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Al Potter, Jan 7, 2026 Living my Identity for the benefit of others Acts 7:54 – 8:40
In this section of Acts Luke is laying out a series of narratives centered around individuals like Stephen, and Philip with special mention about a scattered church. As we work through these narratives, we will find that the individuals involved will show us that there is never a time when a Christian is not a Christian. We will learn from these two characters and a scattered church that they never drop their guard in the name of authenticity or relaxation and act in a way that is unbecoming to their identity.
An illustration from the movie “The Patriot,” which is set during the days of the American Revolution will help. I am referencing quotes that come from Jim Wilson’s book on The Pastoral Ministry about one riveting moment in the movie. “Gabriel Martin interrupts a worship service already in progress to enlist soldiers for the militia. As Rev. Oliver resisted allowing the disruptive announcement, Anne Howard took the floor to support Gabriel’s request.
Dan Scott, barely a week ago I heard you railed for two hours about independence. Mr. Hardwick, how many times have I heard you speak of freedom at my father’s table? Half the men in this church, including you, Father, and you, Reverend, are as ardent patriots as I. Will you now, when you are needed most, stop at only words? Is that the sort of men you are? I ask only that you act upon the beliefs of which you have so strongly spoken and in which you so strongly believe.
After her stirring speech, Grabriel asks, “Who’s with us?” and one by one, men stand. The key to her speech was the question, “Will you now, when you are needed most, stop at only words? Is that the sort of men you are? I ask only that you act upon the beliefs of which you have so strongly spoken and in which you so strongly believe.” In short, she said to live what you say you believe.” [Pastoral Ministry, pages 110-111]
This is the narrative seen and inscripturated in the life of Stephen, Philip, and the scattered church.
Proposition: We must live our identity for the eternal benefit of others
Transition: Note three Illustrations that challenge us to live our identity for the eternal benefit of other
1. The blood of the martyr is the seed of the church – Consistent even unto death Acts 7:54 ff
A. Loyalty to the message in spite of its content
Note: In Acts 2:2 Stephen started with the glory of God and then rehearsed the history of the Jewish people beginning with Abraham and from there he led them back over their whole history, and how it spoke of the moving’s of God on them. He did not hold back for he addressed the Sanhedrin concerning the rebellion of man, man’s hindrance to God’s moving in their midst. All in all, he reminded the Jewish people of their and all mankind’s inability to cooperate with God. He reminded them of the divine progress and in spite of their rebellion God never rested in his march through history until the promise was fulfilled in the person of the righteous one. Think of it, Stephen interpreted the moving’s of God to a people who professed to know Him and yet were perpetually hindering Him. His last accusation was the most convicting found in Acts 7:51-53
B. No fear of death because of death’s testimony as regarding the Christian life
1. He understood the supremacy of the eternal in relationship to the temporal “Lord Jesus receive my spirit” Acts 7:59 [He had the conviction of the supremacy of the eternal which alone is equal to enabling a man to .....For the rest of the notes email WOW@Shepherds
