Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

Attention Getting:

Textual Segment: In this passage, we now turn from Stephen to another of the 7 chosen to serve as deacons in , Philip.

The church was scattered out from Jersualem due to persecution, but the apostles remained there.

As they went, they proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our text today focuses on Philip as he caries the gospel to Samaria and the aftermath of his witness.

Background:

Samaria- Samaritans were 1/2 Jewish and 1/2 Gentile.

The Assyrians had captured the Northern Kingdom, Israel, in 732 BC.

They had deported many of the people and brought people from other lands to live what was once the Northern Kingdom.

As they intermarried, the gap between Northern and Southern kingdom widened to be an insurmountable canyon.

Samaritans had their own temple, priesthood, and would not fraternize with the Jewish people, a feeling which was mutual.

Jesus had gone through Samaria in , something which was unheard of at the time.

He had witnessed to a woman by a well and the first Samaritan convert had been made.

Now Philip runs from the frying pan into what might have been the fire as he goes to a people with whom he had little in common and shares with them the good news that Messiah had paid for sins through His death, and had risen again.

That eternal life could be received by all who would answer His call and receive that gift by faith.

Relational Segment:

We live in a different world than Philip.

The gospel has spread around the globe and we have the finished Bible in most of the languages.

We broadcast the good news of Jesus via television, radio, and in recent years across the internet.

While the times may be different, our mission is still the same.

While we go about our lives, we are to seek to make disciples of all people.

The Gospel Proclaimed

Explanation:

A. Philip preached Christ

Acts 8:

The central message of all Christians in every church.

Jesus-

God in the flesh

Sinless life

Atoning Sacrifice

Resurrection

Call for repentance

They were challenge to receive the salvation by faith.

B. Multitudes were Converted

Acts 8:6-

Salvation

They heeded with 1 accord

They had faith in God and were saved.

Deliverance

Many were cured by God’s power (much as during Jesus’ ministry)

signs often came to verify the message as it entered new territory.

The demonized were set free as demons were cast out.

C. The Sorcerer's Profession of Faith

D. The Sorcerer's Profession of Faith

i. Simon’s Past

Acts 8:9-

A. Simon’s Past

He loved the spotlight.

He had practiced sorcery and had claimed greatness.

some versions translate this as magic

A mixture of science and superstition including astrology, divination and the occult.

He had the people convinced he had the power of God.

People followed him because of his sorceries.

He had them deceived and this charlatan manipulated them.

Unclear if he had real power (which would have been demonic, or completely faked it.

ii.

Simon joins in

B. Simon’s Conversion

Simon heard the same gospel and saw the same power of God displayed.

He believed and was baptized just as many others.

However, the as the narrative continues, serious doubts arise about his conversion.

His faith appears to be in the signs not the Scripture.

Application:

Psalm 126:

:

Like Philip.....

Like Philip.....

Like Philip.....

We must care for souls.

How concerned are you over the sins of others?

Do you care that they are lost and going to hell?

Have you ever cried over their condition?

We must sow the seed.

share the good news of Jesus with others

Friends, relatives, coworkers, neighbors

all need to hear the good news of Jesus

God will bring the harvest.

God is the one who draws people through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

He saves them and gives them new life.

New Church was Verified

:14-

Acts 8:14-17

Explanation:

A. Word reaches Jersualem

The Apostles heard of Philip’s ministry and the results.

Testimony had traveled back to Jerusalem of what God was doing.

B. Peter and John investigate

Two of the leaders came to see what God was doing.

They sought to verify that the church in Samaria was genuine, and not a false movement.

They felt responsible for the churches.

C. Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit

Peter and John lay hands on them and they are filled with the Spirit

This is one of only 3 instances where the indwelling of the Spirit happens at a separate time from salvation.

1. - On the Day of Pentecost was the first occasion.

There, the Holy Spirit baptized the 120 Jewish believers Jesus had left waiting for power.

2. Here: the 1/2 Jewish Samaritans receive the same Holy Spirit.

3. Later: Gentiles will receive the Spirit

Clear indication of the sameness of Samaritan and Jewish believers.

D. The Sorcerer's Sin

D. The Sorcerer's Sin

Simon’s actions reveal he still didn’t get it.