Growing Pains and Growing Persecution

SERMON REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. How do you typically respond when someone points out a problem or blind spot in your life? What makes it difficult for you to listen humbly, and what would it look like to respond with humility and wise action?

2. How can we tell the difference between a legitimate problem that needs to be addressed and opposition that we need to persevere through? Is there something in our lives or our church that God is showing us needs to change or an area where we need to grow?

3. Stephen continued to speak the truth even when doing so brought opposition. What makes speaking the truth about Jesus difficult in our culture today? Where do you personally feel most unsure, hesitant, or intimidated about speaking the truth? How could you grow in confidence and faithfulness in that area?

4. Stephen displayed Christlike character even when he was being falsely accused. What situations tend to bring out the worst in you—whether you’re criticized, misunderstood, frustrated, or treated unfairly? How could greater confidence in Christ help you respond more like Christ in those situations?