PHILIP, THE POWERFUL MISSIONARY OF JESUS CHRIST
Acts8:58
There is a story told about Evangelist John Wesley while returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature, so he took the money.
As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’“ The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit.
Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this stranger, now a believer in Christ and a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before!
“I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man.
“Oh no, my friend,” said Wesley, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!”
Our Daily Bread, October 1, 1994
[Sermon Central Illustration]
As I read that story, it caused me to think about Philip. Philip much like John Wesley realizes what can happen when a Spirit filled man, speak Spirit filled words. He knew who he was serving and he knew who his power source was. And much like John Wesley he knew that the hearer would receive life changing results.
Last week we found out that there is no stopping the mission. We discovered that regardless how bad things may look concerning the church, no one can ever stop the true mission of the church. Even after seeing the disturbances that Saul had made. The first being in overseeing the execution of Stephen in chapter 7 verse 59, and second being the havoc that he caused the church in chapter 8 verse 3, we see that the mission of the church is continuing on even though they were scattered abroad.
This week we will hear about a young man going by the name Philip. We should note that verse 5 starts off with “then”. It is showing us a continuation or a connection with verse 4. Which will allow us to assume that Philip was one of those that left Jerusalem to escape harms way, in order to find the freedom to preach and teach the life saving Word of Jesus. We should note that Philip had what it took to persevere, and that was the Holy Spirit. The proof is in the pudding. He performed miracles, uncleaned spirits came out of many and the palsy and lame were healed. I tell you Philip had what it took. So come as I hope to expose you to the works of Philip, The Powerful Missionary of God.
First of all verse 5 let us know that...
1. PHILIP WENT TO SAMARIA TO INVEST WHAT WAS INVESTED IN HIM. (v. 5)
“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”
Although we see that Philip being separated from the core group of disciples, it does not imply that he was somewhere hiding from his ministry. In fact verse 4 does not imply that anyone of the people that left Jerusalem were idle. It said that “Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Now it would not be a mistake to say that not everyone went abroad preaching. Simply because if we would today face persecution in the church, and chose another city to minister in, there will be some that would go along not because of a relationship with Christ and the drive to preach the word, but because of a relationship with the church body and the opportunity to escape. But as for Philip and many of those that left Jerusalem, it was the ideal platform for them to share what was invested in them in Jerusalem, and that was the Word. You see what was invested in Philip and the others, would not allow them to hold the peace. They had to tell somebody about their Lord and Savior. I hope you can understand what is being said here. Not only did Philip hear the words preached by the apostles, but he had a relationship with the One they were talking about. Look how Philip was introduced to us in chapter 6 verse 5. He was chosen by his peers along with Stephen and had the pre-requisite of a deacon. He was of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and had wisdom.
It is at this point where only Stephen and Philip of the seven are found investing abroad that which was invested in them in Jerusalem.
Secondly, verses 6 and 7 shows us how...
2. PHILIP’ WORDS WHERE FILLED WITH POWER (vv. 6,7)
“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing miracles which he did; 7. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them; and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”
As the text allows us to see, Philip’ anointed words had impact on those who heard it. First of all the people where brought together on one accord and they gave heed unto the things that Philip spoke. Let’ stop right there. First of all the people took heed to what he said. One of the things that I find hard for many in the church world to do is to take heed to what the under shepherd of God’ house has said. And most of it is due to the fact that many of us [pastors] feel that we should not be accountable to anyone else. Which makes me understand why our people are just like us. If we are willing to be accountable, then they would be. If we are caring as shepherds, then they would be. It is the way we act that influence the congregation how they should act. Secondly, and because they took heed to his words, they saw and received miracles of deliverance. The reason many had not been delivered is because they have yet to be obedient to God’ Word. But this was not the case in Samaria, they heard the Word, they obeyed the Word, and the Word delivered them, because unclean spirits were cast out, and the sick and the lame were healed.
Finally, verse 8 gives us...
3. A PICTURE OF A CITY THAT HAD BEEN DELIVERED (v.8)
“And there was great joy in that city.”
Allow me to ask you a question. Had you ever been set free of something that was a burden to you? Whether it might be a bad report from the doctor, or having hear of a bad accident on the road that your spouse or children might travel only to hear them coming in the door hours after the news flash. If you had ever experienced any thing like that, you should know how the city of Samaria felt while benefitting from Philip the powerful missionary of God. There was joy throughout the city. They had reason for joy because Samaria was once a city know for its idolatry, and was a city that the Jews despised. They had joy because of the burden of sin through false teachings and idol worship was lifted. In the former things they could not find any hope. But now they not only have hope but they’ve been delivered by the Word of God. And now they have not just joy, but they have great joy. A person who truly come to know the Lord Jesus Christ had to be filled with this joy.
Well before I take my seat. You might be asking “What kind of joy are you talking about?”
Well I’m talking about...
The joy of your sins being forgiven
The joy of deliverance
The joy to live right
The joy of hope for the eternal promise
But most importantly you’ll have joy unspeakable.
You know what that is don’t you?
Joy, that makes you wave your hands, when no one there to wave at.
Joy, that makes you feel like running, when no one is chasing you.
Joy, that makes tears run down your face, and nothing is hurting you.
Joy, that makes you clap, and there is no music playing.
In your midnight hour, all you have to do is think of the goodness of Jesus and all He has done for you, then your soul would cry out hallelujah thank God for saving me.
