1) What is the point of history? How can knowing the past be helpful to us in the future?
2) How do you respond to the truth? What is your reaction when the truth reveals a shortcoming in your life?
3) What does it mean to be a Christ-follower? What would this look like in your life?
Acts 7 is mainly Stephen’s recounting the history of the Nation of Israel. In doing so, he shows how God’s chosen people have consistently rejected Him (7:51). Knowing history gives us the opportunity to learn from others; both their successes and their failures.
Upon hearing Stephen’s charges against them (7:51-53), the religious leaders respond with great anger (7:57-58). Our defensiveness to the truth will keep us from growing and learning. We must be able to openly hear from God and allow Him to bring about the changes He desires in our lives.
Stephen lived like Jesus and died like Jesus. He truly was a Christ-follower. It should be the goal of our lives to be just like Jesus; this is God’s goal for us (see Romans 8:29). And this is not His goal only for our forever; it’s for today, as well.
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