Philip Acts in Obedience, Traditions

In one paragraph

This message walked through Acts 8:26-40, the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, following the theme of immediate obedience to God's direction. Pastor Micah preached it on the same morning a large group from First Baptist Jackson left for Kenya, which he noted was no accident. The point he kept returning to was simple: when God gives direction, the right response is to obey right away and...

Read together

1. Acts 8:26-40 the primary passage for the sermon, Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
2. Acts 8:25 Peter and John preaching the gospel in towns of Samaria as they returned toward Jerusalem
3. Isaiah 53 the passage the eunuch was reading aloud in his chariot, quoted as 'he was led like a sheep to the slaughter'
4. Acts 21:8 Paul's companions stayed at Philip's house in Caesarea, showing Philip settled and continued ministry there

Talk about it

1. The pastor talked about Philip obeying the angel's instruction immediately, and connected that to Miss Meg's classroom saying: 'I will obey right away and with a happy heart.' Where in your own life do you find it hardest to obey God's direction right away, and what usually gets in the way?
2. Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit's nudge to run alongside the eunuch's chariot before he knew anything about the man or why God was sending him there. Can you think of a time when God asked you to act before He explained the reason? What happened?
3. When Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah 53, he asked a simple, spontaneous question: 'Do you understand what you are reading?' The pastor pointed out that no specific divine instruction told him to ask that. How do you think Philip was prepared to respond in that moment, and what does that suggest about how we prepare ourselves day to day?
4. The eunuch answered Philip's question by saying, 'How can I unless someone instructs me?' The pastor held that up as a picture of a teachable spirit. What makes it hard for people, including us, to admit we do not understand something when it comes to faith or scripture?
5. Philip was snatched away right after the baptism and the eunuch never saw him again, yet the eunuch went on his way rejoicing. The pastor connected that to the feeling short-term missionaries have when they leave a place and wonder whether they made a real difference. How do you personally handle not getting to see the outcome of something you did in obedience to God?