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PART 6FALSE BLASPHEMY2IntroThere comes a time in everyones life to choose a sideNot usually under the time or circumstance of your choice!Our tendency is to sit on the sidelines until the last possible moment.3No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

ACTS 5:134Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

ACTS 5:165Benefit and ConsequenceLike a moth flirting with a flame, our tendency is to draw near to benefit but hold back just enough to avoid harm.UNTILHigh Priest and rulers filled with jealousy (17)Arrested the apostlesfor what? (18)6 Go, stand in the temple courts, he said, and tell the people all about this new life.

ACTS 5:207Decision TimeThe apostles have no choice. They will now commit an act of disobedience.Against whom?Verses 27 + 28The High Priest lays down thelaw?But what offense does he hang on them?

8Gamaliels CounselDoes God exist?Is God powerful?Is God active?Is God mocked by man?Let God extinguish the futility of man.Let God advance His divine plan!9Gut CheckHow do you know the difference between overcoming worldly obstacles and fighting against the very hand of God?Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness Faithfulness, Gentleness + Self Control10Hollow OrderThe apostles are flogged and ordered to stop all the Jesus talk. (40)What is their response in verse 41?What is their response in verse 42?11Enter StephenNever get involved in a land war with AsiaAdvancing the front line is meaningless if youre falling apart just behind it.The advance of the Gospel was credibly threatened by the hunger of widows.12Enter StephenStephens claim to fame?Acts 6:2Note Stephens seamless obedience + versatility.Note the lack of limitation of his impact.What are your lowly tasks?Are there none around to be had?13Enter StephenYet, Stephen is still greatly endowed by God for signs and wonders (8).The Spirit gave him wisdom as he spoke (10).How do we take him down? Lie. (11)Notice anything odd about the wording of their accusation?Whats the rub? (13 + 14)14LISTEN to StephenStephens speech (Acts 7) is often overlooked (or misinterpreted) as an incomplete and unsuccessful defense.Why do we know differently?Hint: Back up a few verses.Stephen starts way back with Abraham (2).15LISTEN to StephenSteven gives a detailed and accurate account of Israels history, untilWhat is up with the abrupt ending to the Bible story at verse 50?Stephen did not fizzle out or run out of time. His timing and delivery were deliberate and God-inspired!16False Blasphemy What were the charges Steven was responding to?Insult 1: Moses.Insult 2: The Holy PlaceInsult 3: Law. (a.k.a. Customs)Insult 4: God.Against which does blasphemy apply?17Reverse TrialStephen was not defending himself. He was prosecuting a case on behalf of his Master.Charge 1: You conveniently ignored that Moses foretold a great prophet like him. (37)Charge 2: Then and now, your hearts have wandered from God. (42)Charge 3: God is not a building. (49)18ExecutionTheir murderous fury was fueled entirely by personal insult. (51-53)A true vision of God: (55)A blessing and encouragement to Stephen.Something to be violently blotted out by the lost.Stephens last words:God, give them another chance (60)19Personal ApplicationLike the High Priest, are you missing a signal from God when your circumstances are confounded despite the certainty of your rightness?What offenses rile you most?How does this stack up to what you know displeases God the most?20Personal ApplicationCarefully consider this story. We like to role play as Stephen. But, what role of the High Priest might bring conviction in your life?Are your ears in any way covered?Is there too much noise for you to hear?21Personal ApplicationWhat forced disobedience are you facing today?What will be your objectives when it happens?How do you view your adversaries?Like Stephen did?22