Acts 7 Lesson

SACRIFICE

The word sacrifice means:

• “To surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.” (Source: Dictionary.com)

As Christians, there are things in our lives that we need to sacrifice or give up. 

What these “things” are varies from person to person.  

Maybe we give up our favorite TV show or sports competition to study God’s Word?  

Or perhaps we go without food for a day so that we can fast and pray?  

Whatever sacrifices we make, they will pale in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross!  

And while that is certainly the case, it does not excuse us from making our own sacrifices. 

Sacrifices are part of God's plan for us and are an essential part of being a Christian.  

When we give something up to glorify God or serve others, we are becoming more like Jesus, which is exactly what we should be striving to do every day.      

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SACRIFICE

The Bible talks a lot about sacrifice. 

A meaningful sacrifice requires two things:

1. Effort,
2. Thought.

It is a valuable and productive exercise to assess what areas of our lives are in balance, and where we need to make changes.

A great way to do this is to take a Spiritual Inventory of our lives.

As you read the following four Bible verses, ask yourself what areas in your life are out of balance, and what sacrifices might be necessary for you to take the next step in your faith:

1. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” -John 15:13,
2. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:3-4,
3. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” - Romans 12:1,
4. “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” -  John 12:25.

THE EXAMPLE OF STEPHEN

In Acts Chapter 6, we read about the great works that Stephen was doing in and around Jerusalem.  

Luke writes that Stephen was:

• “Performing great wonders and signs among the people.” – Acts 6:8. 

Sadly, as is often the case, this stirred up jealousy and envy among the local leaders.  

They coerced some of the locals into spreading lies about Stephen and turned the people against him.

For this, Stephen rebuked the leaders strongly:

• “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the RighteousOne, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”– Acts 7:51-53.

Stephen must have known that he was putting himself in danger when he said what he did. But it was a sacrifice that he was willing to make.

Why?

Because God was the top priority in his life.

His love for God outweighed any fears or concerns that he might have had for his own safety and what the leaders would do to him.

As Stephen prepared to be stoned to death, he said three things:

1. “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” – Acts 7:56,
2. “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” – Acts 7:59,
3. “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” – Acts 7:60.

Stephen’s entire world changed when he stepped up to become a deacon and serve the needs of the Church.  

Once he committed to serve and to sacrifice, God opened doors for him that he never could have imagined.  

As Luke writes, Stephen was performing:

• “Great wonders and signs among the people(Acts 6:8).”

And when the time came for him to make the most significant sacrifice, he did not hesitate.  

Stephen was prepared for the moment and was willing to put everything on the line to glorify God. 

His faith in Jesus and his love for the Lord gave him the courage and conviction to sacrifice and serve. 

CONCLUSION

When we put God first in our lives, He will open doors for us that we never thought possible.  

Many times, these opportunities that God presents to us will involve sacrifice and change.

How we respond during these times can have a major impact on our souls and where we will spend eternity.

Stephen’s story from Acts Chapter 6 provides a powerful example of what it means to sacrifice for the Lord.

Luke recorded the events of Stephen’s life to provide us with an example of sacrifice that we should try to emulate in our own lives.

We will conclude today’s lesson with the following three scriptures. 

They remind us to keep our eyes on the prize, and to never give up!

1. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12,
2. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in Heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. ” - Mathew 5:11-12,
3. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” - Galatians 6:9.