In this sermon, Pastor Scott Worthington preached from Acts 7:54–60, the story of Stephen’s martyrdom.
There is a version of Christianity being sold that says following Jesus means everything will go well for you. But the truth is this: Follow Jesus, and you get Jesus, come what may.
Stephen was a faithful follower of Jesus who was martyred for speaking the truth of God’s Word. His story reminds us that we too will face hardship as we follow Jesus. But in whatever we’re facing, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. God is with us.
Check out this sermon to learn more!
Sermon Notes
Acts
“The First Martyr” Acts 7:54-60
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together[a] at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:54-60
“PUFFERY”
Follow Jesus, and everything will go well for you
Follow Jesus, and you get Jesus… come what may
“‘… this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.’” John 17:3
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.” Acts 7:54
“‘You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.’” Acts 7:51-53
1. Truth either engages people or enrages people
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him…. But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.” Acts 7:54,57
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” Proverbs 9:8 (NIV)
When God's truth shows you something you don't want to see, do you lean in and learn, or did you cover your ears?
2. This world is not the end of the story
“But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” Acts 7:55-56
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3–4
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2–3
3. There is no one too far for Jesus to save
“Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Acts 7:58
"Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior." John Newton
4. There are things that can only be explained by Christ in us
“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60
What about your life can only be explained by Jesus?
