Standing for Us

Join us as we continue to consider the power that emerges from the throne. Stephen allows us to share in his vision of Jesus at the right hand of God. He shows us something unique about the encouraging work of Christ. (Acts 7:54-60)


KEY PASSAGE: ACTS 7:54-60
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

And Saul approved of their killing him.

HOW DID STEPHEN SEE?
The Holy Spirit is the enabling power to connect Heaven’s activity to our hearts.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. —Matthew 6:10

WHAT DID STEPHEN SEE?
THE SON OF MAN
1. Jesus has a shared human experience
2. Jesus is a Messiah who embodied Suffering Servant
3. Jesus is now in a position of authority and power

STANDING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD
1. This is a unique description of Jesus’ activity at the right hand of God
2. Jesus standing is a vision of encouragement

En-courage-ment - To put in courage

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

JESUS PUTS IN US THE COURAGE TO SPEAK
Stephen speaks boldly.

“Look,” he said, “I see…” —Acts 7:56
When prompted to speak, will you?

JESUS PUTS IN US THE COURAGE TO SUFFER
Stephen suffers gracefully.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” —Acts 7:59

JESUS PUTS IN US THE COURAGE TO SHINE
Stepen shines brightly.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like that of an angel. —Acts 6:15

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” —Acts 7:60

WHAT TO WE DO TO SEE?
Pray for more of the Holy Spirit!