Sermon Title: A Study in Stephen’s Life

#1: Let God use you however!
Serving in one ministry didn’t stop Stephen from using the other gifts God had given him.

God’s power & grace lays up on the clergy & the laity!

All we know Stephen is this: Acts 6:3, well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. Acts 6:5, Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Acts 6:8, a man full of God’s grace and power.

#2: Even in God’s will and plan, expect opposition.
What do we see about Stephen’s opposition?
1. It was initiated by the opposition. - vs. 9
2. It was unjust opposition. - vs. 10-11
3. God was still with him. - vs. 15

#3: Speaking the truth of God’s word, can end badly
He wasn’t just filled with the Holy Spirit, he was filled with the scriptures as well! We ALL need both.

Philippians 1:20-21,“...21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”

God didn’t abandon him in his death, Acts 7:55, “55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God...”

Fourth: You never know who’s watching you

Acts 8:1 tells us: “Saul was one of the witnesses...”

Saul was there at Stephen’s trial. Watching it all. Hearing the words. Seeing his face. Hearing his shouts.

What’s the main takeaway from Stephen’s life?
Acts 7:55, “...and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

“Now I begin to be a disciple of Christ. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Jesus Christ.” - St. Ignatius of Antioch

Live for the applause of ONE
Living for the applause of Jesus may:
... win you the respect and admiration of people.
... cost you your friends and loved ones.
... cost you your life.