Sermon notes to come.

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

And Saul approved of his execution.

And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.—Acts 7:54–8:3

Sermon Discussion Questions

Outline

Introduction: The Presence of God With Us in Faithful Living

1. The Venom of the Rulers (Acts 7:54)
2. The Vision of Stephen (Acts 7:55–56)
3. The Violence of the Rulers (Acts 7:57–58 and 8:1, 3)

Application: The Presence of God With Us in Faithful Dying (Acts 7:59–60)

Discussion Questions

• How can we hope to be faithful in this life? Why can we walk forward in freedom and confidence when there is brokenness all around us? 
• When was the last time you stopped to marvel at the presence of God dwelling inside of you? This week, take some time to worship. 
• How did the rulers respond to the message of Stephen? Was it surprising? Where do you see this type of response in our culture? 
• In the vision of Jesus that Stephen sees, what stands out about the presence of God? How does this theme fill you with confidence for your trials? 
• Why are the rulers so angry? How does this response show the exclusive message of Jesus Christ and the way it has always divided people from one another? 
• How is Stephen’s death victory? How is this victory practically seen? 
• How do we know that we’ll finish strong in this life? How can we prepare?