Suffering for the Gospel

The Gospel Story
Suffering For The Gospel
Acts 6:8-7:60

Jesus told us that suffering would be part of the Gospel Story as we follow Christ in this sin distorted world. 

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21, ESV) 

“Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41, ESV) 

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,” (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV) 

“But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:15–16, ESV)

Life Lessons From One Man’s Life Stephen Was A Man of...

1. Noble Character (6:5,8)

• Faith
• Holy Spirit
• Grace
• Power

2. Extraordinary Courage (6:9-7:53)

Stephen was committed to living and speaking the truth even in the face of severe opposition and life-threatening circumstances.

He challenged the crowd’s 3 false basis for security with God:

• The Land
• The Law
• The Temple

3. Transformed Countenance (6:15)

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” (Exodus 34:29–30, ESV)

4 Reminders From Stephen’s Life

1. Following God completely doesn’t always guarantee us Safety but God does guarantee us Strength.

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood  by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” (2 Timothy 4:16–17, ESV)

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, ESV)

2. No matter the circumstances, we are still called to Obey God.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:16–18, ESV)

“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” Charles Stanley

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, ESV)

3. In the midst of troubling circumstances, Fix your focus on Jesus. (7:55-56)

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:2–3, ESV)

4. Trust that God can use the situation to bring about His good. (7:58; 8:1)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Making It Personal:

• Have you personally turned from your sin, trusted in Christ’s provision through the cross and surrendered your life to His rule and reign?
• Have you experienced suffering in the past for following Christ? How have you responded to this suffering?
• What can you do now to prepare for a probable increase in persecution and suffering for those that are genuinely following Jesus?
• Where in your life is Christ calling you to “Obey God and leave all of the consequences to Him?”
• Who can you share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

• Text Next to 803-637-8484
• Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”