Martyrdom Day 4

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (2 Timothy 1:8-12)


In verse 12, Paul shows us another reason why he wasn't afraid to give his life for Jesus; Pal had given it up already. Paul was firmly convinced that his old self had died when he became a believer and he had become a brand new person. That being the case, no one could take Paul's life from him since he'd given it up years ago. His new life was in Christ; therefore, whatever Christ asked him to do, Paul would do. With this attitude Paul could walk through danger with confidence. In his mind he believed he was already dead,and his new life, which began at his conversion, was waiting for him after death. Knowing God is trustworthy gave Paul the confidence to follow Jesus even to his earthly death.

Have you given your whole life to Jesus? What parts have you kept back for yourself?

Are you convinced God will take care of you no matter what?

Does your life reflect that?

Martyrdom Day 3

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. (Acts 12:1-7)

This is a potentially confusing passage because it raises the question why. Why did God allow James to be killed yet send an angel to save Peter? Why does God allow anyone to day for their faith? We can't fully understand the answers to these questins now, but we can trust God's character. God doesn't "play favorites" or save the lives of those he "likes better." God has a plan that works out for the best, and that plan has glory and paradise waiting for all of us who are in God. How we get there is up to God - not to us. We may not get the answers we want in terms of why things happen the way they do, but we can always trust God in spite of our circumstances.

When you're confused, where do you go for answers?

Do you go to God with your questions? Why or why not?

Spend some time talking to God about things you don't understand and about why things happen the way they do.

Martyrdom Day 2

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Phillipians 1: 19-26)


Paul made the ultimate sacrifice when Nero executed him because of his Christian faith. But here we get a glimpse of Paul's attitude about martyrdom. Paul had that long-term view we talked about yesterday and he wanted to be with Christ. But he also knew that as long as he remained here, he could serve the God he loved with his whole heart. Paul's goal was not simply a long life; it was a productive life. Ultimately he just wanted to be wherever God wanted him to be. There's more to your life than simply living. Paul understood, as we all should, that every minute we live surrendered to Christ will benefit not only us, but also everyone we come in contact with.

How would your life be different if you thought the way Paul did?

How are you using the time you've been given to help others know Christ?

Martyrdom Day 1

When they 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 clothes 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. (Acts 7: 54-60)

Stephen gets credit for being the first Christian martyr. Why did Stephen have to die? Jesus came to earth to die, but that wasn't the end of his story. He endured the cross because he knew reality beyond this world exists, and his ultimate goal is within that other reality. That's where he wants us to set our goals as well. Stephen understood this, and he never asked why. Stephen's response to his coming death was almost identical to Christ's death on the cross. When Stephen saw Jesus, it was a reminder that God was pleased with his actions, and God had everything under control. As we deal with persecution, we must remember there's more to life than what we now experience.

How does understanding our final destination change the way we deal with pain and suffering here on earth?

Ask Jesus to show you how to live with your real future in mind.

Week 12: The Martyrdom of the Saints

The Stoning of Stephen

MEMORY VERSE
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." (Acts 7:55-56)


INTRODUCTION
Tertullian, a church leader in the second century, said, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." He was living through times of intense persecution, yet he saw the Church continue to grow and thrive. No matter how many Christians lost their lives, the Church continued to expand.

This kind of persecution began with the martyrdom of Stephen. When faced with a mob that wanted to destroy the fledgling Christian Church, Stephen gave bold witness to Jesus Christ. In response the enraged mob stoned him. His death wouldn't be the last, either. Throughout the history of the early Church, people gave their lives for the gospel: Stephen, Peter, James, Paul. Yet the Church continues to multiply again and again.

This kind of martyrdom does not exist just in the Bible. As you read this, people all over the world are still giving the ultimate sacrifice in order to spread the gospel of Christ. You and I may never be asked to make that sacrifice, but daily we'll be asked to give our lives to Christ as we serve him wherever he chooses to use us. This week we're going to ask the question: Would I be willing to give my life for Christ? Until we understand the sacrifice of past saints, we won't be able to follow in their footsteps today.

Shared Ministry Day 5

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. (Acts 6: 1-10)

On Day 1 this week, we saw how the apostles selected seven men to clean tables and take care of the elderly in the church. You may have thought to yourself, I'm glad I don't have that job. (I had the same reaction.) But one of these men - Stephen - not only was taking care of the widows, but also he was doing miracles. Since god was with him, Stephen saw the power of the Holy Spirit in everything he did. But even so, he didn't mind cleaning tables. No job in the kingdom is beneath us. Since Jesus washed feet, we have no room to refuse whatever God asks us to do. When we all serve willingly and wherever God places us, we might start to see miracles as well. God has many plans in store for you, so don't judge a ministry opportunity too quickly.

Have you ever declined a chance to serve because it was "beneath you"? What was it? Would you respond in the same way now?

Are you willing to do whatever God asks of you? Why or why not?

Shared Ministry Day 4

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

We should try to memorize this verse. It shouldn't take too long, but practicing it may take a lot longer. When we sit ina pew on Sunday, it's easy to get the idea that it's up to the pastor and paid staff members to do all the real work of ministry. We're just here to help when we can, right? Not according to Paul. Echoing the words of Jesus, Paul reminded us that everyone should be involved with helping others. That means teaching on another, encouraging one another, serving one another, and praying for one another. You probably like one of these ministries more than the others. If so, then you should make sure you work in that ministry to help others. this is the law of Christ: To love each other as we love ourselves. The church staff will never be able to do this without our help.

How are you carrying others' burdens?

Ask God to show you how he can use you in the lives of others today, then keep your eyes open for opportunities.