Week 4: Sacrifice
Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-8:8
The Lord uses the sacrifices of his people to send his gospel to the nations and bring people to himself.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How does Stephen’s story inspire you?
How does the vision of Christ standing at the right hand of the Father (7:56) encourage you?
How did God display his sovereignty in/through the persecution of the early church?
How does this passage shape the way you view persecution, sacrifice, and even suffering for the sake of the gospel?
What would it take for you to be willing to live as Stephen did—and, if necessary, sacrifice and suffer as Stephen did?
Prayer prompt: For the church to joyfully sacrifice what is temporary, so that others may hear and experience eternal truth and love.
Prayer: Abba, thank you for sending your Son as a sacrifice for sin. We bless your name for the forgiveness and abundant life we have in Christ, now and forever (John 10:10). Jesus, thank you for giving up your glory in Heaven to live as the Son of Suffering here on earth (Heb. 2:10). Holy Spirit, give us the courage to take a stand for the Gospel, no matter the cost. Enlighten our hearts to see the beauty in sacrifice (Acts 7:55). Turn our eyes away from worthless things, from the idols of comfort and convenience (Psalm 119:37). May you be glorified as we take up our cross and follow Jesus (Matt. 16:34).