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DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH (20) GROWING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE (5)

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THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF MEMBERS AND THE CHURCH (28)

DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH (20), GROWING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE (5).

Acts 6:1-7; Roms. 15:4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4.

As mentioned last week, the above statement was like placing a limitation on those who were appointed to be Deacons not to give themselves to studying and prayers, but we see a paradigm shift from Stephen and Philip who demonstrated to the apostles and the church that growth in service is possible for those who depend on God and the principles laid down. Today we shall look at:

2. THE GROWTH OF PHILIP.

Acts 6:4-7

Philip was one of the first deacons to be addressed an Evangelist. He proved within the bounds of scriptures that growth in service is very possible. He further authenticated the fact that an individual’s stability and stamina in times of crisis depends on how much of God the man has known. He was indeed a God-sent and Spirit controlled Deacon cum Evangelist

They following are his growth exploits.

a) At the peak of Christian persecution that saw the killing of his colleague Stephen, while the Apostles gathered at one place probably to continue in prayers, the spiritual energy in Philip stirred him to move to Samaria. Acts 8:1 validates that this Philip was the one appointed as Deacon and not Philip the Apostle. Acts 8:1, 4-5

b) Through Philip, a mighty revival broke out in the city of Samaria with signs and wonders following Acts 8:6-7

c) He had an overwhelming grip and great impact on the people. This led to the coming of some of the Apostles to consolidate the work he started. The apostles did not reprove him for growing above his calling, Acts 8:12, 14

d) He was equally spiritually led in some of the decisions he embarked upon as did the Apostles. Acts 5:19; 8:26

e) A great and effectual door was opened in Ethiopia, a heathen nation through his ministration (seed planted) through his encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8:26-31

f) He was equally knowledgeable in scriptures thus defending his position as a servant of God. Acts 8:32-35

g) He is visibly the first person in the New Testament to experience a spiritual flight without any physical means of transportation. Acts 8:39-40

h) He proved beyond doubts that God is neither prodigal nor partial with His anointing. he giveth liberally to those who wait on Him. Apart from Jesus, none of the apostles manifested in this dimension. John 8:59; Acts 8:39-40..

i) His life influenced his four daughters who never prostituted their virginity but rather gave themselves to godly services in the prophetic. Acts 21:8-9.

j) The bible is careful enough to make a categorical distinction that this same Philip who was ordained a deacon later became an evangelist Acts 21:8.

The extent to which a man can become proficient in Ministry is determined by who HE IS WITH THE LORD and not who he is related or connected to in real life. It is also not governed by his title nor when he was called into ministry. How old was Methusaleh compared to Enoch? Who amongst the two of them did God reward? God is too Sovereign to play politics with leadership. Look at 1 Kings 11:11-13. God later gave the kingdom to Jeroboam who had no legacy in the lineage of the Messiah.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT. Study and contrast the life and spiritual exploits of Philip the Apostle with that of Philip the Deacon Evangelist. We shall look at this next week if Christ tarries. Don’t miss out

DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH (21) GROWING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE (6)

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THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF MEMBERS AND THE CHURCH (29)

DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH (21)

GROWING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE (6).

Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 15:4; 1Cor 4:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:1-7

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 6:4.

The Apostles had an excellent growth plan for their individual and collective ministries. Our memory verse encapsulates what looks like a vision statement targeted at yielding growth in service as its dividend. Tonight, we shall examine PHILIP THE APOSTLE as contrasted to PHILIP THE DEACON EVANGELIST that we studied last week.

PHILIP THE APOSTLE: WHAT WENT WRONG? John 1:43-46.

At the instant of Philip’s invitation to join Christ, his conviction was so strong that he immediately extended a hand to Nathaniel and introduced him to Christ. This is usually the zeal that greets everyone at the point of conversion. He stepped into Apostleship in grand style but after this episode, not much was heard of him and his exploits in service. Below is a classic view of his activities and actions.

I) In John 6:5-8, we see Philip the Apostle more concerned with the mathematical computation of how much each man can consume per plate and not depending on the rudiments of faith that should have guided his answer and consequently launched him to greater heights. It is obvious that Philip was singled out TO TEST HIS LEVEL OF FAITH IN CHRIST. Sadly, he lost it and its attendant blessings.

II) While in Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus Gave everyone the opportunity to defend their level of spiritual growth; WHY is it that in the midst of all the disciples, Jesus opted to address this question in (i) above to Philip? Because He probably wanted to CORRECT HIS ERRORNOUS CONCEPT AND MINDSET.

III) While some Apostles like James, Peter, John were prominently mentioned before the day of Pentecost and they continued to blaze the trail after Pentecost, Philip the Apostle was only heard of BEFORE the Pentecost and no mention was made of him AFTER the Pentecost. On the other hand, Philip the Deacon was never mentioned BEFORE the Pentecost but the effect of Pentecost impacted on him and he became prominent thereafter. SELAH!!

IV) In John 12:20-22, Philip the Apostle almost lost the opportunity of winning souls when the desperate Greeks came to him determined to see Jesus. Instead of leading them to Jesus as requested, PHILIP took them to Andrew. Was there an embargo on Him from getting across to Jesus directly or he was just being afraid of another failure. Stunted growth can be a dilemma to prospects in life. I pray you will not miss opportunities that come knocking at your door. Is it possible for a business man to decline a contract offer that runs into billions because he has been dealing with millions only?

V) John 14:5-10. Philip the Apostle obviously had issues with growth in service. At a crucial time when he ought to have been getting set to take over the publication of the gospel, he demanded to know the Father. This doubtful position that Philip had at this hour in ministry was enough to attract discipline or suspension. For all his apostleship and at this point in life, Jesus only rewarded him with kind words.

VI) We are not in anyway insinuating that Philip the apostle had backslidden. Absolutely Not. We are simply looking at growth in service. Can you compare this same APOSTLE Philip to the late comer DEACON EVANGELIST Philip? LEADERSHIP IS NOT ALWAYS A FUNCTION OF FIRST COMERS. You might have taught a brother or sister in the Neighbourhood Fellowship some years ago but over the years that same brother YOU TAUGHT has proven a track record of growth in service and today he might even be a Pastor over you. This is what growth in service can achieve and not a function of LEADERSHIP BEING PARTIAL. 1 Sam 2:27-30; Matt. 19:30

Singing with Grace in Our Hearts

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Text: Colossians 3:15–17

• Music carries a spirit, whether secular or spiritual.

• Secular songs stir lust and worldly desires; spiritual songs heal, strengthen, and give hope.

• Songs influence the soul, just as they can affect even a baby’s sleep, either soothing or disturbing.

• Therefore, exposure to worldly songs is dangerous, as they transmit the wrong spirit.

Study Focus

1. The Power & Peculiarities of Singing with Grace

2. The Passion & Potentials for Spiritual Songs with Grace

3. The Purpose & Peculiarities of Singing with Grace

1. Power & Peculiarities of Singing with Grace (1 Sam. 16:21–23; 2 Kings 3:10–17; Isa. 48:20–21)

• Psalms and hymns are sacred, soul-satisfying, and spirit-sustaining.

• They transform despair into joy and relief.

• Hymns often spring from:

o Personal trials and divine help

o Salvation encounters

o Anticipation of meeting Christ

o Deep consecration and communion with God

o Burden for a perishing world

o Missionary sacrifices

Discussion: Identify hymns that fit these experiences and examine their impact.

2.Passion & Potentials for Spiritual Songs with Grace (Ps. 22:3; 40:1- 4)

• Hymns are inspired songs, rooted in encounters with God.

• They nourish the soul with wisdom, love, and chastity.

• Spiritual songs bring revival, healing, and comfort.

• Testimony: A dying man revived with peace when he heard “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”.

3.Purpose & Peculiarities of Singing with Grace (Ps. 103:2–3; Isa. 30:29 - 30; Acts 16:25-26)

• Spiritual songs connect believers to God and inspire virtues such as peace, comfort, joy, and commitment.

• They minister differently in life’s seasons: grief, marriage, trials, and celebrations.

• Songs must be timely and filled with grace to meet needs appropriately.

Discussion:

• Would sorrowful songs fit a wedding?

• What songs are suitable in times of financial delay or family misunderstanding?

• Suggest possible songs Paul and Silas may have sung in prison (Acts 16:25-26).

Singing with grace is not ordinary; it carries power to heal, inspire, and sustain. Spiritual songs are purposeful, rooted in encounters with God, and must be ministered with grace to bless lives in different seasons.