Embracing Public Faith Through Immediate Obedience
Summary
Good morning, Menlo Church! It's wonderful to see everyone here today, whether you're joining us from our Bay Area campuses or online. I know that coming to church is a significant decision, and I'm honored that you've chosen to spend your time with us. As we move into the summer months, I want to underscore the importance of financial support for our ministry. While our personal lives may slow down, our ministry work continues to pick up, from student and kids' experiences to crises and care needs. Your consistent support, even when you're away, is crucial for us to continue serving our communities. Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also," and I encourage you to consider how you might support Menlo Church financially. You can learn more and sign up to give at menlo.church. Now, let's pray together as we begin our time today. [19:23]
Today, dozens of people across our campuses will choose to go public with their faith through baptism. Faith is personal, but it should never be private. Public faith brings heaven here as we join a heavenly celebration. The scriptures say that even one person who turns to God causes a party in heaven. Some of you came prepared to be baptized today, and I'm excited for you. For others, this might be a new idea, and I want to explain it from the Bible. Baptism is more than a ritual; it's a powerful symbol of an inward change. It's not a mark of maturity but a mark of public obedience. [21:47]
Let's dive into the story of Philip from the book of Acts, which takes place about a year and a half after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Philip, known as Philip the Evangelist, was not one of the twelve disciples but was empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve faithfully. His first assignment was overseeing the daily food distribution for widows. Today is Pentecost Sunday, commemorating the day when the Holy Spirit entered into the early Jewish followers of Jesus. This day marked the beginning of new access to the Holy Spirit for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus. [27:03]
Philip's story takes a surprising turn when an angel of the Lord tells him to go to a desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Without hesitation, Philip obeys. On this road, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in charge of the queen's treasury. The eunuch had come to Jerusalem to worship but was likely turned away due to his status. Despite this, his curiosity about God led him to continue seeking answers. Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, runs up to the eunuch's chariot and asks if he understands what he's reading from the book of Isaiah. The eunuch admits he needs help and invites Philip to join him. [28:05]
Philip explains the gospel to the eunuch, sharing the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He likely also explained the practice of baptism as a public declaration of faith. As they travel, they come across some water, and the eunuch asks to be baptized immediately. Philip baptizes him, demonstrating that immediate obedience leads to a fuller understanding. This act of obedience is a powerful example for all of us. [42:39]
Today, as we witness baptisms, I encourage you to consider your own journey of faith. If you've never been baptized, whether you've been a follower of Jesus for days or decades, the waters of baptism are open to you. Feel free to head to Info Central at your campus to ask questions or take this step of faith. Let's pray together as we close. [47:14]
### Key Takeaways
1. Immediate Obedience to God's Call: Philip's immediate response to the angel's command to go to the desert road is a powerful example of obedience. He didn't question or delay; he simply went. This kind of obedience is crucial for our spiritual growth and understanding. When we respond promptly to God's call, we open ourselves to greater insights and blessings. [28:05]
2. The Importance of Public Faith: Faith is deeply personal, but it should never be private. Public declarations of faith, like baptism, bring a heavenly celebration and serve as a powerful witness to others. When we go public with our faith, we not only affirm our commitment to God but also inspire others to seek Him. [21:47]
3. Curiosity Leads to Deeper Understanding: The Ethiopian eunuch's curiosity about God led him to seek answers, even after being turned away from the temple. His willingness to ask questions and seek guidance from Philip shows that a curious heart is a fertile ground for spiritual growth. When we remain curious and open to learning, we deepen our relationship with God. [32:52]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in greater obedience and divine connection. Just as the Holy Spirit guided Philip, we too can rely on the Spirit to lead us in our daily lives and decisions. [27:03]
5. The Power of Baptism: Baptism is more than a ritual; it's a powerful symbol of an inward change and a public declaration of faith. The Ethiopian eunuch's immediate desire to be baptized upon understanding the gospel shows the transformative power of this act. Baptism serves as a public marker that we are part of God's family and committed to following Jesus. [42:39]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:23] - Financial Support for Ministry
[21:47] - The Importance of Public Faith
[27:03] - Philip the Evangelist
[28:05] - Immediate Obedience to God's Call
[32:52] - Curiosity Leads to Deeper Understanding
[42:39] - The Power of Baptism
[47:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 8:26-39 - The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
2. Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
3. Luke 15:7 - "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Philip's initial task before he was sent to the desert road? ([25:50])
2. How did the Ethiopian eunuch respond when Philip asked if he understood what he was reading? ([36:37])
3. What was the eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah, and how did Philip use this to share the gospel? ([37:17])
4. What immediate action did the eunuch take after understanding the gospel message? ([44:22])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is immediate obedience to God's call emphasized in Philip's story? How does this relate to our spiritual growth? ([28:05])
2. How does the Ethiopian eunuch's curiosity about God lead to a deeper understanding and transformation? ([32:52])
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding Philip and the early followers of Jesus? How can we rely on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives? ([27:03])
4. Why is public faith, such as baptism, important according to the sermon? How does it serve as a witness to others? ([21:47])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a nudge from God to act immediately. Did you respond right away, or did you hesitate? What was the outcome? ([28:05])
2. How can you cultivate a curious heart like the Ethiopian eunuch in your own spiritual journey? What steps can you take to seek deeper understanding? ([32:52])
3. In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance in your daily decisions? Share a recent experience where you felt the Holy Spirit leading you. ([27:03])
4. Have you publicly declared your faith through baptism? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how did it impact your faith journey? ([21:47])
5. Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." How does this statement challenge your current approach to financial giving and support for your church? ([19:23])
6. Think about a person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, similar to how Philip engaged the eunuch? ([36:37])
7. What specific steps can you take to ensure your faith remains public and not just personal? How can you be a thoughtful witness in your community? ([21:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Obedience to God's Call
Philip's immediate response to the angel's command to go to the desert road is a powerful example of obedience. He didn't question or delay; he simply went. This kind of obedience is crucial for our spiritual growth and understanding. When we respond promptly to God's call, we open ourselves to greater insights and blessings. Philip's story shows that God often calls us to unexpected places and tasks, and our willingness to obey can lead to significant spiritual encounters and growth.
Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch on the desert road is a testament to the blessings that come from immediate obedience. By following the angel's command without hesitation, Philip was able to share the gospel with someone who was earnestly seeking God. This story encourages us to trust in God's timing and direction, knowing that our obedience can have a profound impact on others. [28:05]
Acts 8:26-27 (ESV): "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. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt a nudge from God to do something. Did you respond immediately, or did you hesitate? How can you practice immediate obedience in your daily life?
Day 2: The Importance of Public Faith
Faith is deeply personal, but it should never be private. Public declarations of faith, like baptism, bring a heavenly celebration and serve as a powerful witness to others. When we go public with our faith, we not only affirm our commitment to God but also inspire others to seek Him. Public faith acts as a beacon, drawing others to the light of Christ and encouraging them to explore their own spiritual journeys.
The act of baptism is a profound example of public faith. It is a visible and tangible declaration of an inward transformation. By choosing to be baptized, individuals publicly align themselves with Jesus and His teachings. This public act not only strengthens their own faith but also serves as a testimony to others, potentially leading them to explore their own relationship with God. [21:47]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Have you ever publicly declared your faith? If not, what holds you back? If you have, how can you continue to let your light shine in your community?
Day 3: Curiosity Leads to Deeper Understanding
The Ethiopian eunuch's curiosity about God led him to seek answers, even after being turned away from the temple. His willingness to ask questions and seek guidance from Philip shows that a curious heart is a fertile ground for spiritual growth. When we remain curious and open to learning, we deepen our relationship with God. Curiosity drives us to explore the depths of our faith and to seek a more profound understanding of God's word and His will for our lives.
The eunuch's encounter with Philip highlights the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance. Despite his high status and the potential for embarrassment, the eunuch humbly admitted his need for help in understanding the scriptures. This humility and curiosity opened the door for a life-changing encounter with the gospel. [32:52]
Proverbs 2:3-5 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What questions do you have about your faith or the Bible? How can you seek answers and guidance from others in your community or through personal study?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in greater obedience and divine connection. Just as the Holy Spirit guided Philip, we too can rely on the Spirit to lead us in our daily lives and decisions. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and guide, providing us with the strength and wisdom needed to navigate our spiritual journeys.
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch is a powerful example of the Holy Spirit's guidance. Philip was led by the Spirit to approach the eunuch and share the gospel with him. This divine guidance resulted in a transformative encounter for the eunuch and a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. [27:03]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How have you experienced the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life? Are there areas where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's leading?
Day 5: The Power of Baptism
Baptism is more than a ritual; it's a powerful symbol of an inward change and a public declaration of faith. The Ethiopian eunuch's immediate desire to be baptized upon understanding the gospel shows the transformative power of this act. Baptism serves as a public marker that we are part of God's family and committed to following Jesus. It is a significant step in our spiritual journey, symbolizing our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
The act of baptism is a profound demonstration of obedience and faith. It signifies a believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. By being baptized, individuals publicly declare their commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings. This public declaration not only strengthens their own faith but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. [42:39]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have been baptized, how can you continue to live out the commitment you made to follow Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's a powerful symbol when someone who has never been baptized decides to follow Jesus. Baptism can serve as an outward sign of an inward change, not a mark of maturity, but a mark of public obedience to this important step." [23:58]
2. "One of the hardest things in our fast-paced culture is to slow down enough to really listen for God's voice. Yet it is essential if we want to live according to His will." [35:54]
3. "The Spirit of God prompts Philip to run up to the chariot. He's running up to the chariot of the eunuch, which would have been dangerous if he had been perceived as a threat. But he runs up successfully, and he begins a conversation with the eunuch that goes like this. It says, So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet. He's reading it out loud and asks, Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, How can I unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." [36:37]
4. "When was the last time that your curiosity about God led to activity for God? You know, there's this bad habit we can have the longer that we're in church. The longer that we call ourselves people of faith. Where? It becomes entirely about what we understand. And we move from curious to cynical. We go from motivated to entitled." [32:52]
5. "The eunuch understood that immediate obedience leads to a further understanding in a way that many of us, some of whom have been following Jesus for decades, struggle to understand sometimes." [42:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Philip's willingness to be obedient in this situation was so critical. God was already using him to expand this early movement of Jesus followers beyond those who were ethnically and religiously Jewish, because the global reach that God intended and that we now experience would require it." [29:31]
2. "Immediate obedience leads to a fuller understanding. And it's completely flipped of the way that we often think about it, isn't it? A lot of us, we have rationalized some version of this. We say this in our head from time to time. We say, God, I'll give this area to you. I'll start doing that. I'll stop doing that. I'll take this step. I'll change this pattern in my life. If you show me why. If you show me the outcome. But that's exactly the opposite of how God works. See, fuller understanding comes through obedience, not for it." [33:45]
3. "The Spirit of God prompts Philip to run up to the chariot. He's running up to the chariot of the eunuch, which would have been dangerous if he had been perceived as a threat. But he runs up successfully, and he begins a conversation with the eunuch that goes like this. It says, So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet. He's reading it out loud and asks, Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, How can I unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." [36:37]
4. "Philip, like all followers of Jesus, was called to be a thoughtful witness, or what the Apostle Peter refers to as always being ready to give a defense for the hope that is in you. But he was not responsible, and neither are you, by the way, for how the eunuch would respond. We're only responsible for sharing the good news of Jesus and the opportunities and spaces that God provides." [39:25]
5. "The eunuch was ready. Not because he understood enough to be obedient, but because he knew that greater understanding came on the other side of immediate obedience. Because that's the way that God always works." [45:00]
6. "Today, we're going to watch some people who God has called to be thoughtful witnesses in their schools, families, neighborhoods, businesses, and industries, following the example of Jesus in baptism, and their willingness to be obedient that we see in Philip and this eunuch. They're going to demonstrate the same obedience today." [46:42]
7. "If you're a follower of Jesus and you've never been baptized, whether you've been a follower for days or for decades, the waters of baptism are available and open to you. Even as we pray, feel free to head out of this room, go to the Info Central at your campus, and let them know that you're ready, that you're thinking about it, that you want to ask somebody a question." [47:14]
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