Victorious over trails #13 Acts 6:8-15; 7:57-8:1

Declaration I have come to receive the Word of God. I accept its authority over my life—to transform my thoughts and actions, and so receive all the blessings God has in store for me.

Introduction The beginning of fulfillment : Acts 8 1 “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem … [they] were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Introduction Acts 1  8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

2 vital points about trials and suffering Persecution and other sufferings in the world are not from God our Father, they are from the evil one The story of Job Chastisement is not trial and suffering God does not test/tempt us to evil

2 vital points about trials and suffering James 1 13 No one who is tested should say, “God is tempting me!” This is because God is not tempted by any form of evil, nor does he tempt anyone. (Common English Bible)

2 vital points about trials and suffering Persecution and other sufferings in the world are not from God our Father, they are from the evil one Meaning of evil in Hebrew thinking

Gen 19 19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die (KJV) Evil = natural calamity

Exodus 32 12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.(KJV) Evil = chastisement

2 vital points about trials and suffering Persecution and other sufferings in the world are not from God our Father, they are from the evil one Conclusion: with the exception of chastisement, the trials and suffering in life do not come from our Father in heaven, they are from the evil one, or the consequences of sin.

2 vital points about trials and suffering There are times when it is our Father’s will that we go through suffering (even to the point of death) In the case of chastisement … In the case of consequences of sin … In the case of the evil one …

2 vital points about trials and suffering In the case of the evil one … Victory in Deliverance Victory in Endurance

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in the trials by persevering Acts 8 1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering 1 Corinthians 10 13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. (New English Translation)

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by our clarity Acts 6 15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 7 60 Then he fell on his knees

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by our clarity Acts 7 60 “Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Acts 7 60 he fell asleep

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by God’s design (even when we do not see it) Acts 8 1 On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by God’s design (even when we do not see it) The victory of the of the unstoppable Good News

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by God’s design (even when we do not see it) The victory in the Good News going to Samaria

3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering There is victory in trials by God’s design (even when we do not see it) Personal victory. The rescue of believers from the destruction of AD 70

conclusion Three Great Ironies: #1. The death of the first and most able Hellenistic Jewish Christian was the impetus to the Good News going beyond Jerusalem #2. The death of Stephen the impetus for non-apostles to proclaim the Good News #3. The persecution of Christian led to their being spared the destruction of AD 70

conclusion How do we handle our suffering / trials? #1. Persecution and other sufferings in the world are not from God our Father, they are from the evil one, natural disasters, and the consequences of sin. There are times when it is our Father’s will that we go through suffering (even to the point of death)

conclusion 3 ways we have victory in trials and suffering Persevering Clarity Embracing God’s plan