Philip: An Epitome Of A Dedicated Leader

PHILIP: AN EPITOME OF A DEDICATED LEADER

Study Text: Acts 6:1-7

Introduction:

- Philip was a dedicated and committed Christian and a disciple of Jesus Christ. These qualities led to his appointment as one of the seven leaders chosen by the people to see to the daily administration of food.

- He did this work faithfully and committedly to the extent that he stood out among many others in taken up a greater responsibility under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

- He is a vivid example of how your dedication and faithfulness in little and unrecognised assignments in the kingdom of God can make a way for a higher calling and opportunities to be used of God in greater assignments.

- His commitment and dedication was not only evident in the Church, but first in his home. A faithful husband to his wife, and a dedicated father to his children. His four daughters were operating in the gift of prophecy. Acts 21: 8 – 10.

- We can learn from his example and believe God also to be a committed Christian and a dedicated leader in the home and in the Church of God.

I. PHILIP: A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN

- We were not exactly of the conversion of Philip, but the account we had about his life confirmed that he was a man that is truly in Christ and living for Christ. The fruits of righteousness were evident in his life and the whole Church can testify to it.

- Definitely, he was not a Christian by title or by words of mouth, but a committed Christian and a faithful disciple of Jesus in all manner of conversation.

- God is not interested in Christians only by name, title or words of mouth, but in those that can reveal to the world the life of Christ in them, and that can truly be the light of the world and the salt of the earth that Christ desired. Matthew 5: 13 – 14.

- He was also filled with the Holy Spirit. This receiving of the Spirit is more than just a quickening to life: it means handing over the reins of one’s life to the indwelling of the Spirit. The most important prerequisite for any kind of Christian service is to be filled with faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. All this had happened to Philip.

- Looking at the life of Philip, can you really say that you are a committed Christian and a faithful disciple of Jesus? If not, the life of Philip is a great challenge to us today and it is a worthy example we can follow.

II. PHILIP: A CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN

- He was a man “of honest report” (Acts 6:3) “look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.”

- This is a rare characteristic in these days, but it is a New Testament standard for those who hold leadership responsibilities in the life of the church.

- So many people call themselves witnesses, but are not honest. Deep down in their hearts they know they are not. Philip was a godly, consistent Christian. Can that be said of you? - The sin of hypocrisy and inconsistency, on the part of Christians, has been a stumbling block to the lost world.

- People want Consistent Leaders, not wishy-washy, hot and cold. Someone that always takes a stand. Consistent means reliable, steady, dependant, unfailing.

- We can examine our lives and see how honest we have been or we can be in all matters, and believe God for the grace to be honest and steadfast in the integrity of our heart as we have seen in Philip.

III. PHILIP: A CONSECRATED CHRISTIAN

- He was “…full of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 6:3). In Old Testament times, the word consecration was used on the occasion of the installation of a priest to holy service.

- In New Testament teaching, consecration implies the filling of the life by the Holy Spirit. So we read that Philip was a man “…full of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 6:3).

- Writing to pastors, members, husbands, wives, parents, children, servants and masters, the apostle Paul exhorted: “…be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

- To be a consecrated Christian begins with the filling with the Holy Spirit and this demands three actions of the believer.

1. Confess all known and unknown sins and pray for forgiveness and cleansing of sin. 1 John 1: 8 – 9.

2. Pray for God to fill you with His Spirit. He has promised to give the Holy Spirit to as many that believe and will ask Him for the Holy Spirit.

3. Be Sincere and open your heart plain unto God to receive the Holy Spirit and to be used for His glory.