What Hinders You?

Introduction:

After Stephen was put to death for the cause of Christ, great persecution arose against the church. As a result, a large number of Christians were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. These Christians were everywhere preaching God. One is specifically named Phillip. He was one of seven chosen in Acts 6. He was later called Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8). He preached Christ and his Kingdom in the city of Samaria and many were converted.

Lesson text: Acts 8:26-40

Body:

1.      The preacher is sent, Acts 8:26, 27.

Philip receives a Commission from God through the hands of an Angel to leave a populous area of Samaria and take the road out of Jerusalem to a deserted area, one where few lived. This might have seemed strange to him, but he didn't hesitate. Why didn't the Angel go himself? Because God does not commission angels to preach, but rather the gospel is to be proclaimed in earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4: 7. The Providence of God acts to bring the preacher and Sinner together. We should have the same willingness to teach as Philip did.

2.      The audience is prepared in Acts 8:27-31.

The one needing to hear the gospel is introduced. The eunuch is from Ethiopia, modern Nubia, south of Egypt, and around Sudan. He was high up in the government, being in charge of all Queen Candace’s treasury. He was either a Jew or a convert to Judaism, a proselyte. He had been to Jerusalem to worship and was on his way home. Note he was a high government official who was truly religious! He made the trip of several 100 miles so he could worship God. He was very dedicated. The level of his dedication is seen in that because he was a eunuch, he was not allowed to enter the sacred assembly, Deuteronomy 23:1. He could not enter the main part of the temple, only the part where the Gentiles were allowed to go. He thought this was better than nothing. How different some of us are today! He is sitting in his chariot reading his Bible. This shows how high he was in the government because few had chariots. What a great example, his heart is prepared. He was reading in Isaiah. The Holy Spirit directed Philip to catch up with the chariot. Notice the Holy Spirit does not talk to the unit directly about his salvation. There was no direct operation on his Bart. Rather it is done through words of a man- Phillip. Philip runs, catches up with the chariot, and hears him reading from Isaiah, and he asks Philip if he understands. The unique was not offended but rather showed that he had an open mind and ready heart. He wanted to be taught more fully. Teaching is part of god's plan, Romans 10: 14, 15. There are still some in our day who are unique, understanding their need for God and salvation, and willing to listen if we only take the time to talk with them.

3.      The message is delivered versus 32-35.

Passage, in our Bible today, Isaiah 53: 7, eight. This section discusses the suffering servant. The Jews stumbled over this verse; they could not reconcile their view of a king with a suffering servant. The eunuch desired to know who was being talked about. Philip begins with this scripture and tells him about Jesus' prophecy fulfilled in the Jesus of Nazareth, The long-awaited Messiah, savior of mankind. Then, he likely would have discussed God's plan of redemption and its involvement around his son Jesus. The miraculous birth to a virgin, death on the cross, shedding of blood, resurrection from the dead, and beginning of his Kingdom on Pentecost. Also, no doubt he taught the eunuch that law of Moses had been abolished, nailed to the cross.

4.      The Eunuch’s response is forthcoming, verses 36-40.

Upon seeing a pool of water, he asked Philip what prevented him from being baptized right then obviously preaching Jesus must have included telling him about baptism! Philip may have mentioned what we read in Mark 16: 16 or Acts 2: 38. The words that Philip preached to the eunuch had produced faith in Jesus as the son of God. The eunuch decided to put Christ first in his life, to turn away from following the law of Moses, to turn to Jesus, and completely submit to him in all things.

Play Eunice his newfound faith in his allegiance to the Christ. This connection is seen in Romans 10: 9, 10. This confession was necessary for the eunuch to be saved, which led to his salvation. Philip may have also mentioned Jesus' words in Matthew 10:32, 33. A life-long confession!

 As soon as the unit convinced Philip he was ready to be baptized, the chariot was stopped. There was no waiting, not immersed him. The word baptism is essentially a Greek word made into an English 1; the word means an immersion; this meaning is seen throughout the New Testament- John 3:23, “Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.”   In the New Testament, one is always taken to the water, never the water taken to the person. Baptism is a burial, Romans 6:4. Sprinkling or pouring could never be described as a burial! This baptism washes away our sins, Acts 22: 16. Thus when the eunuch came up out of the water, his sins were gone, he was saved. No wonder he went on his way rejoicing. He was a new man, embarking on a new life.

5.      Invitation:

As you examine your own heart today, is it open and ready to accept the gospel message- the good news of Christ? Are you willing to put him first and submit to him in every area of your life, to turn away from sin and turn to him? Are you willing to stand before men and confess your faith? Then, be immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins? If so, what is hindering you now?

 

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

February 1, 2024

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109