C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle faced by the elect of God, with Jesus Christ as the Captain of their salvation. He encourages believers to stand firm and not lose heart, despite the challenges facing the church, particularly in England. Spurgeon reminds the faithful that while the battle may seem daunting, Jesus is present and interceding for His people, ensuring that their cause is secure. He calls for courage and action in proclaiming the gospel, urging Christians to fight valiantly for truth and righteousness. Ultimately, he reassures them that while they must act as if everything depends on them, their victory rests in the hands of God.

R.A. Torrey emphasizes the exemplary character of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who embodied Christ-like qualities such as being full of faith, grace, power, the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, love, and courage. Stephen's unwavering faith allowed him to face persecution with grace, and his deep knowledge of Scripture empowered his preaching, leading to both conviction and hostility from his adversaries. Despite his martyrdom, Stephen's life and death had a profound impact, ultimately contributing to the conversion of Paul, the apostle. Torrey calls for believers to emulate Stephen's fullness in their own lives, highlighting the necessity of prayer and the Holy Spirit in achieving such a character. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the eternal rewards that follow faithfulness.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that fear is the true public enemy number one, overshadowing sin, ignorance, and poverty. He draws from historical and biblical examples to illustrate how fear can paralyze individuals and communities, contrasting it with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind that God provides. Ravenhill highlights the importance of recognizing fear's reality while also understanding that it can be overcome through faith and the teachings of Scripture. He encourages believers to stir up the gifts within them and to stand firm in their faith, especially in perilous times, as Paul advised Timothy. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a deep, abiding trust in God to combat the fears that plague humanity.