BELIEVERS CAN BE FULL OF GOD'S GRACE AND POWER

PROCLAMATION

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”  Acts 6:8 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Because the complaining and murmuring of the people that some of the widows were not being served food, the twelve apostles gathered all of the disciples together.  They asked them to select from among themselves seven men, who were full of The Holy Spirit and wisdom, to whom they could delegate this responsibility. (Acts 6:1-4)  Stephen was one of the seven men selected. (Acts 6:5)  These believers were laymen and are considered to be the first deacons.  They were well versed in The Word of God and spoke well. (Acts 6:10)  Stephen was full of God’s grace and power, and he was able to perform signs and great wonders.  It is possible that all seven of these men were blessed with the ability to do this.  However, Stephen was such a powerful witness of the gospel of Jesus, The Christ, that he incurred the hatred of the Sadducees and they plotted against him. (Acts 6:11-15)

 

APPLICATION

It is important to note that Stephen and the other six men were selected out of the group of believers.  They were students of God’s Word.  They were not priests or apostles, but they were full of wisdom and The Holy Spirit, (Acts 6:3) and full of God’s grace and power. (Acts 6:8)  If we truly believe and are serious students of The Word of God, then each of us could be used by The Lord God to be a powerful witness for Christ.  It is not just the preachers that God can use to do His work.  We all can do great things for Him if we are willing to be used by Him.