SCRIPTURAL SATURATION

 

When first introduced to Stephen in Acts 6, we are told he was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit,” (Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬‬). This fullness of faith came from a Scripturally saturated life. Paul stated that, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Rom. 10:17). So, it stands to reason that the more of God’s Word we have in us, the fuller our faith will be. Likewise, we are called to obedience, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” (James 1:22a). This yielding to Scripture is the emptying of self and the filling of the Spirit. Stephen sets the standard of a Scripturally saturated servant of God such as all God’s preachers need to be. 

He was BIBLICAL IN HIS EXPOSITION, (Acts 7:1-50). Stephen based his sermon on the Old Testament. He was able to speak spontaneously because he had studied scrupulously. Jesus promised, “A good man put of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things,” (Matt. 12:35). Yet, the Spirit can only bring out what we have put in!  Too many preachers have been like Old Mother Hubbard who went to her cupboard to get her poor dog a bone, and when she got there the cupboard was bare so the poor dog had none.”  We cannot feed God’s flock on Sunday morning, if we have not filled our soul with the Word during the week. 

He was BOLD IN HIS EXHORTATION, (Acts 7:51-60). Because His sermon was Biblical, his stand was bold. He did not waver from the truth. His communication confronted the congregants with the need for commitment to that truth. He was only responsible for being faithful; the hearers were accountable for their response. 

Stephen saw the rejection of the message by the listeners. If everyone is pleased with what we say, then it is likely the Lord is not. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets,” (Lk. 6:26). They extolled the false prophets for they told them what they wanted to hear instead of the truth they needed to know.

But, Stephen also saw the reception of him as messenger by the Lord. As Stephen sealed his testimony with his own blood, the Lord honored his man by standing up, ready to welcome him, when he arrived home in heaven. I think of the old Gospel song, William Willingham—one of my Bible professors at Fruitland—used to sing:

It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ. (Lyrics and Music: Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

This is the satisfaction waiting the man of Scriptural saturation!  Now, open that Book!  Digest the truth, so you may declare it faithfully and fearlessly!