You & I have been called to represent God to a lost generation. And to reach friends, family and even strangers effectively with the Gospel, we must be able to defend our faith – to know what we believe and why we believe it! Stephen does this very thing in chapter 7 by answering the accusations in 6:13-14 and, in doing so, became the first recorded Christian martyr.
1-19: He begins by explaining that he believes fully in the God of Israel. From Abraham thru Joseph he explains that Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of the old testament.
20-39: Then he goes from Moses to the Babylonian captivity explaining that he indeed does honor Moses and it was actually THEY who rejected him (39).
40-43: Basically Stephen communicates that he believes in the law and that Moses was the recipient!
44-53: Finally, Stephen explains that he does respect the temple – but hey, “God doesn’t live in houses made by men.” i.e. you look good on the outside but inside are “unclean.” And then to be clear he states, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." And you can guess what the next verse says………yep……………they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But he doesn’t stop, he continues by telling them He sees Jesus! And yep, this pushed them over their limits. They drug Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen was so focused on Jesus his only replies were “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. What a witness for Jesus! And oh, take note that the one holding the clothes of the stone tossers was Saul……
SO WHAT?!
*What do you believe about Jesus? Do you know what you believe and why? If the only answer we give in Sunday school is Jesus, God or the Bible, then it’s time to pray and start digging into God’s Word. Each of us must take ownership of our faith. Our parent’s faith, our pastor’s faith and the faith of our friends will never make us right with God. We must each own our faith!
*When is it hardest for you to stand up for what you believe? Is it in classes that teach things contrary to the Bible? Maybe it’s with your friends whom you want to like you? Or a boss that you respect? Ask God for boldness to speak the truth with gentleness and respect – He wants to give it to you and me!
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