything to speak out for what was right, and then turned to the biblical account of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7. Stephen, a Greek believer chosen to serve the neglected widows, was described as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” Despite being an outsider, he was so in tune with God’s Spirit that his wisdom and presence were undeniable—even to his adversaries.
Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder that the Holy Spirit often calls us to stand in places where we feel unqualified or unwelcome. He stood before the Jewish council, boldly proclaiming the truth, even though it cost him his life. Yet, in that moment of ultimate risk, Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a rare image in Scripture, signifying Christ’s solidarity and approval. When we stand for Christ, He stands with us.
We also reflected on the importance of passing on faith to the next generation. Judges 2:10 warns of a generation that forgot the Lord, leading to Israel’s downfall. Our challenge is to ensure that our lives and words continually point others to the goodness of God, so that no one forgets. Fear often keeps us silent, but Stephen’s example shows us that true joy, satisfaction, peace, and security are found in Christ alone—not in the approval or comfort of the world.
As our seniors step into new chapters, the call is clear: take the message of Jesus seriously, wherever you go. It won’t always be easy or popular, but it is the most rewarding path. May you find your purpose in Christ, knowing that when you stand with Him, He stands with you. Let your lives be a testimony to God’s faithfulness, and may you always remember where your true hope and security are found.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of the Spirit in Ordinary People: Stephen was not a prominent apostle or a person of high status; he was a Greek outsider chosen to serve. Yet, his life was marked by an extraordinary fullness of faith and the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that God delights in using those who may feel overlooked or unqualified, filling them with wisdom and courage to accomplish His purposes. [44:36]
- Standing for Truth, Regardless of Cost: Stephen’s willingness to speak truth to power, even when it meant facing hostility and death, challenges us to consider what we are willing to risk for the sake of Christ. The Holy Spirit may call us to uncomfortable places, but obedience in those moments brings glory to God and can have far-reaching impact beyond what we can see. [49:10]
- Christ’s Presence in Our Boldness: When Stephen stood before the council, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a unique image of Christ’s active support. This assures us that when we stand for Christ, especially in moments of trial or opposition, He is not distant or passive; He stands with us, cheering us on and sharing in our struggle. [50:37]
- The Ripple Effect of Faithful Witness: Stephen’s death was not the end, but the catalyst for the spread of the gospel to the world. Our acts of faithfulness, even when they seem small or costly, can have consequences far beyond our understanding. The Holy Spirit weaves our obedience into the larger story of God’s redemption. [52:42]
- Passing the Faith to the Next Generation: Judges 2:10 warns of the danger when a generation forgets the Lord. It is our responsibility to ensure that our lives and words continually point others to God’s goodness, so that faith is not lost. If fear keeps us from sharing Christ, we must ask ourselves where we are truly seeking our joy and security. [54:05]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Graduation Weekend Reflections
[02:00] - Malala Yousafzai’s Story of Courage
[04:31] - Introducing Stephen: The Outsider Chosen
[06:36] - Stephen’s Character: Full of Faith and the Spirit
[08:21] - The Wisdom and Power of the Spirit
[09:25] - Stephen’s Speech Before the Council
[11:10] - Calling Out the Sanhedrin
[12:37] - Christ Stands with Stephen
[13:39] - The Impact of Stephen’s Death
[14:42] - The Gospel Spreads Through Sacrifice
[16:05] - The Danger of Forgetting God (Judges 2:10)
[17:08] - Where Do We Find Our Security?
[18:19] - Challenge to the Graduates
[19:27] - Senior Recognitions and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1–15; 7:51–60 (The story of Stephen, his selection, speech, and martyrdom)
- Judges 2:10 (“After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”)
- Psalm 23 (A blessing and reminder of God’s presence and guidance)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 6, what qualities were the apostles looking for in the men chosen to serve the widows, and how is Stephen described?
[[44:36]]
2. According to Acts 7, what was the main message of Stephen’s speech to the Jewish council, and how did the council respond to him?
[[49:10]]
3. What unique detail does Acts 7 give about Jesus’ posture in heaven as Stephen is being killed, and why is this significant?
[[50:37]]
4. What warning does Judges 2:10 give about the next generation, and what happened to Israel as a result?
[[54:05]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose Stephen, a Greek outsider, to play such a significant role in the early church? What does this say about how God uses people who may feel overlooked or unqualified?
[[44:36]]
2. Stephen’s speech was bold and confrontational, even though it put his life at risk. What does this teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in giving believers courage to speak truth, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous?
[[49:10]]
3. The sermon points out that Jesus is usually described as “seated” at God’s right hand, but here He is “standing.” What might this image communicate about Christ’s relationship to those who suffer for Him?
[[50:37]]
4. Judges 2:10 describes a generation that forgot the Lord. What are some reasons a generation might forget God, and what responsibility do believers have to prevent this?
[[54:05]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Stephen was described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” What would it look like for you to be described this way in your daily life? Are there areas where you feel unqualified or overlooked, and how might God want to use you there?
[[44:36]]
2. Think about a time when you felt prompted to stand up for what is right or to speak about your faith, but fear held you back. What was at stake for you, and what might help you respond differently next time?
[[49:10]]
3. The sermon says, “When we stand for Christ, He stands with us.” Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to remember that Jesus is standing with you? How does this truth encourage or challenge you?
[[50:37]]
4. Stephen’s death led to the spread of the gospel, even though he couldn’t see the results. Are there small or costly acts of faithfulness you’re being called to right now? How might God use your obedience in ways you can’t see?
[[52:42]]
5. Judges 2:10 warns about a generation forgetting God. What are some practical ways you can help pass on faith to the next generation—whether in your family, church, or community?
[[54:05]]
6. The sermon challenges us to find our joy, satisfaction, peace, and security in Christ, not in the approval or comfort of the world. Where are you most tempted to seek these things outside of Christ, and what is one step you can take this week to shift your focus?
[[54:05]]
7. For graduates or anyone entering a new season: What does it mean for you to “take the message of Jesus seriously” in your next chapter? What specific challenges do you anticipate, and how can your small group support you in this?
[[56:19]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Standing Firm in the Holy Spirit
Stephen was chosen because he was full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and his life was marked by wisdom and grace that could not be refuted. When the early church faced division and neglect, Stephen’s Spirit-filled character set him apart, enabling him to serve faithfully and speak with a wisdom that confounded his opponents. His example challenges us to seek a life so in tune with the Holy Spirit that our actions and words reflect God’s presence, even when it means standing out or facing opposition. [44:36]
Acts 6:3-5, 10 (ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit… But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to stand out or serve, even if it means being different or misunderstood?
Day 2: Christ Stands With Us When We Stand for Him
When Stephen stood before the council, full of the Holy Spirit, he saw Jesus not sitting but standing at the right hand of God—a powerful image of Christ’s solidarity and approval. This moment reveals that when we courageously stand for Christ, especially in the face of adversity, He stands with us, cheering us on and sharing in our trials. No matter the outcome, our faithfulness brings glory to God and assures us of His presence and support. [50:37]
Acts 7:55-56 (ESV)
“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.’”
Reflection: Where is God calling you to take a stand for Him today, and how does knowing that Christ stands with you give you courage?
Day 3: The Ripple Effect of Faithful Obedience
Stephen’s obedience to the Holy Spirit led to his death, but his faithfulness became the catalyst for the spread of the gospel and the introduction of Saul, who would become Paul. Sometimes, we cannot see the impact of our obedience, but God uses our faithfulness in ways we may never imagine, multiplying our small acts for His greater purpose. Trust that your willingness to follow the Spirit, even in difficulty, can have far-reaching effects for God’s kingdom. [52:42]
Acts 8:1, 4 (ESV)
“And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”
Reflection: Can you recall a time when a difficult act of obedience led to unexpected blessings or growth, either for you or others?
Day 4: Passing On the Knowledge and Goodness of God
A generation after witnessing God’s miracles, Israel forgot the Lord, leading to their downfall. It is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation knows the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, sharing our stories and living out our faith so that others remember and follow Him. Let us be intentional in passing on the knowledge of God, so that His works are not forgotten but celebrated and continued. [54:05]
Judges 2:10 (ESV)
“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about God’s goodness from you today, and how can you share your story or faith with them?
Day 5: Finding True Joy, Satisfaction, Peace, and Security in Christ
Stephen’s life and death showed that his joy, satisfaction, peace, and security were rooted in Christ, not in circumstances or the approval of others. When fear threatens to silence us or hold us back, it reveals where we are seeking our fulfillment. True purpose and lasting peace are found only in Jesus, who is our foundation and hope, no matter what we face. [55:08]
Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Reflection: What fear or insecurity is keeping you from fully trusting Jesus for your joy and peace, and what step can you take today to surrender that to Him?
Quotes
Christ stood with Stephen as Stephen stood for Christ. When Stephen chose to stand for Christ, in that instance, in the middle of a Jewish council that was going to hate him, that is going to eventually kill him to eventually kill him. He looks up, and he doesn't see Jesus sitting. He sees him standing with him. [00:51:32] (25 seconds)
When the Holy Spirit led Stephen to stand, Jesus stood with him. We read in other places in Scripture that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, and that comes up a lot. He is seated at the right hand of God. But here, there's a contrast in that he's standing at the right hand of God. [00:50:54] (20 seconds)
People are watching what we choose to stand for. People are watching who we choose to stand for. People are watching when we choose to stand, and when we choose to sit. And when you choose to stand for what the Holy Spirit stands for, Christ is always glorified. [00:52:06] (23 seconds)
If fear is what holds us back from talking to others about Jesus, what does that say about where we are looking for our joy, our satisfaction, our peace, and our security? Are we looking forward in Jesus, or are we looking forward in the world? [00:54:46] (17 seconds)
I want to challenge you that when you stand with the Holy Spirit, when you stand with Jesus, Christ is going to stand with you. Okay? I pray that you find your purpose in Christ, and know, again, yeah, I pray that you find your purpose in Christ, and it won't always be the easiest choice or the popular one, but I guarantee you it's the most rewarding one. Take the message of Jesus seriously wherever you go. [00:55:35] (33 seconds)
We thank you for the image that we have, that when we stand for you, you stand with us, and that no matter what happens to us, you will be glorified. [00:56:19] (16 seconds)
He listened to the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit told him, stand here, and I promise it's going to be okay. He didn't care about what came after. He cared about what he was being told to do. [00:49:42] (15 seconds)
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