Empowered Life: Worthy

Empowered Life: Worthy | David Molver | 6 July 2025

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An ordinary man, filled with God’s power and faith

To inspire believers to pursue Spirit-filled faithfulness that reflects the worthiness of

Christ.

Acts 6:8–15

INTRO

In Acts, we’ve seen God using ordinary people—like Peter, and now Stephen—to do

extraordinary things. Last week, we looked at leaders chosen based on two criteria:

full of the Spirit and wisdom. This week we explore the deeper question: What

makes us worthy?

We often connect worthiness to success, popularity, or achievements. But God

measures worth differently. Being worthy isn’t about fitting in—it’s about being filled.

Acts 6:8–15

Stephen wasn’t an apostle or a prophet. He was chosen simply to serve tables (Acts

6:1–6). Yet, he’s described as “full of God’s grace and power” (v8), performing great

wonders and signs. Even when intelligent opposition came against him, they couldn’t

stand up to the wisdom of the Spirit in him (v10).

1. An Ordinary Man

Stephen was an ordinary believer—part of the “second generation” of Christians who

never walked with Jesus. But his availability created space for God’s ability. Like a

drill is useless unless plugged in, Stephen was plugged into God.

Are you available to be used by God in the small things?

2. Full of Faith and Power

Verse 8 says he was full of “faith and power.” The Greek word charis means

unmerited favor. Stephen was filled with God’s grace and power, not his own

strength.

He cultivated:

• Holy Character

• Hard Work

• A Tender Heart

We too can grow in this fullness through:

• Daily surrender

• Prayer and the Word

• Community and obedience

What are you full of today—anxiety, doubt, or faith and power?

3. Being Worthy Brings Resistance (vv9–14)

Stephen faced opposition from religious people, not outsiders. They twisted his

words and used false witnesses—just like they did with Jesus. His wisdom couldn’t

be denied, so they attacked his character.

Are you willing to be misunderstood for standing for Christ?

Being worthy doesn’t mean being popular—it means being faithful.

4. The Face of an Angel (v15)

Stephen’s face “was like the face of an angel.” This echoes Moses’ face glowing

after being with God (Ex. 34:29). Stephen didn’t just talk about Jesus—he reflected

Him. Under pressure, his peace and radiance revealed who he’d been with.

What do people see in your face when pressure comes?

5. What Does It Mean to Be Worthy?

Stephen wasn’t the loudest, strongest, or most accepted—but he was:

• Full of grace

• Full of the Spirit

• Full of truth

• Full of Jesus

Being worthy isn’t about status or title. It’s about being:

• Available

• Spirit-filled

• Faithful

By developing holy character, working hard, and keeping a tender heart, we live lives

that God considers worthy.

God doesn’t need you to be perfect—He needs you to be filled.

Introspective Questions

1. What currently defines your sense of worth—God’s presence or worldly

measures?

2. In what small area of your life might God be calling you to serve faithfully, like

Stephen?

3. How do you respond to opposition or misunderstanding—do you reflect

Jesus?

4. What are you pursuing daily to stay full of the Spirit: surrender, prayer,

communit