Stephen emphasizes the theme of becoming a "man of God," referencing 2 Peter 1:1-12. He highlights that the term "man of God" appears throughout the Bible, with examples like Moses, Samuel, David, and Elijah, who exemplified faith and closeness to God. Stephen asserts that being a man of God is not reserved for a select few but is God's will for everyone. He reflects on his personal journey of faith, recalling how he sought God for a year before experiencing a transformative moment in 1930 when he understood the Scriptures personally. Stephen outlines the calling of a man of God, which is rooted in God's glory and virtue, and emphasizes that this calling is significant and requires a strong desire to fulfill it. He explains that God's divine power provides everything necessary for life and godliness, including the life of Christ within believers. Stephen concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace their calling and the promises of God, which enable them to escape worldly corruption and partake in His divine nature.
Introduction to the theme: Making of a Man of God
Biblical examples of "man of God": Moses, Samuel, David, Elijah
Universal calling to be a man of God
Personal testimony of Stephen's faith journey
Understanding the significance of God's calling
God's provision for life and godliness
Encouragement to embrace God's promises and calling
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.