When Faith Is Tested Season 2
Faith That Costs
Stephen faithfully served, boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ, and remained steadfast even when facing persecution. His life reminds us that faithfulness to God is worth every cost.
Faithful Service, Faithful Witness
Stephen began by serving others and became one of the Church’s most courageous witnesses. God often uses ordinary acts of service to prepare people for extraordinary opportunities to share His love.
2.3- Lesson 2.3- Faith That Costs
Acts 6–7
Season 2: When Faith Is Tested
Introduction
As the Church continued to grow, new challenges emerged.
Not every challenge came from outside opposition. Some came from within the community itself. As more people joined the Church, practical needs increased and new responsibilities arose.
The apostles recognized that the ministry required faithful servants who could help care for the growing congregation.
One of those servants was Stephen.
Stephen was known for his faith, wisdom, and devotion to God. He faithfully served others, boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus, and became the first Christian martyr recorded in Scripture.
His story reminds us that following Christ is not always easy.
Faithfulness sometimes comes at a cost.
Yet Stephen’s life also demonstrates that God remains present, powerful, and faithful even in the most difficult circumstances.
Scripture References
Acts 6–7 (NASB)
Key Verse
“But being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” — Acts 7:55 (NASB)
Historical Background
The Church was experiencing remarkable growth.
As the number of believers increased, concerns arose regarding the daily distribution of food to widows. Some felt that certain groups were being overlooked.
The apostles responded by appointing faithful leaders to help meet practical needs while allowing the apostles to remain focused on prayer and the ministry of God’s Word.
Stephen was one of those chosen.
His ministry soon expanded beyond service. Through wisdom, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen became a bold witness for Christ.
His testimony would ultimately lead to confrontation, persecution, and martyrdom.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Servants Chosen for Ministry
(Acts 6:1–7)
The apostles recognized an important principle.
The Church must care for both spiritual and practical needs.
Seven faithful men were selected to serve the growing congregation.
Stephen was described as:
Full of faith
Full of the Holy Spirit
Full of wisdom
This passage reminds us that every ministry matters.
Serving others is an important part of the Church’s mission.
Stephen’s Powerful Witness
(Acts 6:8–15)
Stephen performed signs and wonders and spoke boldly about Jesus.
Opponents attempted to argue with him but could not overcome the wisdom God had given him.
Unable to silence Stephen through debate, some individuals brought false accusations against him.
Stephen soon found himself standing before the religious council.
The same pattern seen with Jesus and the apostles was now repeating itself.
Stephen Tells God’s Story
(Acts 7:1–53)
Rather than defending himself, Stephen pointed the council to God’s work throughout history.
He reviewed key events from Israel’s story:
Abraham
Joseph
Moses
The Exodus
The Tabernacle
The Prophets
Stephen demonstrated that God had always been working to redeem His people.
He also challenged the leaders for resisting God’s purposes.
His message was bold, truthful, and rooted in Scripture.
The Cost of Faithfulness
(Acts 7:54–60)
The council became furious.
Instead of repenting, they rejected Stephen’s message.
Stephen looked toward heaven and saw a vision of God’s glory and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
Filled with anger, the crowd drove him outside the city and stoned him.
As he died, Stephen reflected the character of Christ.
He prayed:
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Stephen became the first Christian martyr.
His witness would leave a lasting impact on the Church.
Reasons We Believe
Service Is Kingdom Work
Stephen began as a servant helping meet practical needs.
God uses both visible and behind-the-scenes ministries to advance His mission.
Faithfulness Matters More Than Popularity
Stephen remained faithful even when others opposed him.
Followers of Christ are called to obey God rather than seek approval from the world.
God’s Presence Sustains Believers
Even during his final moments, Stephen experienced God’s presence and peace.
God does not abandon His people during difficult seasons.
The Gospel Is Worth Sharing
Stephen understood that proclaiming Christ was worth any cost.
His courage continues to inspire believers today.
Obedience in Action
Acts 6–7 challenges believers to ask:
How am I serving others?
Am I willing to stand for truth even when it is unpopular?
Do I trust God’s presence during difficult circumstances?
How can I faithfully use my gifts to strengthen the Church?
What opportunities has God given me to share my faith?
The story of Stephen reminds us that faithfulness often begins with simple acts of service.
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
Why do you think Stephen’s service was important to the growth of the Church?
What qualities made Stephen an effective witness?
How did Stephen demonstrate Christlike character?
What does faithfulness look like in your daily life?
How can you encourage others through service and witness?
Possible Responses
You may recognize that God often uses ordinary acts of service for extraordinary purposes.
You may identify situations where courage and faithfulness are needed.
You may feel challenged to serve more intentionally within the Church or community.
Living the Message
Stephen’s story reminds us that discipleship involves both service and witness.
He cared for people.
He shared God’s truth.
He trusted God when life became difficult.
His example teaches us that faithfulness is not measured by success, popularity, or comfort.
Faithfulness is measured by obedience to God.
The Church continues to need people who serve with humility, love, courage, and conviction.
From Service to Witness
Stephen’s journey began with serving tables.
It ended with one of the most powerful testimonies in the New Testament.
God often uses small acts of faithfulness to prepare people for greater opportunities.
Whether serving behind the scenes or standing before a crowd, every believer has a role in God’s mission.
Related Pages
Season 2: When Faith Is Tested- Overview
2.2 Bold Under Pressure
Discipleship in the UMC
Next Lesson
Lesson 2.4: When God Changes Everything
Acts 8–9
The Church scatters, the gospel spreads beyond Jerusalem, and Saul encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Come and See. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Visit PGUM.org to continue the journey.
