1. Asleep in Jesus
Acts 7

2. Stephen: “falling asleep”
A man full of the Spirit – wisdom – grace - power (Acts 6:3,8,10)
“You murdered the Messiah!” (Acts 7:52)
They stone him to death while he prays forgiveness (Acts 7:58)
“ He fell asleep” (Acts 7:60)
“falling asleep”
- a common way to speak about the death of a believer:
1Cor. 10:30, 15:6; 1Thes. 4:13; Matthew 27:52; 1Cor. 7:39; John 11:11

4. Why is “sleep” a helpful picture for a believer? It’s temporary
John 5:28-29 a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

5. Why is “sleep” a helpful picture for a believer? It’s temporary
It’s expectant
go to be in the presence of Jesus
Romans 8:23-25 We groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

6. Why is “sleep” a helpful picture for a believer? It’s temporary
It’s expectant
It’s peaceful
Isaiah 57:2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

7. Why is “sleep” a helpful picture for a believer? It’s temporary
It’s expectant
It’s peaceful
It’s inevitable
Matthew 7:14 small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.