Acts 8:1-25 Recap and additional comments from sermon last week.
Acts 8:1-8 - Philip = 2nd deacon listed in Acts 6.
Samaritans lived north of Jerusalem = 1/2 Jews (got intermingled when northern tribes exiled by Assyria. Were scattered all over the Assyrian empire)
Samaritans = despised by the Jews - were considered impure.
However, Philip's move NOT without precedent. He was preceded by Jesus - John 4 - woman at the well.
Acts 8:12 - "believed, baptized, "Both men and women"! 1st time women were mentioned in the conversion process.
Acts 8:14-17 - Apostles get word .... send Peter and John to check it out. Were satisfied enough to 'lay on hands', they received the Holy Spirit and were considered equals in the church!!! - (same signs as at Pentecost)
Acts 8:25 - Peter and John so convinced, they preach to other Samaritan villages on their way back to Jerusalem!
OBSERVATIONS: (about incident and text)
#1. Philip went to a despised people
#2. The Holy Spirit went with him (or before hm?)
#3. These people had a PARTIAL knowledge of truth. (accepted the 1st 5 books of Old Testament, expected Messiah to come - however, to Mt. Gerizim)
Philip and Peter and John jst "filling in hte gaps"
(Paul says this = true of ALL people" - Rom. 1 (Everyone has an inherent knowledge of God)
#4. The Samaritans were "ripe unto harvest" - John 4:35
Compare the Apostles' earlier visit with Jesus in John 4. (Jesus talking about the Samaritans) Sometimes we just don't see (recognize) spiritual ripeness!
#5. This movement (ministry/revival) was LAY LED!! These (Philip, Peter, John) were common folk.
Which = one reason early church grew so widely and rapidly.,
Acts 8:4 - ie. early church didn't wait on (or depend on) their leadership to spread the Word!!!
SOME LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS FOR US...
#1. There is no person (or people group) that is beyond Salvation.
(ie. beyond the NEED or beyond the POSSIBILITY)
1 Tim. 2:1-4, 2 Pet. 3:9 - here = Samaritans
next = Gentiles! (chapter 10)
#2. Therefore, You should not eliminate anyone from your evangelistic efforts. (acting toward them in love)
Josh said "do you LOVE your enemies?" (or are you like Jonah?)
1 John 2:2 Rom. 10:9, 13
#3. When you go (to share, witness) God goes with you.
Matt. 28:19-20 - Great Commission
This doesn't mean you will feel His Presence or SEE the results
Rather = when you share ...God works!! Isa. 55:10-11
Josh said "have some confidence!" (ie: in GOD, not necessarily in 'self)
#4. We are to minister to those in need REGARDLESS of their openness to the gospel! Anyone in need regardless of their beliefs. Luke 10:36-37 (Good Samaritan)
BUT
#5. We are also called to SHARE the Gospel Message.
Josh referred to "friendship evangelism"
Add: ministry evangelism
lifestyle evangelism"
confrontational evangelism
Common denominator = EVANGELISM - Don't miss this!!!
Point = (1) share gospel so people can make an education decision
(2) help fill in their 'blanks' - evangelism = Bridge Illustration
OBJECTION!! I feel inadequate!!!
On one hand, God's part = convince them.
On the other hand, our part = share the message. Rom. 10:13-14, 17
Also note:
Is safe to say that the Apostles inspired Philip (to accept Christ, become a deacon, become an evangelist)
BUT - here = Philip inspires the Apostles!! to examine Samaritans, accept their salvation, lay hands on them, and "preach in many Samaritan villages" on way home.
Point here: Leaders should be source of inspiration and encouragement to you.
However, you can be a source of inspiration and encouragement to them!!
So.... challenge..... As you grow in Christ, develop Christian character, live the Christian life... be sure to:
(1) pursue a ministry of evangelism
because (A) all people need it - Rom. 1:16-17
and (B) you can do it. example: Bridge Illustration Put confidence in God not self
AND
2) Pursue a ministry of Encouragement
because (A) all people need that also!! (leaders, followers, baby Christians, Aged Christians!! NON Christians!!)
and (B) you can do it!!!
Closing Scripture: Gal. 6:9-10
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