How can we prepare to defend our faith like Stephen in Acts 6:9? Stephen’s Moment Under Fire (Acts 6:9) “ ‘But some men from the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.’ ” (Acts 6:9) What Made Stephen Ready to Defend the Faith • Full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) • Anchored in God’s Word—he knew Israel’s history and Messiah’s promise (Acts 7) • Marked by wisdom none could refute (Acts 6:10) • Living an above-reproach life (Acts 6:3) • Courageous despite hostile crowds (Acts 7:51–60) • Gentle and forgiving, mirroring Jesus even while dying (Acts 7:60) Practical Steps to Prepare Today • Immerse Yourself in Scripture – Read, study, and memorize; let the Word dwell richly in you (Colossians 3:16; Psalm 1:1-3). – Trust every line as God-breathed and inerrant (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Pursue Doctrinal Clarity – Learn foundational truths: creation, fall, redemption, resurrection. – Keep concise summaries ready (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Walk Continually in the Spirit – Yield to His leading (Galatians 5:16-18); He gives both power and words (Luke 12:11-12). • Cultivate a Blameless Reputation – Integrity gives weight to your words (1 Peter 2:12). – Confess and forsake sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Train for Conversation, Not Combat – Practice explaining the gospel with friends or family. – Read thoughtful objections and craft gracious answers (Proverbs 15:28). • Stay Connected to the Body of Christ – Small groups, mentorship, and corporate worship sharpen you (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Pray for Boldness and Wisdom – Early believers prayed this way (Acts 4:29-31); God answered. – James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask in faith. • Embrace Courage Over Fear – God has given “a spirit not of fear but of power” (2 Timothy 1:7). – Fear the Lord, not human opinion (Acts 4:19). Handling Opposition with Christlike Character • Listen respectfully before responding (Proverbs 18:13). • Speak truth seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Keep the focus on Jesus, not on winning an argument (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Endure insults without retaliation (Matthew 5:11-12). • Entrust outcomes to God’s justice (Romans 12:19). The Fruit of Preparedness • Personal assurance grows (2 Timothy 1:12). • Skeptics encounter credible, loving truth (Philippians 1:27-28). • Fellow believers gain courage (Philippians 1:14). • Most of all, Christ is honored (1 Peter 3:15-16). Moving Forward Stephen’s readiness wasn’t an overnight achievement; it was the overflow of a Spirit-filled, Scripture-saturated life. Follow the same path, and you’ll be equipped to stand firm and speak boldly—whatever synagogue of Freedmen the Lord places in your path. |
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