Scripture Reference: Acts 8: 1-8

Introduction: Luke gives an interesting and informative account of the work of Philip, the evangelist. He makes two statements about Philip that will serve as a beginning for this lesson (Acts 8:5, 35).

I.  WHAT DID PHILIP DO WHEN HE PREACHED CHRIST?

A. Many of the details are not given in Acts 8.

1. He did not preach his opinions. Nothing has damaged the cause of Christ more than man’s opinions. Likewise, he did not preach any modern denominational dogmas or doctrines.
2. He did not preach human wisdom or philosophy (I Cor. 2:12, 13).

B.  Guided by the Spirit, he preached the same as the apostles.

1. What he preached was true (John 16:13). All-Spirit guided men taught the same things. They could not preach conflicting doctrines and be from God. They warned against anything else (Gal. 1:6-9).
2. We can and must follow the Spirit-guided men of the N.T. We will know what it means to preach Him. We will know how to recognize true preaching (I John 4:1).

II.  APOSTOLIC PREACHING INCLUDED THE LIFE OF JESUS.

A.  His life was one that was approved of God.

1. This was the opening argument of Peter (Acts 2:22). God declared His approval by miracles and words (Mt. 17:5). Christ’s life was approved because it was obedient (Phil 2:8; Heb 5:8-9).
2. If we follow Christ, we obey (I Pet. 2:2).

B.  Christ’s life ended in His sacrificial death upon the cross (Acts 2:23).

1. His atoning death played a conspicuous part in N.T. preaching (I Peter 2:23; 1:18, 19).
2. Philip preached Christ’s death “from this scripture” (Acts 8:32-35).

C.  The burial of Jesus is prominently discussed in N.T. writing and preaching. While His burial may have seemed like the end, it was not (Acts 2:27).

1. Thus to preach Christ is to preach His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:32; Rom 1:4).
2. Today the resurrection is denied, rejected, and ridiculed; even in some pulpits. If one does not preach the resurrection, he does not preach the gospel (I Cor. 15; 1-4).
3. If the resurrection is not preached and believed, Christianity is a waste of time (I Cor 15:13, 14).
4. After His resurrection and appearances, Jesus ascended to His Father (Acts 2:33).

III. LET US NOW CONSIDER THE COMMANDS OF JESUS.

A.  We must preach His commands.

1. He tells us to believe in Him (John 8:24). Spirit-guided men preached this (Acts 2:36). He requires us to repent (Luke 13:3). Men guided by the spirit taught this (Acts 2:38).
2. He requires that we confess Him (Mt. 10:32, 33). Spirit- guided men taught this (Rom 10:9, 10). He commands baptism (Mk 16:16). This was preached (Acts 2:38; 10:48).
3. Let us see what Philip did (Acts 8:35-39). Anyone who suggests you can be saved without obedience is not preaching Christ (Luke 6:46).

IV.  STILL OUR SERMON IS NOT COMPLETE. WE MUST MENTION THE PROMISES OF JESUS.

A. It is on His promises that we stand (II Pet 1:4).

1. The first is the remission of sins. The only thing to cause us to be lost is sin (Rom 6:23).
2. Christ came to make forgiveness possible, and he forgives when we are baptized (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38).

B.  Another promise is eternal life with Him (I John 3:2, 3). This follows a life of godly service (Rev. :10).

Conclusion: This is the divine pattern for preaching Jesus (I Pet. 4:11). What the hearers did then is what they should do now (Acts 8:35-39; 2:41, 47).