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Empowered Life: Faithful
- Free Church
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Empowered Life: Faithful | David Molver | 13 July 2025
Faithfulness isn't about comfort or applause, but it's about obedience, courage, and trust, even when it costs us. From Abraham to Stephen, the Bible tells the story of imperfect people who chose to follow God even when it didn't make sense, even when they were rejected, and even when it cost them everything.
Text: Acts 7
Introduction
Last week we looked at Stephen—an ordinary man filled with grace and power—who faced fierce opposition and false accusations. This week, we shift the focus from “suffering” to faithfulness, especially in the face of hardship.
There’s a dangerous misconception that giving our lives to God guarantees a problem-free life. But faithfulness is not about what we gain—it's about who we follow, even when nothing changes. I recall witnessing the cost of faithfulness through my father's ministry and remember my own early resistance to that calling, shaped by observing the opposition my father faced.
1. God Has Always Honoured Faithfulness
Stephen’s speech (Acts 7:1–50) recounts Israel’s history—not to defend himself, but to reveal how God consistently worked through faithful people—and how often they were rejected.
Abraham – Faith That Steps into the Unknown (Acts 7:2–8)
Trusted God without knowing the full picture.
Faithfulness means obeying even when we don’t have clarity.
Joseph – Faithfulness in Rejection (Acts 7:9–16)
Betrayed by family, forgotten in prison—but remained faithful.
Even when wrongly treated, God is with the faithful.
Moses – Faithfulness in Formation and Failure (Acts 7:17–43)
40 years each in learning, unlearning, and relearning.
Faithfulness includes perseverance through rejection and slow growth.
David – Faithfulness Despite Flaws (Acts 7:45–46)
Imperfect, yet “after God’s heart.”
God honours repentant hearts—not perfection.
Solomon – Faithfulness in Worship (Acts 7:47–50)
Built the temple—but God isn’t confined to buildings.
True faithfulness is relational, not religious.
2. Faithfulness Is Often Misunderstood
Stephen boldly declares that Israel’s pattern has always been to resist the Spirit and reject God’s faithful messengers—from Joseph to Jesus (Acts 7:51–53).
Being faithful to God might not bring applause—it may bring opposition.
Stephen’s words spark outrage, and he is stoned. But just before his death, he sees Jesus standing—a unique honour in Scripture—affirming Stephen’s faithfulness (Acts 7:54–60).
3. Stephen – A Model of Faithful Witness
Stephen not only preached faithfulness—he lived it:
He spoke truth knowing it would cost him.
He saw Jesus standing in heaven.
He forgave his killers.
Jesus stood to welcome him—an honour reserved for the faithful.
4. What Does Faithfulness Look Like Today?
Obedience in Ordinary Days – Serving with integrity, even in small roles.
Truth with Love – Speaking truth with humility and grace.
Courage in Costly Moments – Staying committed when it’s hard.
Forgiveness and Grace – Choosing mercy, even when wronged.
Conclusion: Is He Worthy? Are We Faithful?
Stephen’s death wasn't the end—it was a catalyst. The Gospel spread, churches were planted, and even Saul (soon to be Paul) was watching.
God didn’t cause Stephen’s death, but He used it.
I eventually surrendered to God’s call, realizing that the true reward of faithfulness isn't material—it's purpose, transformation, and eternal impact.
Call to Action
Ask God to make you faithful like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and Stephen.
Repent where you’ve resisted the Spirit.
Recommit to small, bold, and grace-filled faithfulness.
4 Introspective Questions
When life doesn’t turn out how you hoped, do you still trust God's goodness?
Are you obeying God even when no one is watching and no rewards are in sight?
Have you been resisting the Holy Spirit in any area of your life?
What would it look like for you to be faithful—even if it cost you comfort or approval?
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