Stephen's Defense: Hope and Redemption in the Gospel

 

Summary

In the seventh chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we find Stephen, the first Christian martyr, standing before the Sanhedrin, defending himself against false charges. Stephen's speech is not merely a defense but a profound exposition of the Christian faith, highlighting the essence of the Gospel. This message is crucial for us today, as we live in a world filled with uncertainty, calamity, and confusion. Human wisdom and philosophy have failed to provide answers to life's fundamental questions, leaving us in a state of helplessness. However, the Gospel offers a message of hope and redemption, addressing the deepest needs of humanity.

Stephen's speech begins with a call to listen, urging us to open our minds and hearts to the truth of God's message. He recounts the history of the Jewish people, emphasizing that the Gospel is rooted in historical events and facts. The message starts with God, the God of Glory, who revealed Himself to Abraham. This revelation is the foundation of the Gospel, highlighting God's relationship with the world and His redemptive purpose.

The world, as described in the Bible, is under the judgment of God due to the sin and rebellion of humanity. This has resulted in a world filled with suffering, calamity, and death. However, God's redemptive plan offers hope. He has not abandoned the world but has initiated a plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. This plan is not only for individual salvation but also for the cosmic restoration of the entire creation.

God's initiative in redemption is driven by His glory, grace, mercy, and love. He seeks to restore the world to its original perfection, ultimately bringing about a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This message of hope and redemption is the only answer to the world's problems, offering comfort and assurance in the midst of life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

- The Essence of the Gospel: The Gospel is rooted in historical events and facts, beginning with God's revelation to Abraham. It emphasizes God's relationship with the world and His redemptive purpose, offering hope and salvation to humanity. [07:31]

- The World's Condition: The world is under God's judgment due to human sin and rebellion. This has resulted in suffering, calamity, and death. However, God's redemptive plan offers hope for restoration and renewal. [25:17]

- God's Initiative in Redemption: God's plan of redemption is entirely His initiative, driven by His glory, grace, mercy, and love. He seeks to restore the world to its original perfection, ultimately bringing about a new heavens and a new earth. [39:34]

- Individual and Cosmic Redemption: The Gospel offers both individual salvation and cosmic restoration. While individuals can experience personal salvation and transformation, the entire creation will ultimately be restored to its original glory. [50:25]

- Hope in God's Plan: In a world filled with uncertainty and calamity, the Gospel offers a message of hope and assurance. God's redemptive plan provides comfort and assurance, promising a future where righteousness dwells and all suffering is eradicated. [54:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Stephen's Speech
- [01:06] - Stephen's Defense Before the Sanhedrin
- [02:28] - The Essence of the Christian Faith
- [03:21] - The World's Condition and Human Helplessness
- [04:30] - The Gospel as the Only Answer
- [05:18] - The Call to Listen and Understand
- [07:16] - The Historical Basis of the Gospel
- [08:42] - God's Revelation to Abraham
- [09:18] - Misunderstandings of the Gospel
- [11:32] - The State of the World and Human Sin
- [18:24] - The Biblical Explanation of the World's Condition
- [24:28] - God's Relationship to the Fallen World
- [35:45] - God's Redemptive Purpose
- [50:25] - Individual and Cosmic Redemption
- [54:20] - The Hope of a New Creation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-2
- Genesis 3:17-19
- Romans 8:18-22

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the false charges brought against Stephen, and how did he respond to them? ([01:24])

2. How does Stephen's speech in Acts 7 emphasize the historical basis of the Gospel? ([07:31])

3. What is the significance of God appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia according to the sermon? ([08:42])

4. How does the sermon describe the condition of the world and humanity's role in it? ([15:09])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the world's current state of suffering and calamity in light of the biblical narrative? ([18:24])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's plan of redemption is both individual and cosmic? ([50:25])

3. How does the sermon interpret the role of human wisdom and philosophy in addressing life's fundamental questions? ([04:15])

4. What does the sermon suggest about God's initiative in redemption and its implications for humanity? ([39:34])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt helpless in the face of life's challenges. How can the message of hope and redemption in the Gospel provide comfort in such situations? ([04:45])

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening with an open mind. How can you practice this in your daily life, especially when engaging with differing viewpoints? ([06:46])

3. Consider the historical basis of the Gospel as presented in the sermon. How does this understanding impact your faith and how you share it with others? ([07:31])

4. The sermon describes the world as being under God's judgment due to sin. How does this perspective influence your view of current global events and personal challenges? ([25:17])

5. God's plan of redemption is described as being driven by His glory, grace, mercy, and love. How can you reflect these attributes in your interactions with others this week? ([39:34])

6. The sermon speaks of both individual and cosmic redemption. How can you contribute to the restoration and renewal of your community or environment? ([50:25])

7. In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan, both in your personal life and in the broader world? ([54:20])

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Historical Foundation
The Gospel is not a myth or a mere philosophical idea; it is deeply rooted in historical events and facts. It begins with God's revelation to Abraham, establishing a relationship with humanity that is both personal and redemptive. This foundation is crucial because it assures us that our faith is based on reality, not fiction. The Gospel's historical basis provides a solid ground for our hope and belief, reminding us that God's promises are trustworthy and have been fulfilled throughout history. As we reflect on this, we are called to open our minds and hearts to the truth of God's message, just as Stephen urged his listeners to do. [07:31]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"

Reflection: How does knowing the historical foundation of the Gospel strengthen your faith today? Can you identify a specific promise of God that you have seen fulfilled in your life or in history?


Day 2: Humanity's Condition and God's Judgment
The world is under God's judgment due to human sin and rebellion, resulting in suffering, calamity, and death. This condition is not just a distant theological concept but a reality we experience daily. The brokenness of the world is evident in the pain and chaos around us. However, this is not the end of the story. God's redemptive plan offers hope for restoration and renewal. He has not abandoned us but has initiated a plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, addressing the deepest needs of humanity and offering a way out of our helplessness. [25:17]

Isaiah 24:5-6 (ESV): "The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched, and few men are left."

Reflection: In what ways do you see the effects of sin and brokenness in the world around you? How can you be a part of God's redemptive plan in your community today?


Day 3: God's Initiative in Redemption
God's plan of redemption is entirely His initiative, driven by His glory, grace, mercy, and love. He seeks to restore the world to its original perfection, ultimately bringing about a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. This divine initiative assures us that salvation is not dependent on human effort but on God's sovereign will and purpose. It is a reminder of His unwavering commitment to His creation and His desire to see it restored to its intended glory. As we reflect on this, we are invited to trust in God's plan and participate in His work of redemption. [39:34]

Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV): "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Reflection: How does understanding that redemption is God's initiative change your perspective on your role in His plan? What is one way you can actively participate in God's work of restoration today?


Day 4: Individual and Cosmic Redemption
The Gospel offers both individual salvation and cosmic restoration. While individuals can experience personal salvation and transformation, the entire creation will ultimately be restored to its original glory. This dual aspect of redemption highlights the comprehensive nature of God's plan, which encompasses both personal and universal dimensions. It assures us that our personal faith journey is part of a larger narrative of cosmic renewal. As we embrace this truth, we are encouraged to live out our faith with the hope and expectation of the new creation that God has promised. [50:25]

Romans 8:19-21 (ESV): "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

Reflection: How does the promise of cosmic restoration influence your view of the world and your place in it? What is one practical step you can take to align your life with the hope of the new creation?


Day 5: Hope in God's Plan
In a world filled with uncertainty and calamity, the Gospel offers a message of hope and assurance. God's redemptive plan provides comfort and assurance, promising a future where righteousness dwells and all suffering is eradicated. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's promises and faithfulness. It is a source of strength and encouragement as we navigate the challenges of life, reminding us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed. As we hold onto this hope, we are called to be beacons of light and hope in a world that desperately needs it. [54:20]

2 Peter 3:13 (ESV): "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to hold onto the hope of God's promises more firmly? How can you share this hope with someone who is struggling today?

Quotes



The world that you and I are living in is a world that is under the Judgment of God. If you don't understand that you'll never understand the gospel. It's not surprising people reject the gospel who don't understand this. You see they don't think deeply; they think superficially. But you've got to come back, and the first statement here is that the world is under the Judgment of God. Individual men is under the Judgment of God. [00:25:17]

The world is still like that, and then you have the history of those cities of the plane called Sodom and Gomorrah and the vice and the filth and the foulness. That's men, that's men in the world, that's the story. You get many other descriptions of it in the Old Testament, and there is an extraordinary description of it all in the New Testament in the epistle to the Romans. [00:13:48]

The gospel you see is based on history, not a mere theory, not a mere philosophy. It's historical events and facts, and we must never forget that. And then we ended on this extraordinary note: the God of Glory appeared to Abraham. The God of Glory, that's where the gospel starts. That's always the beginning of the Gospel. You don't start with men; you start with God, the God of Glory. [00:07:31]

God's Redemptive purpose. Here's the very heart of the Gospel. Why did God appear to Abraham? He appeared to Abram because he wanted to tell him about his Plan of Redemption, the way of the restoration of this old world that had gone astray. This is the great theme of The Bible. That's why Steven starts with it. [00:35:45]

This purpose of redemption is first a Redemption for individuals. You can be saved out of this present evil world now, individually. It's a personal gospel. Abraham, an individual, read your whole Bible. God deals with individuals primarily, and he can take hold of a man and lift him out of the circumstances, out of the mess, the horror, the cess of sin, and raise him up and make a new man of him and turn him into a saint. [00:50:25]

God's plan of redemption is entirely His initiative, driven by His glory, grace, mercy, and love. He seeks to restore the world to its original perfection, ultimately bringing about a new heavens and a new earth. This message of hope and redemption is the only answer to the world's problems, offering comfort and assurance in the midst of life's challenges. [00:39:34]

The world is under God's judgment due to human sin and rebellion. This has resulted in suffering, calamity, and death. However, God's redemptive plan offers hope for restoration and renewal. The Gospel offers both individual salvation and cosmic restoration. While individuals can experience personal salvation and transformation, the entire creation will ultimately be restored to its original glory. [00:54:20]

The God of Glory appeared to Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran. Now, what does this mean? Well, here it is, let me put it like this to you: the God of Glory, Abraham in Mesopotamia. What is this man? Well, here is the very essence of the message: God and the world and the relationship between the two, especially God's relationship to the world of men. [00:09:18]

The world, as described in the Bible, is under the judgment of God due to the sin and rebellion of humanity. This has resulted in a world filled with suffering, calamity, and death. However, God's redemptive plan offers hope. He has not abandoned the world but has initiated a plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. This plan is not only for individual salvation but also for the cosmic restoration of the entire creation. [00:18:24]

The God of Glory appeared to Our Father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran. Now, what does this mean? Well, here it is, let me put it like this to you: the God of Glory, Abraham in Mesopotamia. What is this man? Well, here is the very essence of the message: God and the world and the relationship between the two, especially God's relationship to the world of men. [00:07:16]

The God of Glory appeared to Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran. Now, what does this mean? Well, here it is, let me put it like this to you: the God of Glory, Abraham in Mesopotamia. What is this man? Well, here is the very essence of the message: God and the world and the relationship between the two, especially God's relationship to the world of men. [00:04:30]

The God of Glory appeared to Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran. Now, what does this mean? Well, here it is, let me put it like this to you: the God of Glory, Abraham in Mesopotamia. What is this man? Well, here is the very essence of the message: God and the world and the relationship between the two, especially God's relationship to the world of men. [00:03:21]

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Transcript
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