Philip is mentioned in Acts 6 as one who was elected to serve:
“This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full
of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmensas
and Nicolas” (Acts 6:6). After the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), persecution
flared. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church
at Jerusalem and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and
Samaria” (Acts 8:1).
Philip was among them. “Those who had been scattered preached
the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed
the Christ there” (Acts 8:5). Philip shows an unusual zeal to spread
the gospel and is repeatedly led by the Holy Spirit. In this passage (8:26-39),
Philip is again led by the Holy Spirit and connects with the Ethiopian. Here
is an example of cross-cultural ministry. The Ethiopian was from a different
country, a different race, and a different religious background. He was led
to the Lord Jesus Christ and baptized because of Philip’s availability.
Witnessing, soul winning and personal visitation do not currently
have the emphasis they have had in the past. But this account of Philip on
the Gaza Road with the Ethiopian provides a clear example of how the Holy
Spirit can lead us to have an eternal influence in others’ lives.
Timidity, preoccupation with our own agendas and fear of rejection
are some of the factors that we allow to limit our outreach. The Holy Spirit
can motivate us beyond habitual, introverted paralysis, resulting in a significant
impact among the unsaved.
Examining these verses one at a time can stimulate pastors,
Sunday School teachers, church board members and associate staff to give fresh
consideration to deliberate evangelistic outreach in the local church. We
need a new burden for lost people. “He who has the Son has life; he who
does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:12).
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
This passage tells a story. In presenting the message there
is great value in flowing narratively, rather than imposing some rigid outline.
Along the way there are many “Kodak moments” where the preacher
can pause and take a picture of what daily Spirit-filled living looks like.
Here is an excellent opportunity to insert kindly stated, yet confrontive,
questions about how well we are doing as “clean and available” containers
for the Holy Spirit to use.
In our humanness, there is always room for improvement. It is best to conclude by giving an unapologetic invitation to come to the altar for prayer. Some of the hearers may identify with the Ethiopian in this passage, and need to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. Others, who know the Lord, may sense conviction to fully surrender their lives and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Still others who have been sanctified may sense the need for renewed commitment and to get a new grip on the priorities of witnessing, soul winning, and personal visitation, following Philip’s example. This can be another discovery in the wonderful potential of Spirit-filled living.
