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ENDURING UNDER PRESSURE

June 8 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DG, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DG share their story.

Read Together: Acts 7:54–60; 8:1–4 CSB

Stephen’s story is one of bold faith under pressure. As the first Christian martyr, he stood courageously before an angry council, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and kept his eyes on Jesus even in death. His life and death sparked a wave of persecution—but also scattered seeds of the gospel that spread far and wide.

The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or Discipleship Group.

What helps you stay faithful when following Jesus feels costly or uncomfortable?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DG or for personal study.

  1. Abide in Advance:
    • Stephen didn’t become courageous overnight—his life of faithfulness prepared him. What are your daily or weekly habits that help you abide in Jesus? How do you think those rhythms prepare you for moments of pressure?
  2. Behold in the Moment:
    • Stephen looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. When life feels chaotic, where do you look for help? How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
  3. Be Sustained by Jesus:
    • Stephen’s forgiveness, boldness, and peace came from the Spirit. Where do you feel spiritually weak right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and sustain you?
  4. Bear Fruit Beyond Your Years:
    • Stephen’s death helped spark gospel growth—even impacting Saul. How does knowing your faithfulness today could impact generations encourage or challenge you?

Pray Together:

Take time to pray with and for each other.

Suggested Prayer Prompts:
  • Thank God for the example of Stephen’s life and faith.
  • Confess where fear or comfort may be holding you back from bold obedience.
  • Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and help you endure with grace and courage.
  • Ask God to bear lasting fruit through your life, even in unseen ways.

Next Steps:

Choose one way this week to practice bold, Spirit-led faith:
  • Carve out a time of intentional prayer to invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen you.
  • Step out in a conversation, act of forgiveness, or service where faith requires courage.
  • Read Acts 6–8 to learn more about Stephen’s life and ask God to grow your endurance.