Acts 8:26-39

 

Key Term: Sanctification

Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God gradually transforms us to become more like Jesus

 

When we get a new piece of furniture, maybe a Billy from Ikea, it comes with many parts and many screws that need assembly. Fortunately, it comes with instructions, a set of steps to complete assembly, Sanctification is a similar process for believers. And it is the church’s responsibility to aid believers in these steps of Sanctification. 

 

Six things that mark a church as one that helps with next steps:

  1. Knows the mission isn’t just for a select few (v. 26) … Everyone is called to contribute. Church is a team sport, but there are no bench (or pew) warmers. We all have roles to play. 
  2. Believes in the power of divine appointments (vv. 26-28) … Philip was appointed by God to reach this Ethiopian. The Ethiopian was also appointed for this meeting. This meeting was divinely appointed by God. Sometimes we meet someone for just a moment, just a few minutes, but that moment can have a big impact on both parties involved. 
  3. Focuses on the one (v. 29) … The Spirit told Philip which chariot to go to so he could talk to the one he was supposed to have the conversation with. Sometimes we aren’t supposed to address large crowds but just one individual. It’s easier to help one person than it is to help a large group. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all.” 
  4. Shares the gospel (vv. 30-35) … Philip helps the Ethiopian understand the scripture he was reading, which just happened to be a prophecy of Jesus. Then he shared the Gospel. 
  5. Points people to their next step (vv. 36-38) … The man responded and asked to be baptized and Philip baptized him. It was that simple. Baptism is the next step after initially becoming a believer. It is the public declaration of faith. As Baptists, we do full immersion baptism because it is a picture of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It also represents our old self dying and being reborn as a new creation. There is no need to “clean up” our lives before baptism. No one is ever worthy, but that is why Jesus died for us. He is worthy enough for the rest of us. Salvation is only possible because He died so He could swap our sins with His righteousness. 
  6. Sees the exponential impact (v. 39) … The two part ways and the meeting is over. The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened next, but a few historians do. When the Ethiopian returned home, there was an awakening in Africa. The Gospel spread through a continent from this one divine meeting. 

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Exalting Jesus in Acts by Tony Merida
  • NIV Commentary (Acts) by Ajith Fernando
  • Acts: The Church Afire by Kent Hughes
  • Acts: The Christian Standard Commentary by Patrick Schreiner
  • The Gospel-Driven Church by Jared C. Wilson
  • People are the Mission by Danny Franks