“The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.” John 1:43-44, NKJV
A. APPROACH
1. Philip is the fifth disciple called by Jesus and always listed fifth when the disciples are named. “First, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John his brother, Philip” (Matthew 10:2-3).
2. Philip was the leader of the second section of disciples. His analytical mind qualified him to manage people and resources.
B. LESSON DEVELOPMENT
1. Immediately Philip reached out to his friend Nathanael. “Philip found Nathanael” (1:43).
2. Philip used his analytical nature. Nathanael was not impressed with Jesus (he had a bias against Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown). Philip told his friend that Jesus fulfilled the predictions in the Old Testament. Nathanael complained, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip’s answer, “Come and see.” With an analyzed answer, Nathanael would believe.
3. Philip analyzed, John 6:4-7. Jesus took His disciples into a mountain area near the Sea of Galilee. The multitude (about 5,000) followed, and Jesus taught them. No food, so Jesus asked, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5). He was testing His disciple’s faith. But Philip answered with facts: 200 pennyworth ($6,400) is not enough for everyone (v. 7). He had estimated that it would take about $1.28 per person to feed them.
Faith – Repent – Turn from sin
Receive Christ – Salvation
Fact – What you know – Be good
Keep law, wages of sin is death
4. Philip finds way to Jesus (John 12:20-22). Some Greeks came to Philip trying to find Jesus. “We would see Jesus.” Philip analyzed and went to Andrew. Why? Andrew knew where Jesus was and how to get there.
5. Philip analyzed and rationalized salvation, (John 14:8-11). In the Upper Room, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). But Philip wanted a rational explanation. “Show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us” (John 14:8). For Philip, faith was not enough. Jesus answered Philip that he could see the Father by:
a. Seeing Jesus was seeing the Father (John 14:9-10).
b. Hearing Jesus’ words were authoritative (John 14:10).
c. Jesus’ works were available (John 14:11).
C. TEN PRINCIPLES LEARNED FROM PHILIP
1. There is nothing wrong with being logical, or practical. Jesus often encouraged His followers to be “wise as serpents” (Matthew 10:16). Philip was characterized as analytical. We need to learn and apply all the wisdom God has given us.
2. “Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5). Jesus asked questions “to prove him.” Jesus doesn’t ask questions to judge our flaws or lack of faith, but to lead us to understand Him more fully.
3. “Certain Greeks … came to Philip” to get help. These converted Jews came to see this Jesus, about whom they had heard so much. “Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:20-22). Philip came and told Andrew. Andrew was on the inner circle and was in a better position to judge whether Jesus would receive the Greeks.
4. “Philip said to Him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us’” (John 14:8). Philip was still asking to have his faith validated. “Jesus said … he who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). “or else believe Me for the sake of the works” (John 14:11). Philip wanted to walk by sight, but Jesus led him toward the walk of faith. “Greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12).
5. Philip lived by sight, but Jesus called for him (and us) to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). We will be amazed what God will do for us, and through us, when we get beyond what we can see, so we trust what Jesus promised in His Word.
6. Jesus knew that Philip was not being cynical, but that his faith was weak, so He encouraged that faith.
7. In the first chapter of Genesis, God produces each living thing according to its kind and its seed. This principle is usually operative in evangelism. Those believers who are analytical tend to be able to reach and win those who have mental blocks. God uses analytical people of faith to reach analytical unbelievers.
8. God does not ask us to park our analytical minds at the front door of the church. In other words, God does not ask us to express blind faith, but He gives us a basis to understand the things He wants us to believe. He invites our questions, answer our question, and helps us to grow though our questions.
9. Faith is not a leap into the dark, where we jump blindly in a mystical leap. Faith is stepping into the light of God’s Scripture and following His Word.
10. The Christian life is based on the Bible and proven principles. Feelings will eventually wear out. So do not anchor your faith on your feelings, but on the facts of God’s Word.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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