God's Faithfulness: Learning From Stephen's Story in Acts

God Is Slow to Anger: Understanding His Faithfulness

In times of struggle and hardship, it can feel as though God has turned away from us. Yet, as highlighted in John Piper's sermon, Trust in God's faithfulness, which is characterized by his remarkable patience. Throughout biblical history, God reiterates his willingness to forgive and his desire for repentance. In Acts 6 and 7, we see how God's steadfast love is a constant even amid rejection and opposition. Stephen's defiance towards the council, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, exemplifies the challenges believers face when they choose to stand for truth.

In 'Faithful Mercy and a Sobering Warning', we explore God’s patience and our need for continual repentance, and this inspires a deeper analysis of Stephen's defiance and our own spiritual journeys.

The Courage to Speak the Truth

Stephen’s defense to the council isn't just a historical recount; it serves as a powerful reminder for us today. He recounts the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, each defying cultural norms of their time. Like Stephen, we may be asked to stand up for our beliefs, and it can be daunting. However, God's patience offers encouragement. Despite initial failures and resistance from people, God continues to show mercy. He called Abraham out of his comfort zone, saved Joseph amidst betrayal, and stood by Moses despite the people’s disobedience. This illustrates God's persistent efforts to connect with humanity, even when we push back.

The Double-Edged Message of God’s Mercy

Stephen’s message, as described in this sermon, is two-fold. The first half emphasizes God's patient nature—His willingness to forgive and extend grace time and again. The second is a sobering warning about the consequences of rejecting that grace too persistently. Those who resist the Holy Spirit run the risk of losing their sensitivity to God’s voice altogether, which could result in spiritual apathy. There's an underlying truth here that urges us to constantly examine our hearts—are there areas where we are resisting God's guidance?

Respecting the Divine vs. the Work of Our Hands

Another core message from Piper's sermon deals with the danger of pride in the works of our own hands. Stephen's audience was warned about worshiping the temple as a physical entity rather than acknowledging God, who cannot be contained by buildings. We, too, have the challenge of becoming enamored with our achievements or structures (like churches) instead of the God who inspires us to build them. This call to reflection is vital. We should strive to treat our spaces as places that invite the presence of God rather than as idols unto themselves.

Personal Choices and Worship Practices

As we look ahead to new experiences in our faith journeys, it prompts us to consider what kind of church we wish to build together. Will our new worship center be merely a golden calf symbolizing our accomplishments, or can it thrive as a tent of meeting where we encounter God? This question encourages all of us to keep our focus on God rather than the blessings that come from our efforts. When we center our lives on glorifying God, miracle after miracle could unfold in ways we can scarcely imagine.

Taking Action: Repentance and Renewal

So, how do we implement the lessons from this sermon in our daily lives? It starts with humility and a willingness to acknowledge areas of resistance in our hearts. Invite the Holy Spirit to correct you where you have subtly turned worship into self-worship. Remember, it’s never too late to turn back to God. Let's cultivate a genuine relationship with Him, embracing His patience and forgiving heart, thus renewing our commitments to His calls. Seek opportunities in community worship and personal study to deepen your understanding, putting God first in all things.

Faith is a journey, and like Stephen, we are the narrators of our own stories. Let's invite others to journey along with us, sharing God's grace every step of the way.