Influencing the Influencer: Fresh Legs for God's Kingdom

Jul 12, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Fresh Legs for the Kingdom’s Final Push

When a weary game demands new strength, fresh legs change everything. God isn’t looking for youth or energy alone but willing hearts ready to sprint when others slow. Whether in sharing faith, serving, or stepping into unfamiliar callings, God empowers those who say "yes" even when tired. This isn’t about age—it’s about availability. The Spirit fuels ordinary people to run further than they imagined, turning exhaustion into divine momentum. [06:24]

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.
(Acts 8:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Where do you feel spiritually weary, and how might God be calling you to lean into His strength for a fresh, unexpected assignment?

Day 2: One Witness Igniting a Community’s Fire

Philip’s obedience in Samaria didn’t just convert individuals—it transformed a city. Simon the sorcerer, a local influencer, encountered Christ through one man’s courage. Today’s "Simons"—celebrities, leaders, or social media voices—are equally hungry for truth. Influence starts small: a conversation, a testimony, a prayer. When we engage one person authentically, chains break and communities shift. Revival often begins where we least expect it. [13:16]

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip.
(Acts 8:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your circle holds unexpected influence, and how can you intentionally reflect Christ’s love to them this week?

Day 3: Running Toward the Chariot of Prepared Hearts

Philip sprinted toward a stranger’s chariot because the Spirit said "go." The Ethiopian wasn’t reading Isaiah for trivia—he was hungry for meaning. Divine appointments hide in plain sight: the coworker, the neighbor, the stranger online. Boldness isn’t about perfect words but obedient steps. When we run toward, not away, from those the world deems "too important" or "too different," we find hearts God has already softened. [24:27]

So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “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.
(Acts 8:30-31, ESV)

Reflection: What “chariot” (unlikely opportunity) has God placed near you that requires immediate, Spirit-led action?

Day 4: Empowered to Speak Where the Spirit Sends

Persecution scattered the church but spread the gospel. The disciples didn’t wait for safety—they spoke where the Spirit led, even in hostile Samaria. The Holy Spirit still equips believers to walk into tense spaces, not with political agendas but with healing and hope. Our role isn’t to debate but to declare: Christ is alive, and His power transforms. [11:27]

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
(Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: Where do you hesitate to speak about Jesus, and how might the Spirit be urging you to trust His timing and words?

Day 5: Persecution’s Paradox: Shadows Where Light Spreads

Global persecution rises, yet the church grows fastest where it’s opposed. Suffering isn’t failure—it’s fertilizer. When believers endure, their faithfulness becomes a beacon. Just as Philip’s persecution propelled him to Samaria and Ethiopia, our trials can propel us into purpose. Darkness cannot silence those who shine. [32:07]

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can your current challenges—big or small—become platforms to magnify Christ’s faithfulness to others?

Sermon Summary

God is looking for “fresh legs,” and the call is not only for the young. The call reaches adults, workers, neighbors, and anybody walking, talking, riding the train, taking the bus, or going to work. God has not given up on Grace, and God is still calling people to take that extra run, to open the mouth, and to share the word of God.

The theme of “influencing the influencer” presses into the world of social media and community. The world already knows how influence works. Creators build communities, people follow voices, and one person can move thousands. God’s kingdom works through holy influence also, but it begins with one person speaking Jesus to another person, and that person may be the one who touches a whole community, a whole city, or even a nation.

Acts 8 shows that persecution did not stop the Spirit of God. The scattered believers went everywhere preaching the word, and Philip went down to Samaria preaching Christ. God’s plan was bigger than the persecution. Acts 1:8 had already promised power when the Holy Spirit came, and the witness would move from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Man may bring pressure, prison, and violence, but God still moves the gospel forward.

Philip influenced Simon, a man who had amazed Samaria through sorcery. The people were caught up in the bling, the shine, the unknown, and the entertainment, but Philip preached Jesus anyway. The light of the Lord opened eyes, set captives free, and brought Samaria to faith and baptism. Peter and John then came to lay hands on the people so they would be filled with the Holy Spirit, because God’s kingdom does not stop at belief only, but empowers believers to stand and walk in truth.

Philip then moved from Samaria to the Ethiopian eunuch, a man of power, money, and national influence. The Spirit told Philip to go near the chariot, and Philip did not delay. He ran. The Ethiopian was hungry, reading Isaiah, and God had already prepared his heart. Philip explained that Isaiah spoke of Jesus, bruised for iniquities and offered for sin, and the Ethiopian received Christ, was baptized, and rejoiced.

The call to influence the influencer brings hunger for truth, growth in the kingdom, and stronger families and communities. Even while the global church faces persecution, the church is still growing. Matthew 5:16 stands as the charge: let the light shine so others see good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven.

Key Takeaways

1. God is looking for fresh legs [06:54] Fresh legs are not about age, energy, or being the newest person in the room. Fresh legs are about readiness when the battle is late and others are tired. God still calls servants who have been around, and God still asks for one more run, one more witness, one more step of obedience. [06:54]
2. Influence begins with one person [08:57] The kingdom does not need a platform before it can move. One faithful testimony can reach one person, and that person may carry the gospel into places others will never enter. God often hides the size of the harvest inside the smallness of the first conversation. [08:57]
3. Persecution cannot stop God’s plan [11:05] Acts 8 shows pressure scattering the church, but the scattering became the road for the gospel. What looked like loss became movement, and what looked like danger became mission. God does not need peaceful conditions to advance his kingdom, because the Holy Spirit empowers witness in the middle of opposition. [11:05]
4. The Spirit prepares hungry hearts [25:05] Philip ran to the chariot, but God had already been working in the Ethiopian’s hunger. The open Bible, the humble question, and the invitation to sit all showed a heart ready to receive truth. Obedience becomes bold when the servant trusts that God has arrived before the servant gets there. [25:05]
5. Light creates kingdom growth [32:18] Matthew 5:16 does not call believers to shine for attention, but for the Father’s glory. Good deeds become a witness when they point beyond the person doing them and toward the God who changed the heart. A community can be touched when light is not hidden inside church walls.

## [32:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:57] - Fresh Legs for the Kingdom
[07:28] - Influencing the Influencer
[10:03] - Acts 8 and Scattered Witnesses
[12:05] - Philip Reaches Samaria
[13:16] - Simon Encounters the Gospel
[16:24] - Peter and John Bring Strength
[19:23] - From Samaria to Ethiopia
[23:13] - Philip Runs to the Chariot
[26:30] - Isaiah Points to Jesus
[28:34] - Testimony Spreads Like Influence
[29:34] - Hunger, Growth, and Community
[31:39] - The Church Grows Under Persecution
[32:18] - Let the Light Shine
[32:36] - Prayer for Bold Witness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Acts 8:4-5 (ESV):
"Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ."

Observation questions

What happened to the believers in Acts 8 when persecution arose, and how did they respond?
In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, what specific action did Philip take when the Spirit prompted him ([24:27])?
What two groups of people did Philip influence in Acts 8 (Samaritans and the Ethiopian), and what positions did they hold in their communities?

Interpretation questions

Why do you think God allowed persecution to scatter the early church instead of protecting them from harm? How did this actually advance His plan?
The Ethiopian eunuch was reading Isaiah 53 but didn’t understand it until Philip explained it. Why is it significant that God prepared his heart before sending Philip ([25:05])?
Simon the sorcerer amazed people with his magic, yet he still chose to follow Philip’s message. What does this reveal about the difference between worldly influence and God’s power?

Application questions

“Fresh legs” are about readiness, not age. What practical step could you take this week to be spiritually “ready” for opportunities to share truth, even if you feel tired or unqualified?
The Ethiopian’s hunger for truth led him to read Scripture on his own. How could you create space in your daily routine to cultivate a similar hunger for God’s Word ([22:11])?
Philip ran to the chariot without hesitation. Is there a specific person or situation God has been prompting you to engage with boldly? What’s holding you back from “running” toward it?
Simon influenced crowds but lacked true spiritual power. Are there areas in your life where you’ve prioritized appearing impressive over relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
Matthew 5:16 calls believers to let their light shine. What’s one “good deed” you could intentionally do this week that would point others to God rather than to yourself?

Sermon Clips

66s

#GoWhenSpiritLeads

“``And guess what Philip did? Just like we ought to do. Don't hold back. Don't delay. If the spirit of god is leading you to do something, go and do it. And guess what he did? He didn't walk. He ran. He ran to the chariot. That even adds even more intense. You imagine running up to the limousine now? He ran up to it. Right? Forget about it. But I just wanna use that as an example. But he ran to the chariot, and as he approached his chariot, the Ethiopian, he heard him. He was reading the Old Testament book of Isaiah. And Philip asked him, he said, do you understand what you're reading? Now that's faith. For him to run up to this chariot, he probably didn't get a chance to look inside, but he heard. Right? And this is how god is. When god calls you to do something, people are ready. This Ethiopian was ready. He was ready. He was humble.”

52s

#ShareYourTestimony

“God is is concerned with influencers. Many of us get caught up where we feel as though and we talk about social media. We actually are what? We wanna influence others. You may post something and nobody ever listens to it. But guess what? It could take one person to read your post, that influencer, and it spreads. Now you have thousands. Right? God wants the kingdom to be the same way. He wants us to to share the gospel to others. Yes. Share your post of Christ. I'm not talking literally sharing a post. I'm talking about your testimony. As you share it, now what happens? One person leads to another to another, and now god is being glorified.”

60s

#FaithInPersecution

“But why were they scattered? The church was under persecution. Christians were being killed. They were being taken out of their homes and put into prisons. But, no, that doesn't stop the spirit of god. Amen. The holy ghost. Jesus promised the holy ghost, the comforter. Yes. We're more than conquerors when he empowers us. Then Philip amen. Amen. Alright. So then Philip, he had went down to the city of Samaria, and he preached Christ to them. Can you imagine? Persecution is here, but it doesn't stop God. God's plan is bigger than the persecution. know, Philip, he was called to reach the influences in Samaria and southward to Gaza in a time of persecution of the early church in Jerusalem.”

50s

#ReceiveJesusToday

“god brought the Ethiopian there for a reason. He wanted to receive Jesus as personal savior. It's something about reading about Jesus, but receiving him as personal savior now now is something different. See, god is concerned with our heart. He wants us to receive him in fullness and in truth. He wants all of us so that we could receive that promise. Pastor David just mentioned about there's no no Christianity without what? The resurrection of Jesus. See, Jesus resurrected from the grave to promise to give us a promise and a hope that we will have eternal life just like him. Glory to god.”

44s

#TransformedByChrist

“The second thing is growth in the kingdom. Growth in the kingdom of god. Groups of people and nations are saved through Jesus Christ, through the blood of Jesus Christ. They seek truth and are empowered by the holy spirit. You start to see people saying, man, you don't look like the same person. Why are you different? Jesus. He changed my life. He gave me a new walk. I'm talking differently. I'm thinking differently. Why am I thinking about others? Why why am I not thinking about myself now? Because of Jesus. He takes the eyes off of ourselves and puts it on others that need him.”

72s

#Isaiah53Reveals

“See, there's something about it. When we take it to the next level beyond the doors of the church, god opens your ears. Your ears become so big. Now you're hearing what the lord has given you to do. The things for you to do specifically, not for someone else to do. Hallelujah. The Ethiopian was reading specifically. Isaiah 53 verse seven. Isaiah was talking about Jesus, how Jesus was gonna be persecuted, how he's gonna be bruised. Right? What man thought that he was gonna do for evil, god turned it around for the good of god. See that? He was reading about Jesus. Man was was there to persecute. Remember I said the church was being persecuted at the time. So what man did for evil, god turned it around for the good of god. The persecution of Christ, he was bruised for our iniquities. His life was an offering for our sin so that we might receive eternal life.”

52s

#TestimonyTransforms

“Share the gospel. Share your testimony. Share your testimony because you never know. See, now what happened now is we're talking about Simon. He said, I wanna be baptized. But most of all, he didn't just wanna be baptized. He wanted to be filled with the holy ghost. He wanted those miraculous signs. He wanted to do the things that that that Philip was doing where the people were healed. Totally different than the sorcery that he was doing. Not the purpose that god wanted, but god knows how to touch our heart and lead us into truth. And, eventually, he led him to repentance where he said, wow. I don't wanna be destroyed. I wanna serve the lord. But it started with an influence of an influencer.”

63s

#HolySpiritGivesUnderstanding

“Holy Spirit will not, only empower you to preach the gospel, but he will give you understanding of the word. He'll give you understanding of the word grace. And then the oath Ethiopian invited Philip to sit with him. Can you imagine that? God would take you from a place like this to sit in places, high places for his glory. No. Not for you to be in front and be shining and say, oh, look at look at me. I'm here. But for god to be glorified. Remember I said this Ethiopian was hungry. Yeah. He allowed him to come in and sit in there with him. He was humble. He was willing to listen. An affirmation that faith comes by what? Hearing and hearing by the word of god. Philip heard the Ethiopians reading the word. It gave him a spiritual confidence and opened the ears of the Ethiopian to listen to the gospel of Jesus.”

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