Philip

Acts 8

I.                   Philip the deacon

a.      Noticed by the church 6:5

                                                              i.      For having a good testimony

                                                             ii.      For being led, directed, controlled, and filled with the Holy Spirit

                                                           iii.      Man of wisdom—Bible knowledge and how to use it

                                                          iv.      Capable—able to be put over this business

b.      He was chosen to serve

                                                              i.      Tables

                                                             ii.      Widows

                                                           iii.      Poor

                                                          iv.      He was just a servant

                                                            v.      No indication of other expectations

                                                          vi.      Stephen had been noticed and mentioned as having other or outstanding qualities

II.                 Growth steps

a.      Quietly lived his life where God had him until God was ready to move him on

                                                              i.      Lived a holy and separate life

                                                             ii.      Man of prayer and Bible study in order to say that he was a man of wisdom and Holy Spirit direction and power

b.      Worked and served in obscurity

c.      Was willing to serve or do whatever ministry God placed before him

                                                              i.      When called upon to serve he could put aside his own concerns and needs to help others

                                                             ii.      He did not seek out the position etc. but was already doing the ministry

d.      Stepped up whenever given an opportunity

                                                              i.      Serving others

                                                             ii.      Preaching Jesus

e.      Willing to follow the direction and leadership of his spiritual leaders

f.       Willing to serve without recognition or reward

III.              Philip the evangelist

a.      Possibly the need for his ministry as a deacon wasn’t so needed now that all were fleeing

b.      Doubtful that he just abandoned his ministry

c.      Since they were all scattered abroad and preaching he did the same

d.      He becomes the first cross cultural missionary

e.      Goes to Samaria

f.       Has wonderful power and gifts from God to do the work

g.      When the church comes or sends leaders to check out the work he quietly bows out and moves on

h.      He goes to the Eunuch

i.        He his called away by the Holy Spirit to further towns

j.        Known as Philip the evangelist Acts 21:8

k.      Raised a godly family

IV.               Lessons to be learned

a.      Work where you are to the best of your ability

b.      Allow God to open doors and speak for you to step up Proverbs 27:2

c.      Fulfill and finish the job you have been given

d.      Seize the opportunities that God gives you

e.      Be willing to step aside when God sends other workers or your spiritual leaders

f.       Move on to the next ministry

g.      Don’t stay for recognition or reward

h.      Be found preaching wherever you are

i.        Do not lose your family for your ministry

j.        Include your family in the ministry that God gives you

k.     Everywhere you go preach Jesus