PHILIP THE DISCIPLE MAKER
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: PHILIP THE DICIPLE MAKER
Scripture References: ACTS 8:26-40
Summary:
The word ONE is a big theme today in this sermon. I love how we see God’s heart for the ONE! God leads Philip from a large revival movement in Samaria to a road where ONE man is primed to convert to faith in Christ. This captures how God loves the 99 and the 1!
Notes:
Acts 8:26-40
V.26-29 Philip is led to the Eunuch
Ancient Gaza was destroyed in 93 b.c. and the city was rebuilt closer to the Mediterranean in 57 b.c. The old city was called Desert Gaza. -Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 374). Victor Books.
Who is this Ethiopian Eunuch? This Eunuch served under the authority of the Ethiopian Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. This is not the same Ethiopia of today. This man would be from modern-day Sudan, the northeastern part of Africa. He’s a God-fearing gentile. His belief is revealed in the fact that he made a significant journey to Jerusalem to worship. He also had in his possession the book of Isaiah the prophet, showing his love for God of the Israelites, but also his wealth because scrolls were rare. His wealth and prestige are also identified in the fact that he has a carriage.
V. 30-35
Philip runs. This shows his prompt obedience, childlike faith, and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Philip hears him reading from the prophet Isaiah (book of Isaiah). Philip has a disciple-making opportunity served on a silver platter.
Such a simple but great question.
The portion of scripture is about the suffering servant. At that time Isaiah 53 was a much disputed text in Jerusalem. The eunuch had been to the city where, no doubt, debate was raging between Christians and Jews regarding the identity of the Servant. Many of the Jews argued that the prophet was describing his own experience, but the Christians insisted that the reference was to someone else, namely, Christ. -FLBC, 577
The Ethiopian’s lack of understanding allows Philip an opportunity to connect the dots between prophetic scripture and Jesus as the suffering servant who was sinless and perfect but suffered for our sins.
Between verses 35 and 36 Philip most likely shared from the OT prophecies and the apostle’s testimony of Jesus’ life, sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. We can do that too. In Luke 4:16-21, we can read when Jesus connected himself to the prophet Isaiah (61:1-3) as the one to come usher in the kingdom, preach the good news, and set captives free.
Just a note that this was the Old Testament. Traces of Christ are in the Old Testament pointing to His kingdom and message. God used as He intended the prophecy of Jesus in Isaiah to lead this Eunuch into salvation in Christ. Now we have the New Testament that helps make sense of everything. If a man can come to believe in Christ with one OT book surely those who receive these Bibles can be reached by the grace of God!
V. 36-40
Philip must have discipled him a lot on the carriage ride and included the step of water baptism.
The result of this disciple-making encounter is this man decides to put his life and trust in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
He longs to get water baptized, demonstrating a hunger to obey instructions from Jesus and take his next step of faith.
What is water baptism? Water baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward change. Water Baptism is a demonstration of your new life in Christ. If you get water baptized you are saying that you are a new person, alive in Christ, a new creation, and participating in a shared life with Christ. Died with Christ, raised to new life with Christ, and now walk with Christ.
Philip’s teleportation (like Elijah and Ezekiel) would serve as a powerful sign and confirmation for a man who is heading home alone and possibly the only Christian there.
This entire encounter has been orchestrated by God. I’m sure at some point this man looked back and thought, God sent a man in the middle of nowhere to help me understand what I was reading and change my life and then he disappeared. He may have even thought Philip was an angel, who knows? Either way, the gospel went to Ethiopia because the gospel changed this man’s life.
Philip appeared in Ashdod, which was just over 20 miles north of Gaza. He preaches the gospel wherever he goes. I can imagine him saying, “Have you hear of the one they call Jesus, the Messiah, the one they crucified but three days later he rose again?”
We don’t hear anything about Philip’s life until Acts 21:8-9 where he made a life and family in Caesarea. He had four daughters who had the gift of prophecy.
Application:
Disciple-Making 101
Philip was a disciple-maker and this story helps us know how we can make disciples of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Philip's story here is a great example of what it looks like to make disciples or what we call Disciple-Making. I define disciple-making as one who does evangelism and discipleship (mentoring). For years, evangelism and discipleship have been two separate efforts in churches but I see them work together. Disciple-makers go out to reach the lost, teach what Jesus did for us, help the lost understand, and invite them to put their faith and trust in Jesus for salvation. The disciple-maker also teaches and models how to be a disciple/follower of Jesus. When we evangelize, people need teaching and help to understand. When someone believes and is saved they also need teaching and help to be disciples who will make disciples. Jesus put these two efforts together. Philip does both. I believe we do both too. This is why I’m a disciple-maker teacher.
Each One Teach One - Frank Laubach
Basic Disciple-Maker principles to live by
A Disciple-Maker must be a disciple and follower of Jesus
a. The word disciple means learner or student. Are you learning from Jesus and are you actively following or obeying His teaching and ways?
b. Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
c. John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
A Disciple-Maker comes alongside to carefully teach and guide their one.
a. This one could be an unbeliever or a believer.
b. You open your life not just the scriptures with this person.
c. Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
d. Mark 3:13-14 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach
e. 1 Thess. 2:8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
f. 1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
A Disciple-Maker strives to be an example of Christ to everyone
a. We won’t execute this perfectly but we should try to be like Jesus in every way
b. 1 Cor. 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
c. 1 John 2:6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
A Disciple-Maker encourages their one to go reach and teach one.
a. 2 Timothy 2:2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others
b. Multiplication.
Bible Outreach
The Ethiopian Eunuch had in his possession a small portion of the Bible. What if people around us had a physical Bible in their possession to read and it sparks questions?
Here’s the plan. Take this home and ask God to show you who to give this to. I’m thinking of someone you know and will see again. But if the Lord leads you to give it to a stranger go for it. Depending on who you give it to consider putting your email or number in it so if they have questions they can contact you. Do not use this for any selfish gain such as to make contact with someone you are interested in dating.
Go over the info Insert.
While you wait and continue to pray, carefully highlight the scriptures provided in the insert we’ve provided. Make sure this insert remains in the Bible when you give it away. Grab an Easter at Calvary postcard to also include.
Close:
What if each one teaches one? If we all reach one person think about how many people that would be getting discipleship and hopefully believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Consider making this a regular practice. Good Bibles can be purchased at Walmart, Ollies, or online.
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
Where are you in your Discipleship Journey?
Who is your “one”? If you do not have anyone you are discipling, is there anyone who is weighing heavy on your heart to
What other notes did you highlight or write down that you would like to share?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!