Unlocking Spiritual Growth Through Faith and Service

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Stephen's life and death offer us a powerful narrative of faith, courage, and spiritual maturity. His story begins with his selection as one of the seven deacons, chosen to serve the early church by addressing the needs of the Hellenistic and Hebraic widows. This moment was pivotal, not only for Stephen but for the entire church, as it marked the beginning of a new phase of growth and spiritual empowerment.

Stephen was described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performing great wonders and signs among the people. His life exemplifies the concept of spiritual unlocking, where faith and action combine to release the fullness of God's power in our lives. Stephen's unwavering faith, even in the face of death, challenges us to consider what it means to truly live for Christ. His vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God as he was being stoned is a testament to his deep connection with the divine, even in his final moments.

The narrative also highlights the importance of being available and present in our spiritual journey. Stephen's readiness to serve and his presence in the community positioned him to be used mightily by God. This availability is crucial for unlocking spiritual growth and maturity, as it allows us to be part of God's unfolding story.

Furthermore, the story of Stephen serves as a reminder that every problem or challenge we face is an opportunity for God to work in and through us. The early church's issue with the distribution of food to widows was a setup for God to demonstrate His power and wisdom through the appointment of deacons. This principle holds true today, as we navigate our own challenges and seek to unlock God's best for our lives.

Finally, the message calls us to reflect on our own spiritual journey and the steps we need to take to unlock the fullness of God's plan for us. Whether it's being more present, taking a step of faith, or saying yes to God's call, we are encouraged to be active participants in our spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stephen's Faith and Vision: Stephen's life exemplifies unwavering faith and spiritual vision. Even as he faced death, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, illustrating a profound connection with the divine. This challenges us to maintain our faith and spiritual focus, even in the most difficult circumstances. [43:49]

2. Spiritual Unlocking Through Service: Stephen's selection as a deacon highlights the importance of being available and present in our spiritual journey. His readiness to serve unlocked the fullness of God's power in his life, demonstrating that spiritual growth often comes through humble service and obedience. [47:46]

3. Problems as Opportunities for God: The early church's challenge with the distribution of food was an opportunity for God to work. Similarly, every problem we face is a setup for divine intervention, reminding us that God can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. [55:13]

4. The Power of Community and Delegation: The apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities to the deacons underscores the importance of community and shared ministry. By involving others in the work of the church, we create opportunities for growth and spiritual maturity for everyone involved. [58:48]

5. Taking Steps of Faith: Unlocking spiritual maturity requires both faith and action. Stephen's life teaches us that saying yes to God's call and taking steps of faith are essential for experiencing the fullness of God's plan for our lives. We are encouraged to ask ourselves what steps we need to take today to grow closer to God. [01:06:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [43:49] - Stephen's Vision and Faith
- [45:44] - The Prequel to Stephen's Story
- [47:46] - Spiritual Unlocking Through Service
- [50:11] - The Concept of Spiritual Unlocking
- [52:20] - Opposition and the Lock
- [55:13] - Problems as Opportunities for God
- [56:24] - God's Power in Our Weakness
- [57:30] - The Importance of Being Present
- [58:48] - Community and Delegation
- [59:40] - The Role of Deacons
- [01:00:14] - Being Known by the Spirit
- [01:01:02] - Stephen's Availability and Presence
- [01:03:24] - Spiritual Growth and Maturity
- [01:06:22] - Taking Steps of Faith

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1-7
- Acts 7:54-60

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the issue that arose in the early church regarding the distribution of food, and how was it addressed? [45:44]
2. How is Stephen described in Acts 6, and what role was he chosen for? [47:46]
3. What vision did Stephen have as he was being stoned, and how did he respond to his persecutors? [43:49]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God signify about his relationship with the divine? [43:49]
2. How does the appointment of deacons in Acts 6 demonstrate the importance of community and delegation in the church? [58:48]
3. In what ways does Stephen's story illustrate the concept of "spiritual unlocking" through service and faith? [50:11]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge that seemed like an obstacle. How can you view such challenges as opportunities for God to work in your life? [55:13]
2. Stephen was described as being full of faith and the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [47:46]
3. Consider the role of service in your spiritual journey. How can you be more available and present in your community to unlock spiritual growth? [57:30]
4. Stephen's unwavering faith in the face of death is inspiring. How can you maintain your faith and spiritual focus during difficult times? [43:49]
5. The apostles delegated responsibilities to others to focus on prayer and ministry. How can you practice delegation in your life to focus on what God has called you to do? [58:48]
6. What is one step of faith you feel called to take in your spiritual journey? How can you act on this calling this week? [01:06:22]
7. Stephen's story reminds us of the power of being present. How can you be more present in your spiritual journey and open to God's call? [01:01:02]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Adversity
Stephen's life is a testament to unwavering faith and spiritual vision. As he faced death, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, illustrating a profound connection with the divine. This challenges us to maintain our faith and spiritual focus, even in the most difficult circumstances. Stephen's vision of Jesus during his martyrdom serves as a powerful reminder that our faith can sustain us through any trial. His story encourages us to look beyond our immediate struggles and focus on the eternal perspective that faith provides. [43:49]

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: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to the eternal perspective that faith offers?

Day 2: Service as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth
Stephen's selection as a deacon highlights the importance of being available and present in our spiritual journey. His readiness to serve unlocked the fullness of God's power in his life, demonstrating that spiritual growth often comes through humble service and obedience. By serving others, we open ourselves to God's transformative work in our lives. This principle encourages us to seek opportunities to serve within our communities, knowing that through service, we can experience profound spiritual growth and maturity. [47:46]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week. How might this act of service contribute to your spiritual growth?

Day 3: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
The early church's challenge with the distribution of food was an opportunity for God to work. Similarly, every problem we face is a setup for divine intervention, reminding us that God can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. This perspective encourages us to view our difficulties not as obstacles but as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and wisdom in our lives. By trusting in God's plan, we can find purpose and growth in the midst of adversity. [55:13]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How can you reframe it as an opportunity for God to work in your life?

Day 4: The Strength of Community and Shared Ministry
The apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities to the deacons underscores the importance of community and shared ministry. By involving others in the work of the church, we create opportunities for growth and spiritual maturity for everyone involved. This principle highlights the strength found in community and the importance of working together to fulfill God's purposes. It encourages us to actively participate in our church communities, knowing that shared ministry leads to collective growth and empowerment. [58:48]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you contribute to shared ministry and support others in their spiritual journeys?

Day 5: Taking Bold Steps of Faith
Unlocking spiritual maturity requires both faith and action. Stephen's life teaches us that saying yes to God's call and taking steps of faith are essential for experiencing the fullness of God's plan for our lives. We are encouraged to ask ourselves what steps we need to take today to grow closer to God. This involves being open to God's leading and willing to step out in faith, trusting that He will guide and empower us along the way. [01:06:22]

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Reflection: What is one step of faith you feel God is calling you to take today? How can you trust Him to guide you as you take this step?

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Quotes

"Stephen was a man who was full of the spirit and wise, and we'll talk about that, but Stephen was doing incredible things. And the people, the religious leaders of the time, did not like it, and so they began to spread false testimony about Stephen, and people said things and manipulated what he was saying, enough to where the Sanhedrin, those who were in leadership of the Jewish faith, they brought Stephen before them, and maybe in a situation like this, Stephen was before them on the ground. And it says, just to note, that when they looked at Stephen and they were analyzing him, they looked at him, his face looked like that of an angel. And I feel like that gives us a glimpse as to how close Stephen was to the Lord in that moment." [00:43:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. See, I believe this moment was a spiritual unlock for Stephen. I believe this story is so important for Stephen because, it unlocked the fullness of God in his life." [00:47:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"I believe that unlocking our faith is found in giving away ministry and say, hey, we want you to take ownership of what God is doing here. Ephesians 4 talks about it. To equip his people for the works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature." [00:59:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Stephen was full of the spirit and wisdom. Why? Because Stephen was chosen. So before Stephen was selected to be one of the first deacons to do the work, to say yes, to say, God, I'll do what you call me to do, to become a martyr, he was available and he was present." [01:01:02] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Our third and final thing I want us to see today is the prize was spiritual growth and maturity. If what we're unlocking today, I believe is spiritual maturity, is growth, is holiness. Here's proof of that. What happens?" [01:03:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Before Stephen, who we all know, if we've grown up in church, his story of being stoned to death for his faith, and catching a glimpse of heaven on his way to heaven, preaching a message, worshiping Jesus as he lost his life on earth, but received his inheritance, first became a deacon. He first said yes." [01:06:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God did not breathe into you and have a plan for your life and cause you to exist and do the things you have done without designing something special for you and for me in the kingdom of God to be used by him. Amen. Amen. Amen. If you need to hear that today, please receive that. Please hear that. If you've been waiting on a sign to say yes, take this as your sign and say yes today." [01:07:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Say, Jesus, yes, I'm in for whatever you called me to do. I don't know where it's going to be, what it's going to be, or when it's going to be, but I'm in. I'm putting my yes on the table. I'm willing. I'm here. I'm present. Maybe for you, hey, it's the fact that you're in church today." [01:09:55] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

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