First Irving Sermons First Irving

Main Idea. God’s gospel is for the outsider: he provides messengers to explain it, the Messiah to save, and the means for obedience.

God provides messengers to explain
God provides a Messiah for saving
God provides means for obedience

Takeaways.
Rejoice that Jesus treats his servants differently than earthly kings treat theirs.
Rest in God for he provides and pursues his people.
Remember the Spirit’s leading.
Reflect on Philip’s Christlike life.
Receive the Eunuch (and anyone who is a sinner).
Repent and believe, then be baptized.

The Christlikeness of Stephen from three angles.

1. Stephen's Christ-like Character (6:8–16)

The two specific charges (13, 14):

Speaking against the temple
Speaking blasphemous words against Moses and changing customs

Psalm 34:4–7: I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Do you ask God to be filled with grace and his Spirit? (Lk 11:13)

2. Stephen's Christ-centered Message (7:1–53)

Two Themes in Stephen’s response
1. Temple/Land (1–50);
2. The Law (51–53)

Three undercurrent lessons Stephen is trying to teach the Council.
God’s presence with his people is not confined to a building or land (his customs change)
God’s people historically have rejected their redeemers
You say Israel’s leaders and worship elements have value, but they are all fulfilled in the Righteous One you killed