Unstoppable: A Life Worth Giving

A 5-Day Devotional from Acts 6:8–7:60

Based on the sermon “Unstoppable: The Stoning of Stephen”

Day 1 – What Fills You Will Eventually Spill Out

Summary

When pressure comes, what is inside of us is revealed. Stephen’s courage, wisdom, and faithfulness flowed from a life that had already been filled with God long before opposition arrived.

Read

Acts 6:3, 5, 8
Acts 7:55
Luke 6:45

Background

Luke repeatedly describes Stephen as being full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. When he faced false accusations and intense opposition, what flowed out of him was not fear or anger, but truth and faithfulness.

Key Words

Fullness – Being controlled and shaped by something.

Holy Spirit – God dwelling within and empowering believers.

Wisdom – Living according to God’s truth and perspective.

Theological Truths

1. The heart ultimately determines the direction of the life.
2. The Holy Spirit produces Christlike character before He produces visible ministry.
3. Spiritual strength is built long before it is tested.

John Owen wrote:
“A man preaches that sermon best which he lives.”

Questions for Reflection

1. If pressure exposed the true condition of your heart today, what would most naturally flow out of you—faith, fear, anger, anxiety, joy, or trust?(MULTILINE)
2. What consistently fills your mind and heart throughout the week, and how is it shaping the person you are becoming?(MULTILINE)
3. How would your witness for Christ change if your time in Scripture and prayer became as intentional as your other daily priorities?(MULTILINE)

Application

Spend fifteen uninterrupted minutes today in God’s Word and prayer, asking Him to fill your heart with His truth and presence.

Day 2 – Knowing the Story of God

Summary

Stephen’s powerful defense flowed from a deep understanding of God’s Word and God’s redemptive story.

Read

Acts 7:1–53
Psalm 119:11
2 Timothy 3:16–17

Background

When accused of blasphemy, Stephen did not merely defend himself. He walked through the story of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, the prophets, and ultimately Jesus. His heart and mind were saturated with Scripture.

Key Words

Scripture – God’s inspired and authoritative Word.

Redemption – God’s work of rescuing sinners through Christ.

Witness – Testifying to the truth of Jesus.

Theological Truths

1. God’s entire story points to Jesus Christ.
2. A believer grounded in Scripture is prepared for both ministry and opposition.
3. The Word of God equips believers to speak truth with confidence.

Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”

Questions for Reflection

1. Are you merely familiar with isolated Bible stories, or are you growing in your understanding of God’s larger story of redemption?(MULTILINE)
2. What keeps you from consistently studying Scripture deeply enough for it to shape your thinking and decisions?(MULTILINE)
3. How might God use a deeper knowledge of His Word to help you disciple others and share the gospel more confidently?(MULTILINE)

Application

Read one chapter of Scripture today and ask, “What does this teach me about Jesus and God’s plan of redemption?”

Day 3 – Fix Your Eyes on the Savior, Not the Stones

Summary

Stephen remained faithful because his focus was fixed on Jesus rather than the threats surrounding him.

Read

Acts 7:54–56
Hebrews 12:1–3
Colossians 3:1–2

Background

As the crowd became enraged, Stephen looked upward and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. While everyone around him focused on hatred and violence, Stephen focused on Christ.

Key Words

Perseverance – Continuing faithfully despite hardship.

Glory – The beauty, majesty, and presence of God.

Focus – Directing one’s attention toward what matters most.

Theological Truths

1. What captures our attention often controls our response.
2. Jesus is present with His people in their suffering.
3. Eternal realities provide strength for present difficulties.

Corrie ten Boom wrote:
“Look around and be distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest.”

Questions for Reflection

1. What “stones” currently dominate your attention—fear, criticism, disappointment, uncertainty, or something else?(MULTILINE)
2. How would your perspective change if you intentionally focused more on Christ’s presence than on your circumstances?(MULTILINE)
3. What practical habits could help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus throughout the week?(MULTILINE)

Application

Whenever anxiety or frustration arises today, pause and intentionally pray, “Jesus, help me see You more clearly than my circumstances.”

Day 4 – The Cost of Following Jesus

Summary

Stephen reminds us that following Jesus is not a hobby or an addition to life—it is a complete surrender of life itself.

Read

Acts 7:57–60
Matthew 16:24–25
Philippians 1:29

Background

Stephen became the first Christian martyr recorded in Acts. Though most believers will never face death for their faith, every believer is called to daily self-denial and wholehearted obedience.

Key Words

Disciple – A follower and learner of Jesus.

Self-Denial – Surrendering personal desires to follow Christ.

Martyr – One who suffers or dies for faithfulness to Jesus.

Theological Truths

1. Jesus deserves complete allegiance from His followers.
2. Faithfulness often requires sacrifice.
3. The worth of Christ exceeds the cost of obedience.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
“When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.”

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways are you tempted to fit Jesus into your life rather than surrender your life completely to Him?(MULTILINE)
2. What comfort, habit, ambition, or preference might God be asking you to lay down for His glory?(MULTILINE)
3. If someone observed your life closely, would they conclude that Christ is your highest treasure?(MULTILINE)

Application

Ask God to reveal one area where self-denial is needed and take a specific step of obedience today.

Day 5 – Shine with the Glory of God

Summary

People saw something different in Stephen because he spent time with God. The presence of Christ radiated through his life.

Read

Acts 6:15
Philippians 2:14–16
2 Corinthians 3:18

Background

Luke records that Stephen’s face appeared like that of an angel as he stood before the Sanhedrin. The sermon compared this to Moses reflecting God’s glory after meeting with Him. Time spent with God transforms people.

Key Words

Glory – The visible beauty and greatness of God.

Transformation – Being changed by God’s work within us.

Witness – Reflecting Christ through both life and words.

Theological Truths

1. Time with Jesus transforms believers into His likeness.
2. God intends His people to reflect His character to the world.
3. The most compelling witness often begins with a transformed life.

A.W. Tozer wrote:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”

Questions for Reflection

1. If people spent time around you, what would they conclude about the God you claim to follow?(MULTILINE)
2. What currently competes with your time and intimacy with Christ?(MULTILINE)
3. How could a deeper walk with Jesus strengthen both your personal holiness and your influence on those far from God?(MULTILINE)

Application

Set aside a consistent daily appointment with God this week and guard it as carefully as any other important commitment.