How can we be "full of grace and power" like Stephen in Acts 6:8? Stephen’s Snapshot “Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8) Luke adds earlier that Stephen was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). Grace, power, faith, and the Spirit all flow together in one life. The Single Source: The Holy Spirit • Acts 6:3, 5 – the apostles look for men “full of the Spirit.” • Zechariah 4:6 – “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD.” • Ephesians 5:18 – “be filled with the Spirit.” Everything Stephen displayed came from the indwelling Spirit. To share his fullness: 1. Be born again through faith in Christ (John 3:5–6). 2. Yield daily to the Spirit’s control—confess sin quickly, obey promptly (Galatians 5:16). Growing in Grace Grace is God’s favor expressed in practical help and transformed character. • Stay rooted in Scripture – “the word of His grace” builds us up (Acts 20:32). • Abide in Christ – “grace upon grace” flows from Him (John 1:16). • Walk humbly – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Extend forgiveness – freely received grace becomes freely given grace (Ephesians 4:32). Growing in Power Biblical power is Spirit-given ability to witness, serve, and endure. • Embrace the gospel – “the message of the cross…is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Pray with expectancy – after prayer “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word…with boldness” (Acts 4:31). • Stand on the promises – “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). • Strengthen faith – “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1). Practices That Feed Both Grace and Power • Daily Scripture intake – renews the mind and fuels faith (Romans 10:17). • Regular fasting and worship – sharpens spiritual sensitivity (Acts 13:2–3). • Gospel-driven service – Stephen waited on tables before he worked miracles (Acts 6:2–5). • Fellowship with Spirit-filled believers – iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17; Acts 4:23–24). • Courageous witness – grace grows as we give it away, power multiplies as we step out (Acts 4:33). The Character God Uses • Good reputation (Acts 6:3) • Wisdom (Acts 6:10) • Faith (Acts 6:5) • Integrity under fire (Acts 7:54–60) Cultivate these traits and the Spirit finds a vessel ready for grace and power. Living the Stephen Pattern Today 1. Receive the Spirit at conversion and seek His continual filling. 2. Saturate your heart with Scripture and prayer until grace overflows. 3. Act in faith—serve, speak, and stand even when opposed. 4. Trust God to confirm His Word with the power He deems best. Grace that blesses others and power that advances the gospel are still God’s plan. The same Spirit who filled Stephen delights to fill every willing believer today. |
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