This message looks at Philip as an example of someone who is given unique spiritual gifts and abilities/skills that are used by God. His work in Samaria, his work with the Ethiopian eunuch, his ministry in Gaza, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 8:1-40)
Sermon Outline
“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35)
Philip Proclaimed the Messiah (Acts 8:5)
- People were set free from the bondage of darkness when the Messiah was proclaimed
- People experienced healing from physical and emotional sickness when Jesus was proclaimed
- The good news brings joy to people who believe, and it spreads throughout the whole city
Simon, in contrast, proclaimed himself (Acts 8:9-13)
- Simon practiced acts of darkness instead of the light
- Simon was a boastful man who proclaimed himself instead of the Messiah
- Simon led people astray for a while with his sorcery
- The Gospel can open the eyes of people held by evil
- Simon wanted the gift of the Apostles; he craved power, and he wanted to glorify himself
Philip Responded to the Spirit’s Divine Interruption (Acts 8:26-40)
- Philip was obedient to the Spirit when he was asked to go to the Ethiopian Eunuch
- Philip understood the Scriptures and was able to proclaim the Messiah to the Eunuch
- The good news is for eunuchs and for anyone, anywhere, and everywhere (John 3:16)
- Scriptures have the power to transform lives (Psalm 119:9-18, 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
- The Holy Spirit can move in any way he wants, in power, in anyone who responds to him
Four Considerations:
- Are you seeking God? He will make himself known to you; accept the free gift of salvation he offers you (Romans 6:23, Isaiah 55:1-3)
- Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-40, Ephesians 1:3-12)
- Study the Bible: As a disciple, it will help you know Jesus better and increase your confidence to share the good news of Jesus
- Be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit: He wants to do extraordinary things in and through you in your ordinary life
DISCUSSION QUESTION
- Share with your group someone who showed you Christ, discipled you, or was a mentor to you who modeled Christ.
- Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through Scripture, and then read Acts 8:1-25 aloud.
- Read verses 4 to 7. What did Philip do when he got to Samaria? Who did he proclaim?
- What name did Philip proclaim by which the people of Samaria believed and were saved and baptized? Read Acts 8:12. Also, read Acts 4:12.
- How did the Lord confirm the message that Phillip shared? Read verses 6 and 7.
- By whose power were the impure spirits defeated? Read Acts 4:7-10.
- In Contrast to Philip, we have another character called Simon the Sorcerer. Read Acts 8:9-13. What kind of man was he? Why do you think the people of Samaria thought he acted on behalf of God? What is the caution here about people who seem to do “miracles” in God’s power? What did Jesus warn us about this? Read Matthew 7:22-23.
- What do we learn about the mercy of God even for people like Simon? Read Acts 8:22, 2 Peter 3:9, and Psalm 103:8-12.
- Is salvation free? Is the gift of the Holy Spirit free? Read Romans 6:23 and Acts 2:38-40.
- Read Acts 8:26-40. What happened here?
- The passage shows God’s love for the nations and individuals. Read John 3:16. What does this mean for you?
- Philip was a faithful disciple who was used by God to do extraordinary things. Are you faithful? A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, being transformed by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the mission of God. (Matthew 4:19)
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- Do you have questions about God and Jesus like the Ethiopian eunuch? Consider checking out the Alpha course at alphausa.org or talk to one of our pastors.
Growing and Centered in Faith
- Pray for someone you know who does not know Christ for the next 30 days.
- Reach out to them according to the leading of the Spirit—share Christ, invite them to your home, invite them to church, communicate the love of Jesus in some way, and keep at it. Persevere.