TITLE: Stephen SCRIPTURE: Acts 6 & 7

BIG IDEA: During the birth of the Church, the Holy Spirit began to move through Jesus’ disciples to clearly define a new way to worship. Stephen’s testimony of God’s faithfulness in the face of oppression leads to the scattering of Christians from Jerusalem and extends the reach of the gospel. Having greater concern for the God who created him than he did for those in the Jewish authority, Stephen’s story is one of spiritual strength and conviction in the midst of persecution.

1. STEPHEN’S CHARGES – READ Acts 7:1-53 CONTEXT: This speech by Stephen in Acts 7 is the longest recorded monologue in the book of Acts. In it, Luke records an explanation and defense of this new way of worship. He shows that the disciples of Jesus were fulfilling God’s plan in spite of extreme opposition by the religious tradition. Stephen demonstrates the supremacy of Christ by pointing to the patriarchs of the faith who were also rejected before being accepted, similar to Jesus. It opens and closes with a full understanding of the glory of God and denotes that a proper response to that glory is submission and worship. A. How would you describe Stephen’s rebuke of the Sanhedrin after being charged by them? What is the point he makes in verses 44-50 about the temple and God’s presence? B. In what ways do these spiritual leaders hold onto religious rituals? Do you think any of the charges Stephen makes against the Sanhedrin could be made about us in 2020? C. How have your past experiences, hurts, and assumptions caused you to be “stiff-necked?” What truths has God brought to light that have changed the way you submit to His lordship?

2. STEPHEN’S STRONGEST STATEMENT – READ Acts 7:54-60; Hebrews 12:1-2 CONTEXT: Stephen’s speech caused a revolution in the attitudes of the Jewish leaders who were listening, and his martyrdom ushers in a new wave of persecution of the Christians. Luke records both the Sanhedrin’s building anger in response to the message and Stephen’s ultimate confession. Stephen’s gaze was on the source of his hope in the heavens, and in his final moments of life, he was given a vision of the glorified Christ. A. What was it about Stephen’s speech that ignited the rage of the Sanhedrin? Where does Stephen’s attention turn to in this pivotal moment? B. Can you remember any of the similarities that Brad listed between Stephen’s death and that of Jesus? As Christians, what are some obvious differences? C. What does it look like to finish the race of life faithfully? Based on your understanding of Hebrews 12:1-2, how does Christ function as our greatest example of endurance in the face of death?

PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Pray for God to raise up a generation of those who cling to true worship above religion. Ask God to give you and your group strength, wisdom, and endurance to finish well in life. B. ACTION: In your time alone with God this week, consider reading through Hebrews 11 and 12 to consider those who, though flawed, finished well in the faith. Write down what finishing well might look like for you.