In this sermon, Pastor Scott preaches from Acts 6:8–15.
What is the goal of the Christian life? It is a relationship with God where He changes me, little by little, to look more like Jesus. From this passage, we learn from Stephen’s life, a follower of Jesus who faced persecution, that as we as we abide in Christ, we become more like Jesus, and the more we become like Jesus, the more opposition we will face. However, as followers of Jesus, we can remain confident in the face of opposition.
How can we do that? Check out this sermon to learn more.
Sermon Notes
Acts Confronting the Christlike // Acts 6:8-15
“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.’ And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:8-15
What is the goal of the Christian life?
“‘And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.’” John 17:3
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." Romans 8:29
What is the goal of the Christian life? A relationship with God where He changes me, little by little, to look more like Jesus.
“Genuine sanctification is a thing that can be seen.” J.C. Ryle
“‘I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.’” John 15:5
“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8
1. “Full of grace” - John 1:14
2. “Full of power” – Acts 10:38
3. “Wonders and signs” – Acts 2:22
You are controlled by whatever fills you
“Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” Acts 6:9-10
The more we become like Jesus, the more opposition we will face.
We Can Be Confidence in the Face of Opposition…
1. By remembering the word of God
“Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” Psalm 119:98-99
“‘But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.’” Luke 21:12-15
We cannot grow in wisdom apart from God’s word.
We Can Be Confidence in the Face of Opposition…
2. By relying on the Spirit of God
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23a
What is the goal of the Christian life? A relationship with God where He changes me, little by little, to look more like Jesus.
“Then they secretly instigated men who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.’” Acts 6:11-14
"We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." Tim Keller
“And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15
