MODEL CHRISTIANS -  the people of Acts

(3) A MODEL EVANGELIST :  ACTS 8

Philip (who was Philip?  [Acts 6.5 and 21.8]) - a gifted evangelist, at work!

1. ACTS 8.1-4 : GREAT DIFFICULTIES  - GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

· What difficulties descended on the Jerusalem believers?  - and how severe were they?

· What impact did they have? What impact on Philip, practically and spiritually?

- What of modern Christians – how do you think we might react to such things?  What tough things do we face? - and do they tend to silence us or provide opportunities to witness?

2. ACTS 8.5a : GREAT ENEMIES –  GREAT NEWS

· What is surprising about Philip going to Samaria and preaching?  Where is ‘Samaria’?  Can you think of somewhere that might be a modern equivalent of Samaria for us?

· Why do you think Philip went there?  (perhaps  Acts 1.8??)

- What does it tell us about the gospel?

3. ACTS 8.6-13 : GREAT EVENTS  – GREAT IMPACT

· What things characterised Philip’s evangelistic ministry?  What did he preach?

· What things characterised the Samaritans’ response?

-  Are there important principles here for our evangelism today?

4. ACTS 8. 14-17 :  GREAT CONCERN -  GREAT CONFIRMATION

· Exactly why were Peter and John dispatched to Samaria? What was the problem?

· What vital factor settled the issue? (See also Acts 10.44-48, 15.8)

- What important truth emerges from this?

5. ACTS 8.26-40  : GREAT SEEKER -  GREAT GOD!

· What things indicate that the Ethiopian was on a most earnest search for God?

· In what ways is God’s greatness and God’s love so clearly seen in the way Philip and the Ethiopian were brought together?

-  Do you believe God knows and cares about individuals? What experience do you have of that?

CONCLUDING QUESTIONS:

· What are the main things we learn about witnessing from this passage?

· From this chapter, what part does God play, what part do Christians play, and what part does the person themself play in someone’s conversion?

- Does that encourage you or challenge you?