The Bible Baptist Trumpet

ACTS 6:1-15

In my studies of Christians in Bible times, Stephen has always been one of lasting impression. Although he was not a man of many years, he was strong in the Lord. The name "Stephen" means a crown ... a martyr's crown. In these next few lines I would like us to see several aspects of Stephen the man.

I. FULL OF FAITH (vs 5)

Some one has said, "faith is the subtle chain which binds us to the infinite." One night a little four-year-old boy was being put to bed by his father who noticed a piece of rope tied to his son's bed. "What is the rope for?" the father asked. "I'm praying for a pony tonight," the little boy said very seriously, "and that rope is so the angels can tie the pony to my bed."

Faith has three main parts:

I . It is the ACT of the WILL in receiving Christ. "But as many as received Him" John 1:12
2. It is the ACCENT of the life in obedience to God. Acts 5:29-32. We ought to obey God rather than man.
3. It is the CONSENT of the heart in leaving things in His hands.

II Cor. 4:13, 14. To be full of faith means there is no room for doubt or fear, just as there is no room for anything else in a full vessel.

II. FULL OF POWER (vs 8)

Power is the ability to do things. In larger cities you can often see advertisements in the newspaper, "warehouse for rent, with power." What this means is there is an electric plant on the premises to move things in case of a power shortage. The Lord never asks us to do anything without giving us the power to do it. With every precept there is a promise, but we must be empty in order that He may fill us. Then He WILL fill us.

III. FULL OF LIGHT (vs 15)

The light within caused Stephen's face to be radiant on the outside. That light was the Holy Spirit. This message states his face was like the face of an angel. Sin makes us ugly, but God's grace allowed to shine through causes those who see to recognize a difference.

IV. FULL OF SCRIPTURE (Chapter 7)

If we read all of Acts Chapter 7, we find that Stephen told the complete history of God's dealings with the nation of Israel, from the call of Abraham all the way to Israel's rejection of Christ as Messiah. Stephen knew the Book.

V. FULL OF COURAGE (7:5 1)

Stephen was not affected with the fear of man. He didn't hesitate to call those who opposed the work of the Lord, "stiff necked and uncircumcised." He accused them of not keeping God's law and with murdering the Lord Jesus (vs 51-53). In years to come the courage and convictions which Stephen had came to light in the life and suffering of the Apostle Paul. Augustine was quoted as having said, "but for Stephen's prayers and testimony, the church would not have had the Apostle Paul."

VI. FULL OF LOVE (7:60)

The stones that were thrown by Stephen's accusers might have broken his head, but they could not break his heart of love. His mouth might have been covered with the blood of persecution, but even in death, his last words spoken were those of intercession. Why? Because of love. Paul said, "the love of Christ constraineth me." IT DRIVES ME ON when I would quit. I can't quit. IT DRIVES ME ON when I would hate. I can't hate! IT DRIVES ME ON when I would complain... I can't complain. IT DRIVES ME ON when I would stir up. I can't stir up!

Stephen's life and his death show us that there is no condition in life; there is no job we are asked to do; there is no death we may have to face, but that the Lord is sufficient to carry us through.