ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 26,
JANUARY - JUNE, 2023.
SUNDAY, 25TH JUNE, 2023.
TOPIC: INCREASING MINISTRY AND STEPHEN'S MARTYRDOM
Memory Verse: Acts 6:7 - And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly (KJV).
Bible Text:
Acts 6 and 7
Central Truth:
The gospel is the power of God for salvation.
Introducing The Lesson
The gospel is the power of God for salvation.
The Lesson Outline
1. Serving a Multiplying Church - Acts 6:1-7
A. Growing Pains
B. Sustained Growth
2. Powerful Ministry and Teaching Opposed - Acts 6:8-15
A. Powerful in Deed and Word
B. Powerful in Adversity
3. The First Christian Martyr - Acts 7:1-2,51-60
A. Stephen's Defence
B. Stephen's Death
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Observe how God uses problems to help churches expand their ministries.
2. Embrace a willingness to serve as the Spirit enables.
3. Proclaim and teach the gospel so people can be saved and grow in their faith.
The Early Church was continuing to grow. As it did, it attracted more and more attention from the Jewish leaders, many of whom had been instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus.
These people, who thought they were ridding themselves of a problem by crucifying Jesus now found that, instead of a scattering of followers, this group had grown to thousands and was continuing to grow.
Their efforts to stop the Church were only increasing its success.
The Holy Scriptures
Acts 6:1-3,5,7-11,14-15
[1]And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
[2]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
[3]Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[5]And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
[7]And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
[8]And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
[9]Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
[10]And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
[11]Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
[14]For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
[15]And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Acts 7:54,58
[54]When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
[58]And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATION
READ ALSO>>>Adults Sunday School Lesson 24: Sunday, 11th June, 2023.
2. Powerful Ministry And Teaching Opposed
3. The First Christian Martyr
1. Serving a Multiplying Church
A. Growing Pains - Acts 6:1-6
Because of the rapid growth of the Early Church, some of the widows were being overlooked when help was distributed (Acts 6:1).
They were Greek-speaking Jews who had come from other countries and likely did not speak Aramaic. The language barrier could have made them uncomfortable with or uncertain about seeking help.
When the apostles became aware of the issue, they called the believers together.
They concluded that helpers were needed to address the problem, so the apostles could focus on their primary task of preaching the Word (verses 2-4).
They proposed that seven Spirit-filled men be chosen to take on this responsibility.
The apostles prayed for and laid hands on the men selected (verses 5-6). Many people consider this the first example of deacons in the Bible.
As a church grows, important issues can get overlooked.
This was the case in the Early Church. The apostles addressed the situation by getting more people involved in ministering to the needs of the congregation.
The selection of Greek-speaking men (inferred because all seven had Greek names) showed both wisdom and maturity on the part of these early believers.
These seven likely had connections to those who were part of the neglected minority and so could more effectively minister to their needs.
The New Testament clearly teaches that each believer has a place of service within the body of Christ. Finding that place of service allows churches to minister
effectively to believers and unbelievers alike.
Questions for Application
Why is it important for pastors to spend time in prayer and the ministry of the Word?
How have you grown in your faith through serving?
B. Sustained Growth - Acts 6:7
Luke used several summary statements in Acts to highlight how the Lord sustained the growth of the Early Church (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14). Acts 6:7 is one of those statements and serves as an important juncture in the story of these believers.
The Spirit had guided the Church through pressures from without and problems from within. Proclaiming the message of Christ remained the believers' priority.
The result of all this was that the number of people who came to faith In Jesus Christ multiplied.
The reach of the gospel extended to every segment of society in Jerusalem. Even 'a great company of the priests" (verse 7, KJV) became part of the Christian faith community.
Believers can find encouragement in this short statement. When they are faithful to proclaim the gospel in the power of the Spirit, people will come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Persecution from outside of the church and problems within will not keep the Lord from building His Church.
In a sense, verse 7 describes the climax of the Church's ministry in Jerusalem. Chapter 6 continues with the ministry of Stephen, one of those chosen to serve by caring for widows.
Chapter 7 concludes with his death, after which a rise in persecution caused many believers to leave the city. Yet, wherever they went, they stayed true to the faith and steadfast in proclaiming it.
It would not be wrong to say the story of Acts continues today as the followers of Christ stay true to the faith and steadfast in proclaiming it. The Church of Jesus Christ continues to grow!
Questions for Application
Why should believers continue to reach out to people they think might be open to the gospel (like the temple priests)?
How can believers be more consistent in sharing the gospel with
unbelievers around them?
READ ALSO>>>Adults Sunday School Lesson 24: Sunday, 11th June, 2023.
2. Powerful Ministry And Teaching Opposed
A. Powerful in Deed and Word - Acts 6:8-10.
One of those chosen to serve the needy among the believers also was powerfully used by the Lord to proclaim the gospel.
Stephen, though not one of the apostles, performed miracles and signs through the Spirit's power. These wonders opened opportunities for Stephen to tell others about Jesus (Acts 6:8).
Evidently, Stephen ministered among Jews who had come to Jerusalem from other parts of the world.
Some men from the one of the synagogues that drew such Jews began to debate with Stephen.
The scene started with open dialogue, perhaps a discussion of the Scriptures and how they related to Jesus being the Messiah. Stephen's arguments, fuelled by the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, could not be refuted (verses 9-10).
This account about Stephen is an encouragement to churches. Believers other than apostles (or pastors) can effectively minister in the power of the Spirit.
All believers can, like Stephen, be full of faith, and of the Spirit and His power.
When believers have a heart to serve and are yielded to the Lord, great things can happen.
Those outside the church need to experience the power of God to meet their needs and to hear the good news about Jesus. May God raise up a new generation of Stephens for such a time as this!
Questions for Application
Why do some believers think it is the job of pastors to evangelise the lost?
How has the Spirit assisted you when talking to someone about the Lord?
B. Powerful in Adversity - Acts 6:11-15.
Sadly, as too often happens, when people cannot accept the message, they attack the messenger.
When those who opposed Stephen could not win their debate, they did what so many others have done in similar circumstances- they twisted his words and used them against him.
They persuaded men to claim what Stephen was saying was blasphemy against Moses and God (verse 11). They stirred up the people and their leaders with their false accusations (verses 13-14).
Their claim was that Stephen was teaching that Jesus was going to change the way the Jews worshipped and their way of life (verse 12).
Stephen's accusers took him by force to the "high council (Sanhedrin There they continued to accuse Stephen of "speaking against the holy temple and against the law of Moses" (verse 13, NLT).
In contrast to the bluster of his accusers, Stephen remained calm. Furthermore, his face shone like an angel's.
Perhaps his appearance caused some in the council to recall how Moses' face shone when he would come from being in the presence of God (Exodus 34:29-35). Was this a way the Lord showed His approval of Stephen and his message?
Christians can be nervous about sharing their faith in Jesus. As in the case of Stephen, rejection of the message can result in opposition to the messenger.
Thankfully, Christians have the Holy Spirit working on their behalf, giving them boldness and the power to stay on mission.
Christians proclaim the gospel, knowing that for some their witness is "a dreadful smell of death and doom," while to others it is "a life - giving perfume" (2 Corinthians 2:16, NLT).
Questions for Application
Why does rejection of the message of Christ at times turn into opposition to the messenger?
How can fear of rejection hinder Christians from sharing their faith?
A. Stephen's Defence - Acts 7:1-2, 51-53
After his accusers finished with their statements, Stephen had a chance to defend himself (Acts 7:1-2).
He stood accused of blasphemy, speaking against the law of Moses and the temple.
His defence was an account of God's work on behalf of His people, beginning with the calling of Abraham.
By doing so, Stephen addressed the charges of blasphemy by showing he had as firm a belief as his listeners in God's establishment of their religion.
Stephen was not content simply to defend his teaching. He accused his listeners of rejecting God's work on their behalf (verses 31-53).
Did they not understand God is too great to be contained in a temple built by people, as the prophet Isaiah had stated?
Did they love to hear Jewish history? Then they should not forget how their ancestors had repeatedly rejected what God wanted for them, even killing His messengers.
His audience was just like their ancestors, for they had rejected and killed the Messiah. In so doing, they disobeyed the very Law they claimed to uphold.
One might read Stephen's strong words and think they were spoken in anger. But it is more likely they were prompted by a heart that was breaking for his people.
How could they be so blind to the truth about Jesus?
Why must they be like their ancestors who resisted the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts?
Too often Christians are misrepresented in what they believe and teach.
When we do need to defend what we believe, may we do so with respect and gentleness (1 Peter 3:15-16). May we not forget what we share is good news that brings life.
Let how we live as followers of Jesus be the strongest point in our defence of the gospel.
And may our words be "with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6, KJV) that we may win hearts, not arguments.
Questions for Application
How would you answer someone who asked you why you believe the
gospel?
How can Christians keep their attitudes and motives right when defending the gospel?
B. Stephen's Death - Acts 7:54-60
Stephen's impassioned plea for his listeners to quit resisting the work of the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as the Messiah brought a strong response. They reacted with rage (Acts 7:54).
In contrast, Stephen displayed a serenity fuelled by a vision of the exalted Christ (verses 55-56).
When Stephen reported what he was seeing, the Jewish leaders could stand no more.
They dragged him outside the city and stoned him (verses 57-58).
When the Jewish leaders condemned Jesus, they were calculating and cunning.
But their execution of Stephen was spontaneous, fuelled by rage at him and, to a degree, their ongoing resentment and frustration with the followers of Jesus and their disregard for the Council's authority.
Even in his death, Stephen followed the example of his Lord Jesus.
He committed his spirit to the Lord and asked for forgiveness for those who took his life.
This man, who was full of the Holy Spirit, lived out his faith even as he took his last breath.
Stephen's faithful witness would bear fruit for the sake of the kingdom of God, as foreshadowed by the inclusion of Saul's name in this account.
While we do not like to think too much about it, we may be called on to lay down our lives for the sake of Christ and His gospel.
In many places Spirit-filed Christians continue to tell others about Jesus, knowing it could result in persecution and possibly cost them their lives.
What gives Christians thecourage to do this? The power of the Holy Spirit and the conviction that they will see Jesus at God's right hand welcoming them to their eternal home in His presence when they die.
And there is the hope that the "Sauls" they witness to may one day become "Pauls" who declare, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21, KJV).
READ ALSO>>>Adults Sunday School Lesson 23: Sunday, 4th June, 2023.
Questions for Application
In what ways have you faced opposition for your witness of Christ?
How has the Holy Spirit given you courage and power to witness?
Call to Discipleship
The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).
As believers, We must proclaim the gospel so people will accept Christ as Saviour.
When issues rise within a church that threaten to hinder the proclamation of the gospel, we need to address them with godly compassion and wisdom from the Spirit.
This may involve more people getting involved, using the gifts the Spirit has given them.
This helps the church remain focused on its mission.
Opposition from those outside of the faith should not move the church from its mission either. It should cause believers to seek to stay full of the Spirit, knowing He is the source of their courage and power.
Ministry in Action
Consider how you could use your spiritual gifts to minister to needs inside and outside your Church.
Evaluate the people you interact with regularly to determine who might be open to hearing the gospel. Pray for opportunities to witness to them.
Pray for the "Saul" in your life, the person who most strongly opposes your witness for Christ.
0 Comments
What's your comment on this?