Gifted for Service: Philip

Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope

September 20, 2008
Larry R Evans

Quiz for Reflection

[To get the most from the quiz read the passages in brackets and look for a thread of thought which may give more depth and understanding to the question being asked.]

1. It is unlikely that Philip was the husband of one wife. True or False? [1 Tim 3:12]

2. The early church was characterized by “togetherness.” True or False? [Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-33]

3. Delegation weakens the authority and control role of a leader. True or False? [Acts 6:1-4]

4. In the past, when believers were persecuted for their faith they followed common sense and did not share their faith. True or False? [Acts 8:1-4]

5. The Holy Spirit did not begin working on the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch until after Philip went to the chariot and began speaking with him. True or False? [Acts 8:30-31]

6. Spiritual gifts are given to individuals so that they might walk more closely with God. True or False? [Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31]

7. It’s ok to get the right thing (the Holy Spirit) even if you go about it the wrong way? True or False? [Acts 8:9-25]

Reflective Review

God does not call someone to do a job unless He believes they can do it! Philip is an example in point. However, Philip and countless others had a lot of “on the job learning.” Walking with God is an exciting adventure and demands many qualities such as being teachable and willing to listen to God as well as being flexible and adaptable with one’s own plans and methodologies. The story of the Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is how God works. He had been working on preparing a special ambassador for sometime while at the same time softening the heart of this influential Ethiopian. Philip stands as an example of how the mission of God is to be carried out. The early church was founded in the face of persecution and some were tempted to withdraw to themselves and study and prepare by themselves. Note the following challenge!

“Forgetting that strength to resist evil is best gained by aggressive service, they began to think that they had no work so important as that of shielding the church in Jerusalem from the attacks of the enemy. Instead of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied with what had been accomplished. To scatter His representatives abroad, where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon them. Driven from Jerusalem, the believers "went everywhere preaching the word."

“Among those to whom the Saviour had given the commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19), were many from the humbler walks of life--men and women who had learned to love their Lord and who had determined to follow His example of unselfish service.To these lowly ones, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Saviour during His earthly ministry, had been given a precious trust. They were to carry to the world the glad tidings of salvation through Christ.” Acts of the Apostles, p. 105-106.

All are called, all are being prepared and equipped for the mission. All are being called to serve in the mission of God. How many of us are willing to listen and to adapt our plans, our ambitions, accordingly?

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