Sermon Reflections from Listen With Care | ALEX HARDT | January 12, 2025
Pastor Alex directed our attention to the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. Phillip showed himself to be a good listener by his own obedience and reliance on the Holy Spirit. “ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. #1- Phillip listened to the Holy Spirit. He did not say “I’m too busy Lord” or “Not now, I’ll go later.” He simply went as directed. Have you ever felt nudged by the Holy Spirit to go or talk to someone and you did not do it out of fear, busyness, or even rebelliousness? If Philip had not gone as directed he would have missed out on the opportunity to lead the eunuch to Christ, it was a God appointment. If he had refused, God would have given the privilege to someone else and he would have missed the blessing.
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” #2- Phillip again listened to the Holy Spirit and approached the Ethiopian and inquired about whether he understood what he was reading. This second listen involved obedience and discernment. God promises us discernment in regard to scripture. Hebrews 5:13 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Philip was a mature believer and had been trained by Christ to discern truth. Here he uses that discernment to lead the eunuch towards understanding and faith. The Ethiopian was also listening and questioning as he sought to understand the scripture.
#3- He was willing to listen to Phillip. “And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” The Ethiopian’s willingness to listen allowed Phillip to speak God’s truth about Jesus.
#4- listening led to actions of faith. “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”
#5- the blessings of listening. “ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” Philip listened to God, then to the Ethiopian and was mightily blessed. He experienced a miracle himself through his obedience as he was transported by the Holy Spirit there and away. He was able to speak the words of life and truth.
Philip never questioned where or to whom he was to speak the words of life- he simply listened and obeyed. May we be willing to listen and obey so that we will not miss those God opportunities He sets before us. God is impartial and wants all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Linda
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