What strategies can we use to effectively communicate truth amidst opposition today? \A Compelling Snapshot from Acts 6:9\ “But opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—both Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—and they began to argue with Stephen.” (Acts 6:9) Stephen’s encounter frames the timeless challenge: truth met resistance then, and it still does today. His response—Spirit-empowered, Scripture-saturated, and Christ-honoring—models our own strategy. \Expect Pushback, Stay Faithful\ • Opposition is normal: John 15:18–20; 2 Timothy 3:12 • Anticipating hostility keeps discouragement at bay and fuels perseverance. \Speak with Spirit-Given Wisdom\ • Acts 6:10 shows Stephen’s wisdom was “irresistible” because the Spirit spoke through him. • Pray continually for the same filling (Ephesians 5:18). • Dependence on the Spirit guards us from fleshly arguments (Galatians 5:16). \Stay Anchored in God’s Word\ • Stephen’s later sermon (Acts 7) walks through Israel’s history, proving mastery of Scripture. • Let the Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16) so responses flow naturally. • Regular study equips us to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3) without distortion. \Cultivate a Christlike Tone\ • “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). • Combine bold truth with “grace seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:5-6). • 1 Peter 3:15 pairs defense of the faith with “gentleness and respect.” \Live the Message\ • Acts 6:3 describes Stephen as “full of the Spirit and wisdom” before he ever spoke. Character undergirds credibility. • Philippians 2:15—shine as lights in a crooked generation. • A consistent life silences many critics (1 Peter 2:12). \Pray for Power and Boldness\ • The church prayed for bold speech amid threats (Acts 4:29-31). God answered with fresh filling and courage. • Ongoing prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and keeps motives pure (James 4:3). \Partner with the Body\ • Stephen ministered within a united, Spirit-led community (Acts 6:1-7). • Mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25) sustains resolve when opposition intensifies. • Shared wisdom refines arguments and deepens impact (Proverbs 27:17). \Trust God with the Results\ • Stephen’s faithful witness led to martyrdom (Acts 7:59-60) yet also sparked the conversion of Saul (Acts 8:1; 9:1-6). • Our role: sow and water; God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Rest in His sovereignty; obedience is success. By following Stephen’s example—Spirit-filled, Scripture-rooted, gracious in tone, steadfast in character—we can communicate God’s truth effectively, even when voices rise against it. |
    |