The Unstoppable Gospel - Acts 6:8-8:3
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “worship”? A lifestyle? An activity for Sunday mornings? A genre of music? Today, we’ll reflect on God’s worthiness to be worshipped in every aspect of our lives.
On Sunday, Benjamin preached on Acts 6:8-8:3. This contains Stephen’s speech, which is the longest recorded sermon in the book of Acts. As Benjamin preached on this passage, he told us that God is big, God rescues, and God sends those whom He saves.
In the passage, we see that Stephen had been doing great signs and wonders among the people. The Jews disputed with him but could not stand up against the Holy Spirit and the wisdom He gave Stephen. In secret, the Jews persuaded men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy, and he was seized and brought before the council.
Before the highest court of the Jews, Stephen recounted Israel’s history and confronted the Jewish people for always resisting the Holy Spirit. They had consistently persecuted the prophets and had even betrayed and murdered the Righteous One. Rather than shrink back in the face of persecution, Stephen spoke boldly by the power of the Holy Spirit. Enraged, the Jews stoned Stephen to death.
There is much more to this beautiful passage than mentioned above, but one point Benjamin made on Sunday worth reflecting on is the omnipresence of God. The Lord is present everywhere; He cannot be contained by structures built by humans. Verse 48 makes this abundantly clear.
Similar to how God cannot be contained by man-made houses, God’s rule cannot be contained by human expectations or comfort levels. While we might read this and not think much of it, we should ask ourselves: Are there any areas of life where we are withholding worship of God? Have we set any unspoken boundaries for how far we will go in our worship of Him, holding back certain parts of our lives from obedience to His commands?
As Benjamin said, God demands to be the center of our universe. He is worthy of our total devotion — and more. So consider some of the different aspects of your life — your emotions, beliefs, daily thoughts, long-term dreams, work habits, leisure activities — and ask yourself: Is Christ being exalted in these things? If not, what has to change so that He might be exalted in them?
Resources:
How Great Is Our God — David Mathis
Spreading Power Through Persecution — John Piper
Reflection Questions:
Why is it important to reflect on God’s omnipresence?
Is there any area of life where you are withholding obedience to God?
Why is God worthy of our total devotion and more?
Listen to the Sermon: