The Gospel's Historical Foundation and God's Glory

 

Summary

In this evening's reflection, we delve into the profound speech delivered by Stephen before the Sanhedrin, as recorded in the book of Acts. Stephen, a deacon in the early Christian Church, was accused of blasphemy against Moses and God. In his defense, he offers a sweeping review of Jewish history, not merely as a recounting of past events but as a means to reveal the misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the religious leaders of his time. Stephen's address is not just a historical lecture; it is a powerful exposition of the gospel's relevance to the modern world and our personal lives.

The core of Stephen's message is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which remains the only hope for humanity. The rejection of the gospel, both in Stephen's time and today, often stems from a misunderstanding of its essence. People tend to rely on their own religious practices and good deeds, failing to recognize their utter dependence on Jesus Christ. Stephen's speech challenges us to confront our prejudices and misconceptions, urging us to listen with open minds and hearts.

Stephen's approach is a reminder that the gospel is deeply rooted in history. It is not merely a collection of moral teachings or philosophical ideas but a narrative of God's actions throughout time. The Old Testament history is integral to understanding the New Testament, as it provides the prophecy and preparation for the gospel fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The gospel's message is not confined to the present; it encompasses the entirety of history and the cosmos.

The starting point of the gospel is not humanity's problems or needs but the God of glory. This transcendent God, who revealed Himself to Abraham, is above all creation and human understanding. The modern tendency to start with man and his issues is a fundamental error. Instead, we must begin with God, recognizing His majesty, holiness, and justice. This revelation of God's glory leads us to a place of reverence and awe, acknowledging our own unworthiness and need for His grace.

Ultimately, the gospel reveals God's glory most fully in the person of Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the face of God, offering rest and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This is the good news that transforms lives and offers hope in a world desperate for meaning and redemption.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel's Historical Foundation: The gospel is not just a set of moral teachings but a historical narrative of God's actions. Understanding the Old Testament is crucial to grasping the New Testament, as it provides the prophecy and preparation for the gospel fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This historical perspective helps us see the gospel's relevance to our lives today. [19:19]

- The Misunderstanding of Religion: Many reject the gospel because they rely on their own religious practices and good deeds, failing to recognize their dependence on Jesus Christ. Stephen's speech challenges us to confront our prejudices and misconceptions, urging us to listen with open minds and hearts. [05:55]

- The God of Glory: The starting point of the gospel is the God of glory, not humanity's problems or needs. This transcendent God, who revealed Himself to Abraham, is above all creation and human understanding. Recognizing His majesty, holiness, and justice leads us to a place of reverence and awe. [29:22]

- The Limitations of Human Reason: While reason and understanding have their place, they are limited in comprehending the fullness of God's glory. The world by wisdom knew not God, and our only hope is that God reveals Himself to us, which He has done through creation, history, and ultimately in Jesus Christ. [39:25]

- The Revelation of God in Christ: The gospel reveals God's glory most fully in Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the face of God, offering rest and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This is the good news that transforms lives and offers hope in a world desperate for meaning and redemption. [57:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Stephen's Speech
- [00:35] - Charges Against Stephen
- [01:58] - Stephen's Defense Begins
- [03:04] - Relevance of Stephen's Address
- [04:41] - Misunderstanding of Jewish History
- [06:12] - Stephen's Preaching Approach
- [08:46] - Review of Jewish History
- [10:09] - Importance of Historical Context
- [12:45] - The Gospel's Historical Foundation
- [19:19] - Old Testament's Role in the Gospel
- [22:31] - Christianity's Interest in History
- [29:22] - The God of Glory
- [39:25] - Limitations of Human Reason
- [57:39] - Revelation of God in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-50
- Genesis 12:1-3
- John 1:14

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the charges brought against Stephen, and how did he respond to them? ([01:26])
2. How does Stephen use Jewish history in his defense before the Sanhedrin? ([09:04])
3. What is the significance of Stephen referring to God as the "God of glory" in his speech? ([29:22])
4. How does Stephen's speech challenge the religious leaders' understanding of their own history and practices? ([04:53])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Stephen begin his defense with a historical review, and what does this reveal about the nature of the gospel? ([09:32])
2. How does the concept of the "God of glory" challenge modern perceptions of God and humanity's place in the universe? ([29:22])
3. In what ways does Stephen's speech highlight the limitations of human reason in understanding God's glory? ([39:25])
4. How does Stephen's address illustrate the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament? ([19:19])

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Application Questions:

1. Stephen's speech emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical foundation of the gospel. How can you deepen your understanding of the Old Testament to better grasp the New Testament? ([19:19])

2. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own religious practices or good deeds. How can you shift your focus to recognize your dependence on Jesus Christ? ([05:55])

3. The sermon suggests that many people reject the gospel due to misunderstandings. What are some common misconceptions about Christianity that you have encountered, and how can you address them in conversations with others? ([04:24])

4. Stephen's speech calls for open-mindedness and a willingness to confront prejudices. What are some personal biases you might have that could hinder your understanding of the gospel? How can you work to overcome them? ([07:44])

5. The sermon highlights the importance of starting with God rather than humanity's problems. How can you reorient your daily life to begin with a focus on God's glory and majesty? ([29:43])

6. Consider the ways in which the gospel has transformed your life. How can you share this transformative power with someone who is seeking meaning and redemption? ([57:39])

7. Reflect on the idea that the gospel encompasses the entirety of history and the cosmos. How does this perspective change the way you view your own life and purpose? ([28:44])

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Historical Foundation
The gospel is not just a set of moral teachings but a historical narrative of God's actions. Understanding the Old Testament is crucial to grasping the New Testament, as it provides the prophecy and preparation for the gospel fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This historical perspective helps us see the gospel's relevance to our lives today. The story of God's interaction with humanity is woven throughout history, showing us that the gospel is deeply rooted in the past, yet profoundly relevant to the present. By recognizing this, we can appreciate the continuity of God's plan and see how it unfolds in our own lives. [19:19]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the lessons from the Old Testament into your understanding of the gospel today?


Day 2: The Misunderstanding of Religion
Many reject the gospel because they rely on their own religious practices and good deeds, failing to recognize their dependence on Jesus Christ. Stephen's speech challenges us to confront our prejudices and misconceptions, urging us to listen with open minds and hearts. Often, people fall into the trap of thinking that their religious rituals or moral behavior can earn them favor with God. However, the essence of the gospel is that salvation is a gift, not something to be earned. By acknowledging our dependence on Christ, we can move beyond mere religious observance to a genuine relationship with God. [05:55]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts rather than on Christ's grace for your spiritual growth?


Day 3: The God of Glory
The starting point of the gospel is the God of glory, not humanity's problems or needs. This transcendent God, who revealed Himself to Abraham, is above all creation and human understanding. Recognizing His majesty, holiness, and justice leads us to a place of reverence and awe. The modern tendency to focus on human issues first is a fundamental error. Instead, we must begin with God, acknowledging His greatness and our own need for His grace. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to the divine, allowing us to see our lives in the context of God's eternal plan. [29:22]

"To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these?" (Isaiah 40:25-26a, ESV)

Reflection: How can you start your day by focusing on God's glory rather than your own needs or problems?


Day 4: The Limitations of Human Reason
While reason and understanding have their place, they are limited in comprehending the fullness of God's glory. The world by wisdom knew not God, and our only hope is that God reveals Himself to us, which He has done through creation, history, and ultimately in Jesus Christ. Human wisdom can only take us so far; it is through divine revelation that we truly come to know God. This understanding calls us to humility, recognizing that our intellect is not the ultimate source of truth. Instead, we rely on God's self-disclosure to guide us into deeper knowledge and relationship with Him. [39:25]

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's wisdom rather than your own understanding?


Day 5: The Revelation of God in Christ
The gospel reveals God's glory most fully in Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the face of God, offering rest and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This is the good news that transforms lives and offers hope in a world desperate for meaning and redemption. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's character and purpose, embodying the love and grace that God extends to humanity. By turning to Christ, we find the fulfillment of God's promises and the assurance of His presence in our lives. [57:39]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you more fully embrace the rest and salvation offered by Jesus in your daily life?

Quotes

The core of Stephen's message is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which remains the only hope for humanity. The rejection of the gospel, both in Stephen's time and today, often stems from a misunderstanding of its essence. People tend to rely on their own religious practices and good deeds, failing to recognize their utter dependence on Jesus Christ. [00:03:49]

Stephen shows them so plainly as our Lord Himself had done before him that they have completely misunderstood the nature, the character, and the intent and the purpose of the law. Now that's exactly what he does and by in dealing with this last Sunday night and I've just given you a summary of what I said I showed that this is still the problem. [00:05:12]

The gospel is not just a set of moral teachings but a historical narrative of God's actions. Understanding the Old Testament is crucial to grasping the New Testament, as it provides the prophecy and preparation for the gospel fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This historical perspective helps us see the gospel's relevance to our lives today. [00:19:19]

The starting point of the gospel is the God of glory, not humanity's problems or needs. This transcendent God, who revealed Himself to Abraham, is above all creation and human understanding. Recognizing His majesty, holiness, and justice leads us to a place of reverence and awe. [00:29:22]

The world by wisdom knew not God, and this is the tragedy of modern men. He thinks he is big enough to arrive at God and to understand God. He thinks he can encompass the whole glory of God with his little lion before the fall. What else can you call him trying to comprehend the incomprehensible? [00:38:54]

The gospel reveals God's glory most fully in Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the face of God, offering rest and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This is the good news that transforms lives and offers hope in a world desperate for meaning and redemption. [00:57:39]

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not merely interested in moral problems or ethical problems. Of course, it's interested in them. I'm saying it's not only interested in them. People will persist in thinking that the Bible is just a collection of moral Maxim's and moral teaching. It is that, but it's infinitely more than that. [00:27:04]

The God of glory is one who is entirely beyond men's mind and reason, entirely beyond men's searching. The God of glory is incomprehensive, immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes, most glorious, most perfect, the Ancient of Days, a billion in splendor and girded with praise. [00:38:09]

The gospel insists upon your facing the whole of the story. And let me put it like this job here is Steven making this review of the history of the Jews. You says that has anything to do with us. It has a tremendous lot to do with us. What because we're interested in Jews as individuals. [00:24:39]

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not merely interested in moral problems or ethical problems. Of course, it's interested in them. I'm saying it's not only interested in them. People will persist in thinking that the Bible is just a collection of moral Maxim's and moral teaching. It is that, but it's infinitely more than that. [00:27:04]

The gospel reveals God's glory most fully in Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the face of God, offering rest and salvation to all who come to Him in repentance and faith. This is the good news that transforms lives and offers hope in a world desperate for meaning and redemption. [00:57:39]

The God of glory is one who is entirely beyond men's mind and reason, entirely beyond men's searching. The God of glory is incomprehensive, immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes, most glorious, most perfect, the Ancient of Days, a billion in splendor and girded with praise. [00:38:09]

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Transcript
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