Sermon Recap: Acts 6:8–8:3

The Power of Persecution

Acts 6:8–8:3

This week, we explored Acts 6:8–8:3 in our message, “The Power of Persecution,” seeing how God sovereignly uses suffering and opposition to strengthen His church and advance the gospel to the nations.

Throughout the story of Stephen and the early believers, we were reminded that persecution is never wasted in God’s hands. Instead, He uses it to refine our faith, declare His gospel, and accomplish His mission in the world.

1. God uses persecution as a tool to refine us (Acts 6:8–15)
   Through Stephen’s faithfulness, we saw how God purifies our hearts through opposition, shaping us to reflect Christ more clearly.

2. God uses persecution to declare and display the gospel (Acts 7:50–60)
   Stephen’s courageous testimony and forgiving spirit pointed to Jesus, showing that even in suffering, the gospel shines brightest.

3. God uses persecution to accomplish His mission (Acts 8:1–3)
   The scattering of believers became the spark that carried the good news beyond Jerusalem, proving that what the enemy intends for harm, God turns for His glory.

In every season of adversity, we are invited to turn our eyes upon Jesus, finding hope, strength, and endurance in His steadfast love.

Listen to the Sermon:

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Reflection Questions:

1. How have you seen God use seasons of hardship to refine your faith?

2. What does Stephen’s example teach us about responding to persecution with grace and truth?

3. In what ways might God be using difficulty in your life to advance His mission through you?

4. How can fixing your eyes on Jesus give you courage in the midst of suffering?

Resources:

• Book: The Insanity of God (Nik Ripken)

• Book: Don’t Waste Your Life (John Piper)

• Article: “8 Ways God Works Suffering for Our Good” (Tim Challies)

Songs from Sunday:

• Great Things

• Amazing Grace

• Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

• King of Kings