Covenant Baptist Church

Sermon Title: Let's Understand that the World Is Not Our Friend but Jesus Is
Sermon Text: Acts 7:54-8:3
Preparation Question: When has your faithfulness to Jesus and His Word led to some kind of pushback from unbelievers?

Four encouragements for when (not “if”) the world persecutes us:
1. The world has an extreme aversion to Truth and its followers. (v. 54, 57-58, 8:1-3)

2. We must always keep an unwavering view of Jesus in our hearts and minds. (v. 55-56)

3. When the world comes at us with hearts of stone, we must respond with hearts of faith and mercy. (v. 59-60)

4. When the world dishonors us because of our faithfulness, Jesus isn’t just honored by us. We are also honored by Him! (v. 55-56)

Response Questions:
1. How does Stephen's story affect you?
2. What is the meaning and some implications of 2 Timothy 3:12?
3. How does one go about keeping their eyes set on Jesus through every circumstance/trial? (Hebrews 12:1-3)
4. What is the significance of Stephen's view into Heaven and of him seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God?
5. Will you live this week for earthly acceptance or heavenly honor?