The Power of Persecution.

The Profile of Persecutors:

  1. Persecutors target Godly people. (Acts 6:8)

    2. Why Persecution? (1 Pet 2:21 | 1 Pet 4:12-19)

    1. So I won't be surprised
    2. So I will know how to respond
    3. So I may share in the sufferings of Jesus
    4. So I may be a strong witness (1 Tim 2:3)

  2. Persecutors are often Religious people. (Acts 6:9-10)

  3. Persecutors will Lie about you. (Acts 6:11-14)

  4. Persecutors will not Pity you. (Acts 6:15)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 6:8-15

  1. Do we have to “have our act together” to be a good witness? How does our character tie into our witness?
    Which character quality of Stephen’s do you most need to focus on for your own walk? The Bible says he was full of the Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power (Acts 6:3,5,8). How will you go about working on it?

  2. *Why are some “religious” people, those that actually go to church and say they believe in God and His Word (like the religious Jews in this passage), so hard to reach with the Gospel? How can we help religious people to see their need for forgiveness and eternal life only found in Jesus?

  3. What motivates people to make up accusations, and spread them to others, regarding Christians (Acts 6:11-13)? How should you respond when this happens to you?

  4. Bonus question: Acts 6:15 says the council saw that Stephen had the face of an angel. What does that mean, and what is the significance?

Breakout Questions:
Pray for one another.