Theme:
Evangelism
Text: Acts
8:26-40
Introduction:
The account we have just read isn’t just the story of how one person came to
know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; it’s also the willful obedience of Gods servant.
Just like Philip; Christians today have a purpose and that purpose is to spread
the Gospel. You see Philip understood something, he understood the Great
Commission the Lord gave his disciples before His ascension. Philip understood
the importance of the Lords words when He said, “Go.” Philip done everything
right, how do I know that, the gospel was shared and a witness was made? God
has provided us with an outline, which shows our responsibility, the Holy
Spirits preparation and the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look with me as I
preach to you Philips witness.
I. Philips
direction
Where, when and how to go
a. South means a direction and time
(noon)
b. Take the road that leads from
Jerusalem to Gaza
c. Through the desert
App: How do
we handle Gods direction e.g. timing,
Routes and difficulties.
II. Philips
response
He arose and went
a. Philip didn’t argue, complain or
refuse
he did what God ask the way God ask
it.
App: God
expects us to be obedient, in everyway.
III.
Philips appointment
A. The Eunuch
Note: the word Eunuch is used here
to represent an
Important office e.g. chamberlain,
or household
Steward.
1. He worked for the Queen of
Ethiopia
Note: Candace isn’t a name it’s a title similar to
Pharaoh.
2. Philips appointment wasn’t just
with anyone this is
someone of importance.
App: God is
no respecter of persons no one comes
To the Father except by the
cross. Philip is
Challenged to deal with the
abnormal, so may we.
IV. Philip and the Eunuch’s meeting
1. Philip was told when to
approach
App: Knowing that you are to approach someone
and knowing when may different, be
Submissive to the
spirit. As God prepares us He also
prepares the person to
receive His word. Follow the Spirit
2. When Philip approached the Eunuch
was
reading the Word of God,
Isaiah.
Even though he was
religious he wasn’t saved
1. The lost have
spiritual question
2. The lost search for
the answers
3. He desired the word of God
App: This
man was hungry for the word of God, he had money enough
To buy his own copy, but
salvation is free.
3. Philip offers his service
1. Not to offend but to
assist
2. What this tells us about
ourselves.
a. Our duty to read
the scriptures
b. Influence on others
c. The wisdom gained
d. Reviewing public
worship
e. Consistent study
improves knowledge
4. The Eunuch’s desire for
help
1. The Eunuch realized
something was missing religion
wasn’t enough
App: Be
ready to compassionately and intelligently share the gospel
V. The message shared (Isaiah
53) concerning the
Messiah.
1. That he should die-led
to the slaughter
2. That he should die
wrongfully-his judgment
shall be taken away, no justice done to him-
cut off but not for
himself
3. That he should die
patiently-lamb dumb
before the shearer
4. That yet he should live
for ever-who shall
declare his
generation
5. Who is this talking
about himself or
someone else?
6. Philip uses this
question to preach the
Gospel and Christ
crucified.
App: Preach
about the birth, life, ministry, opposition, crucifixition, resurrection and
ascension of Jesus Christ.
VI. The Eunuch’s request for
baptism
1. He didn’t demand, but
ask if there was any
reason to prevent it?
2. He does desire it and
unless Philip proves
otherwise he wants it.
3. Philip ask’s the
questions which will prevent
or deny baptism.
if you believe you
may. (8:37)
4. The Eunuchs response.
(8:37)
1. Jesus is the Christ
2. A savior
3. The son of God
VII. The Baptism
1. The Chariot was
stopped regardless of
anything else the
Eunuch was baptized.
Note: History tells
us that Philip had
Recently been
deceived by a false
Profession (Simon
Magus). Philip didn’t
Let this prevent his
ministry from
Progressing.
VIII. Philip’s work moves on
the Eunuch moves
on.
1. The Eunuch went away
rejoicing
a. he had
experienced Christ
b. he had something
to take home
2. Philip was moved by
the spirit to Ashdod to preach
Conclusion:
Its important for us to be ready at all times to serve God as he calls, not
necessarily as we in vision it. You see we can be strolling along with
everything going just fine and then our world gets turned upside down. That’s
not necessarily opposition to God; it could be God working in our life, to put
us in a situation to serve him. We need to be prepared spiritually, physically,
emotionally, and mentally to deal with the opportunities God puts before us.
True God will not put more on us than we can bear, but do we really trust God
to know how much that is, or do we expect God to work in our comfort zone. I
challenge each one of you to search out your comfort zone and be prepared to
expand it, as God needs you.
Chapel Hill Baptist Church
Wednesday 10/8/03