Embracing Weakness: God's Power in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the life of Philip, one of the twelve apostles, to understand the decision of Jesus in choosing him and, by extension, us. Philip, often seen as a "bean counter," a timid spokesman, and a slow learner, represents many of us in our journey of faith. Despite his shortcomings, Jesus chose Philip, demonstrating that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses.
We began by examining Philip's role in the feeding of the 5,000, where his practical, numbers-driven approach fell short of recognizing Jesus' miraculous power. This teaches us that while practical skills are valuable, they should not limit our faith in God's ability to provide abundantly.
Next, we looked at Philip's timidity when approached by Greeks who wanted to see Jesus. Instead of taking them directly to Jesus, Philip first consulted Andrew. This hesitation shows that even when we are unsure or timid, God can still use us, especially when we lean on the support of fellow believers.
Finally, we explored Philip's slow learning curve, particularly his struggle to fully grasp Jesus' divine nature. Despite being with Jesus for a long time, Philip still asked to see the Father, prompting Jesus to remind him that seeing Him was seeing the Father. This highlights the importance of patience in our spiritual growth and the assurance that Jesus remains patient with us.
Through Philip's story, we are reminded that Jesus calls ordinary, flawed individuals to accomplish extraordinary things. Our weaknesses and hesitations do not disqualify us; rather, they set the stage for God's power to be displayed in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Chooses the Ordinary: Jesus' decision to choose Philip, a man with evident weaknesses, underscores that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. This is a profound reminder that our limitations are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and grace in our lives. [06:07]
2. Faith Over Practicality: Philip's focus on the numbers during the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us that while practical skills are important, they should not overshadow our faith in God's miraculous provision. We must balance our practical abilities with a strong faith that God can do the impossible. [10:06]
3. Support in Timidity: Philip's hesitation to bring the Greeks directly to Jesus shows that even when we are timid or unsure, God provides support through fellow believers. This encourages us to lean on our community and not let our fears hinder us from fulfilling God's mission. [18:14]
4. Patience in Spiritual Growth: Philip's slow grasp of Jesus' divine nature reminds us that spiritual growth is a process. Jesus' patience with Philip encourages us to be patient with ourselves and others as we grow in understanding and faith. [30:06]
5. God's Power in Our Weakness: The story of Philip illustrates that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they highlight God's power and grace, proving that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. This is a humbling yet empowering truth for all believers. [34:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Introduction to Philip
[03:21] - Jesus Calls the Ordinary
[06:07] - The Bean Counter
[10:06] - Faith Over Practicality
[12:45] - Stepping Out in Faith
[16:43] - Jesus Calls the Timid Spokesman
[18:14] - Support in Timidity
[21:01] - Learning the Language of Mission
[23:47] - The Story of Amy Carmichael
[28:25] - Jesus Calls the Slow Learners
[30:06] - Patience in Spiritual Growth
[33:12] - Jesus' Patience with Us
[34:33] - Philip's Legacy and Martyrdom
[36:04] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:43-46 - "The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me.' Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'"
2. John 6:5-7 - "Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, 'Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?' He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, 'Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.'"
3. John 14:6-9 - "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.' Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Philip's initial reaction when Jesus asked him where to buy bread for the crowd? (John 6:5-7)
2. How did Philip respond to Nathanael's skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth? (John 1:46)
3. What did Philip request from Jesus in John 14:8, and how did Jesus respond? (John 14:8-9)
4. In the sermon, what were the three main characteristics of Philip that were highlighted? [07:20]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to test Philip specifically during the feeding of the 5,000? What does this reveal about Philip's character and faith? (John 6:5-7)
2. How does Philip's interaction with Nathanael in John 1:46 demonstrate his approach to sharing his faith?
3. What does Jesus' response to Philip in John 14:9 teach us about understanding Jesus' divine nature and relationship with the Father?
4. According to the sermon, how does Philip's story illustrate that our weaknesses can be opportunities for God's power to be displayed? [06:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Philip's practical approach during the feeding of the 5,000, how do you balance practicality and faith in your own life? Are there areas where you need to trust more in God's provision? [10:06]
2. Philip hesitated to bring the Greeks directly to Jesus and sought Andrew's help. In what ways can you lean on your community when you feel unsure or timid about sharing your faith? [18:14]
3. Jesus was patient with Philip's slow understanding of His divine nature. How can you practice patience with yourself and others in your spiritual growth journey? [30:06]
4. Philip's story shows that Jesus calls ordinary, flawed individuals to accomplish extraordinary things. What are some of your perceived weaknesses, and how can you allow God to use them for His purposes? [34:33]
5. Think of a time when you felt like a "bean counter," focusing too much on the practical details and not enough on faith. How did that situation turn out, and what did you learn from it? [10:06]
6. How can you support someone in your small group or church who might be a "timid spokesman" like Philip? What practical steps can you take to encourage and assist them in their faith journey? [18:14]
7. Jesus' patience with Philip is a reminder of His patience with us. Is there someone in your life who is slow to understand or accept the gospel? How can you show them patience and love while continuing to share the truth? [33:12]
Devotional
Day 1: God Qualifies the Called
Despite our weaknesses, God chooses us to fulfill His purposes. Philip, one of the twelve apostles, was a man with evident shortcomings. He was often seen as a "bean counter," a timid spokesman, and a slow learner. Yet, Jesus chose him, demonstrating that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. This is a profound reminder that our limitations are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and grace in our lives. Jesus' decision to choose Philip underscores that He sees potential in us that we might not see in ourselves. Our weaknesses do not disqualify us; rather, they set the stage for God's power to be displayed in our lives. [06:07]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate or unqualified? How can you invite God to use that weakness for His glory today?
Day 2: Balancing Faith and Practicality
Philip's focus on the numbers during the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us that while practical skills are important, they should not overshadow our faith in God's miraculous provision. Philip's practical, numbers-driven approach fell short of recognizing Jesus' miraculous power. This teaches us that while practical skills are valuable, they should not limit our faith in God's ability to provide abundantly. We must balance our practical abilities with a strong faith that God can do the impossible. This balance is crucial in our daily lives as we navigate challenges and opportunities. [10:06]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying more on your practical skills than on your faith in God's provision? How can you shift your focus to trust more in God's miraculous power?
Day 3: Leaning on Community
Philip's hesitation to bring the Greeks directly to Jesus shows that even when we are timid or unsure, God provides support through fellow believers. Instead of taking the Greeks directly to Jesus, Philip first consulted Andrew. This hesitation shows that even when we are unsure or timid, God can still use us, especially when we lean on the support of fellow believers. This encourages us to lean on our community and not let our fears hinder us from fulfilling God's mission. Our community of faith is a vital support system that God has provided to help us in our journey. [18:14]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you lean on for support when you feel timid or unsure? How can you reach out to them today for encouragement and strength?
Day 4: Embracing Patience in Spiritual Growth
Philip's slow grasp of Jesus' divine nature reminds us that spiritual growth is a process. Despite being with Jesus for a long time, Philip still asked to see the Father, prompting Jesus to remind him that seeing Him was seeing the Father. This highlights the importance of patience in our spiritual growth and the assurance that Jesus remains patient with us. We must be patient with ourselves and others as we grow in understanding and faith. Spiritual growth is not instantaneous; it is a journey that requires time, effort, and grace. [30:06]
2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to exercise more patience? How can you remind yourself of Jesus' patience with you as you continue to grow in faith?
Day 5: God's Power in Our Weakness
The story of Philip illustrates that our weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they highlight God's power and grace, proving that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. Philip, with all his flaws, was still chosen by Jesus to be one of His apostles. This is a humbling yet empowering truth for all believers. Our weaknesses and hesitations do not disqualify us; rather, they set the stage for God's power to be displayed in our lives. This truth should encourage us to step out in faith, knowing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. [34:33]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What is one weakness you have been hesitant to acknowledge before God? How can you invite Him to display His power through that weakness today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus, we thank you that you decided to go to Galilee. We thank you, Jesus, that you decided to find Philip, and we thank you, Jesus, that you decided to call him. Jesus, we thank you that you decided to find us. You decided to come to us, and you called, each one of us, and said, follow me. And Lord Jesus, you don't call the spectacular or the astounding. You call the underwhelming and the normal. And it's to prove that your power is so great in our lives." [02:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We say, I found Jesus! Yeah, Jesus found you, right? And you're a work in progress. And as we look at the lives of the apostles, and in particular, Philip this morning, as I zoomed in on him, he's a fun character who, like a lot of them, we don't see a lot of things he says. But then when he does speak up, it's a tad underwhelming, or it's even a bit embarrassing what he says. But I love that Jesus doesn't give up on Philip, and Jesus doesn't give up on you." [05:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we realize that God is great and we're not, it's such a freeing thing that we don't have to prove ourselves to God, to each other, or anyone else, because this is Jesus' work in our lives, and this is Jesus' choice first that we reciprocate." [06:50] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe in a God who can do more than we can think or ask, amen? I believe in a God where the hallway has no kids. I believe in a God who can do more than we can think or ask, amen? And I believe in this church that there's an overflow of generosity, but you're going to have to give sacrificially, trusting the Lord. And I will too, by the way. I'm in it with you guys. Just say, I don't know how the day's labors all add up and where all the fish and loaves are going to come from, but I'm going to give what I have. I'm going to connect my resources to heaven, and I'm going to see God show up in big ways." [15:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is great to be faced with the impossible. Nothing is impossible if one is meant to do it. Wisdom will be given and strength. When the Lord leads, he always strengthens. Amen? It is great to be faced with the impossible. And here's what I want you to see from her story. If it was not for other Christians that encouraged this reluctant evangelist to do something big and bold for Jesus, she just wanted to fit in. She just wanted to have blue eyes. She just wanted to stay and blend in like a chameleon, like everybody else. But God had a purpose for her life that was so much bigger than anyone, including herself, could ever imagine." [26:54] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus finds and calls the bean counter. Now in this exchange, it's fun, and we already looked at Andrew, so listen to him later, because Andrew's that silent hero that, brings a measure of faith. He's hunting for the boys, hunting the food. He doesn't know how this is going to get done, but remember when Jesus first looks at this crowd of 5,000, he's teaching about the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God, as we saw in the video, effectively there, and they're out, and they have no food. But this large crowd, and they're hungry, and they realize we got to feed all of these people, but we only have five barley aloes and two fish." [08:41] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Many of us are timid spokespersons for Jesus, right? We're timid missionaries, but that does not exclude you from going for Jesus. Amen? Sometimes we need to overcome those reservations. We need to learn the language of those whom we're called to reach. And we need other believers to come alongside us when we're uncertain with ourselves and say, I will help. I'll talk alongside of you. I will help you bring these individuals to Jesus. You do not have to do this alone, because in each one of us is a bit of a timid, spokesman." [22:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus finds and calls the slow learners. Now, before we judge Philip out the door, there's a bit of a sluggish slow learner in all of us, amen? In chapter 10, Jesus already was nearly stoned in front of the disciples as he preached, I and the Father are one. He just said, I am the good shepherd. In John's gospel, I am the light of the world. I am the door. I am the gate. I am, I am, I am. I am is the divine name of God, by the way. Did you know that one? Burning bush. Who should I say sent me? I am sent you. I am. How do we get there? Me. I am. I am the way, the truth, the life." [30:06] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And by the way, if you're reaching out to people who are far from God, and you share the gospel with them once, and you're done with them, like, come on, or their morals are out of alignment with scripture, and you shared once what the Bible says, and they're offended, and then you're like, ah, reprobate. Don't ever. Patient. Be patient with people because Jesus is patient with Philip, amen? And Jesus is patient with you. So maybe we should be patient with others who are still in process as well, amen? It doesn't mean we back down from the truth. But it does mean we go slow with people because Jesus is with them a long time, and it just takes a while for the light bulb to come on, doesn't it?" [33:12] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Brothers and sisters, Jesus chooses the end of the pack. In my gym class, if Jesus would have chosen me on the front end, I promise you this, it's not because I'm a good basketball player. If Jesus chose me at the front of the pack, it's not because I'm good at dodging the ball. If Jesus chose me at the front, it's not because I'm really good at volleyball and spiking the net. Jesus chooses the fill-ups of the world and Jesus chooses you because Jesus is great and greatly to be praised and we have nothing to boast about. Amen? And Jesus is patient with us and patient with you." [36:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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