Philip, The Powerful Missionary Of Jesus Christ Series

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.