#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sat. 29/7/2017

30/7/2017 LESSON 9

BLESSINGS FOR THOSE RIDICULED FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

Quarter’s Theme: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE

Unit 2: Our Virtues (Lessons 5-9)

(RESPONSIBILITY MONTHS)

MEMORY VERSE

For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry Lk. 23:31 (NKJV)

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 29/7/2017

False Accusation Against Stephen

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen was one of the first deacons elected by the church to distribute food to widows. He was however so filled with the Holy Spirit that God did great wonders and signs among the people through him. The unbelieving Jews could not withstand the wisdom God gave him. His opponents ganged up to accuse him of “blasphemous words against Moses and God”. Their main goal was to eliminate Stephen, who they perceived had become a threat to their religion. The reason why people ridicule or testify falsely against a righteous person is to silence their conscience that they are doing things wrong. If they can malign the righteous person or discredit him, they feel good. To achieve this goal, they are ready to go as far as physically eliminating the offensive person if he will not compromise his righteous stand. Stephen ended up losing his life.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: Some religious people are ready to ridicule other people to prove to themselves that they are right.

PRAYER POINT: Father, arise to justify all Your children that are being falsely accused.