These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction

• Stephen’s sermon shows from the scriptures the Israelite pattern of rejecting God and ignoring His predictions of the future Messiah.
• R.C. Sproul, “No man was ever more loving than Jesus Christ, yet even His love made people angry.”

Stephen Was…

• Of good repute. Acts 6:3.
• Full of the Spirit. Acts 6:3, 10, 7:55.
• Full of Wisdom. Acts 6:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16.
• Appointed to serve. Acts 6:3-6.
• Full of Grace. Acts 6:8, 7:60.
• Full of Power. Acts 6:8, 10.
• Doing great wonders and signs. Acts 6:8.
• Acts 6:11-14.
• Acts 6:15.
• Acts 7:2-53.
• Skilled in the scriptures. Acts 7:2-53, 7:42-43, 7:49-50; Amos 5:25-27; Psalm 11:4; Isaiah 66:1-2.
• Acts 7:51-53.
• Acts 7:55-56; Psalm 72:14, 116:15.
• Acts 7:60, 8:1, 22:20; Romans 1:32.
• Like his Savior in his death. Acts 7:60.

Stephen’s actions precipitated…

• The rage of the opposition. Acts 7:54, 57-58, 8:1, 3.
• The spread of the gospel. Acts 8:2, 4.
• The saving of many souls. Acts 8:4-40.
• The approval of his Savior. Acts 7:55-56, 59-60; Matthew 25:21.

Encouragements

• Understand and trust Jesus’ love for His people.
• Do not reject the continuing witness of God.
• Faithfulness is God’s standard for His people.
• Faithfulness is rewarded with the glory and presence of God.
• God will see to the results.
• Go and make disciples.

Check out the true story behind the hymn, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” at https://believersportal.com/the-true-story-behind-the-hymn-i-have-decided-to-follow-jesus/