THE GRACIOUS CHARACTER OF A TRUE DISCIPLE

Acts 6:1-3; 1Pet.2:12; Phil.2:5-8; Heb.12:14; Acts 7:55-56; 6:3, 5, 8, 10, 15

The word disciple was used to describe believers who were saved in the early Church. But that word is fast losing its significance. As the number of believers multiply, so does evil, worldliness and corruption multiply. But the qualities that mark out true disciples then and now has not changed. These include:

(i)                Honesty: – hypocrisy, insincerity, deception and superficiality are not hallmarks pf true believers.

(ii)              Humility: – there are many today who claim to be saved but they are proud. Every true believer must possess the character of Christ (Mat.11:28-30)

(iii)            Holiness: – that was what Stephen possessed that made him to see the glorified Christ. Many talk about success, achievement, deliverance, healing, but they neglect holiness. They join the mad rush for materialism. They can do just anything to get wealth and prosperity. These are not true disciples.

(iv)            Heavenward Look: – It is not when, how or where the believer dies, but where he goes after death.

The true disciple is always on the lookout for the coming back of Jesus, his Lord and Saviour. Stephen had all the qualities of a true disciple. He was full of faith, full of power (to conquer self, sin, Satan, society, sickness). He stood for God. He did not draw back as a result of persecution. This is what God wants of us. Do not draw back in the time of difficulty, persecution or trouble (Heb.10:38). If you knew the danger that faces the Church in the UK you will throw your whole self, energy, resources and passion to serve the Lord and advance His cause. If as believers we possess the character of Stephen, we will easily evangelize the world.

THE FOUNDATION OF HIS CHARACTER IN CHRIST

Acts 6:5-8; 15:9; Prov.4:23; 1Pet.1:3-5; 1 Tim.2:15

Stephen was a man full of faith. This was the foundation of his fearless character. Faith in God cancels the fear of men. The disciple who is full of faith believes that there is nothing anyone can do against the truth or plan of God. Men may cry out, become enraged or tell lies against the truth, but they cannot withstand it. There is nothing anyone can do to the true disciple without the knowledge and permission of God (Luke 12:4-7). Stephen remained faithful and true before, during and after the persecution. So a true disciple we remain calm in the face of severe persecution, trial or trouble. Sanctification will produce calmness in your soul. No one can take your life except your work for God on earth is done. If you compromise in the face of persecution or hardship, you will have no reward in heaven. So every true disciple will continue in faith, endure affliction, and follow the Lord till the end. A crown of glory is waiting for you in heaven.

 

THE FACT OF HIS CONFORMITY TO CHRIST

Acts 7:60; Luke 23:34; John 13:15; 1Peter 2:21-23; Rom.12:14, 17, 18; 1John 2:6; Heb.12:2

Steven was clearly a man of prayer, full of wisdom, power and the Holy Ghost. He interceded for his persecutors. After seeing the vision of the glorified Christ, all the pain of stoning and false accusation receded to insignificance. He was like his Master Jesus, who prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”

A true disciple need not be too conscious of society, self and situations, but of the Lord and how to be conformed to Him. Conformity to Christ is only possible when you have been saved, obtained sanctification and filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we become conscious of our true calling. “For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps”.

If Stephen conformed to Christ at such terrible time of persecution, the believer can also do so today when persecution is not as terrible as it was them. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood for God even in the fiery furnace (Dan.3:14-18, 21, 24-26). Joseph Stood for God in righteousness and holiness in the house of Potiphar. God is calling us to stand for Christ now. Do not deny Him for any reason, even under the threat of death.

THE FOUNTAIN OF HIS COURAGE THROUGH CHRIST

Acts 6:5; Jude 19; Acts 7:55; Mark 13:9-11; 2Tim.1:7; Rom.8:1, 2, 5, 9-11; 13-16,29, 37-39

Stephen was a man full of faith, wisdom and the Holy Ghost. He was a life for all believers to emulate. What was the source of Stephen’s courage? It was the presence, prominence and the pre-eminence of the Spirit of God in his life! Some people who may not have the Holy Spirit will cringe and run from even little things. Little creatures of god will make them afraid. Stephen being full of the Holy Ghost remained bold and fearless, during accusation, during stoning. Jesus told his disciples, “When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither premeditate…” As believers we should not look at our persecutors or adversaries but we should look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who endured the Cross, despising its shame.

Stephen was a defender of the Faith (1Pet.3:15). He used his life to defend and advance the Gospel. He was a true disciple. We are called to do the same. God has not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind. We will fulfill our ministry and reach our destiny. Amen.