Sunday, August 14, 2022
“Radical Faith”
Acts 6:8-7:60
Memory Verse: “These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” – Acts 6:9b-10
Big Idea: Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, was a man of radical faith who was unafraid to speak the truth about Jesus and was an example of Jesus in the way he faced his opposition and death.
Stephen was…
- Full of Wisdom
“They could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” (6:10)
“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (Luke 21:15).
- Full of the Holy Spirit
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)
- Full of Faith
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matt. 16:25)
- Full of God’s Grace
“We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14b)
- Full of God’s Power
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)
“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matt. 7:16a)
Stephen knew…
- The Scriptures
- His Audience
- Jesus
Table Discussion
Directions: Take a few minutes in silence to reflect on the message and think through the reflection questions below. When instructed, take turns sharing your responses with others at your table.
- Do you know the scriptures? Do you know the promises of God? What can/will you do to grow in your knowledge of the Bible?
- Do you know the people you are trying to reach? Who’s your audience? What does the Gospel mean to them? How can you share the Gospel in a meaningful way with them?
- Do you know Jesus? Are you remaining/abiding in him? Are you seeking his will? Are you in tune with the Spirit? What do you need to do in order to live a life of radical faith like Stephen?