How can you emulate Stephen's courage when facing opposition for your faith? Stephen’s Heavenly Vision: The Source of Courage “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56) • Stephen’s eyes were lifted above the hostile council to the exalted Christ. • Courage flows from a clear view of Jesus’ present authority (Matthew 28:18) and His personal advocacy for His people (Romans 8:34). Seeing Jesus Before Seeing the Threats • Hebrews 12:2 urges, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” • When Christ fills your vision, opposition shrinks to its true, temporary size (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). • Practical step: start and end each day meditating on a Gospel scene of Jesus’ power and compassion. Spirit-Filled Boldness • Stephen was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). • Acts 4:31 shows the same Spirit filling believers to “speak the word of God boldly.” • Daily ask to be filled afresh (Ephesians 5:18): yielded will, confessed sin, expectant faith. Grounded in Scripture • Stephen’s defense (Acts 7:2-53) weaves the Old Testament together, showing a mind saturated with God’s Word. • Jeremiah 15:16: “Your words were found, and I ate them.” Scripture internalized becomes courage externalized. • Build a habit: memorize key passages on suffering and hope (e.g., 1 Peter 4:12-14; Romans 8:35-39). Forgiving in the Face of Fury • “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60) • Forgiveness disarms bitterness and mirrors Jesus’ words on the cross (Luke 23:34). • Decide beforehand to respond to hostility with grace; pray for opponents by name. Living With Eternity in View • Stephen’s gaze into heaven anchored him. Colossians 3:1-2 calls believers to “set your minds on things above.” • Knowing “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) frees you from fear of loss. Practical Ways to Emulate Stephen Today – Begin every day fixing your thoughts on Christ’s throne (Revelation 1:12-18). – Ask the Spirit to fill and empower you before entering potentially hostile environments. – Stay Scripture-saturated: read broadly, memorize deeply, meditate consistently. – Share the gospel clearly; let truth, not volume, be your boldness (2 Timothy 4:2). – Cultivate forgiving reflexes: pray blessing over those who revile you (Luke 6:28). – Keep eternity in your calculations; remember the “crown of life” promised to those who stand firm (James 1:12). Following Stephen’s pattern turns opposition into an arena for displaying the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit. |
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