Responding to Suffering: Embracing Divine Appointments

Summary

Today, we are reminded of the deep interconnectedness of the body of Christ, both locally and globally. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, who have suffered a devastating attack resulting in the loss of 42 lives and the displacement of many more. In moments like these, we are called to respond with compassion, prayer, and tangible support, recognizing that when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. This is not just a distant tragedy; it is a call for us to embody Christ’s love in action, to pray fervently, and to give generously as we are able.

Turning to the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official in Acts 8, we see a powerful example of what it means to be attentive to the Spirit’s leading. Philip was willing to go where God sent him, even when the destination was unknown and the encounter unexpected. He met the Ethiopian official—a man of influence, intellect, and spiritual hunger—right where he was, both physically and spiritually. Philip listened, engaged, and began with the very scripture the official was reading, pointing him to Jesus as the fulfillment of the suffering servant in Isaiah. This divine appointment led to the official’s baptism and, likely, the spread of the gospel to a new continent.

The story challenges us to consider our own readiness to share Christ with those we meet along the road of life. Divine appointments are not reserved for biblical heroes; they are available to all who are attentive and responsive to the Spirit. Sometimes, our efforts may feel clumsy or awkward, but God works through our willingness, not our perfection. We are encouraged to deepen our familiarity with scripture, to seek out community and spiritual growth, and to pray for opportunities to share the good news. As we do, we trust that God will provide the words, the moments, and the grace needed to make Christ known in our world.

Key Takeaways

- Suffering in the Body of Christ Demands a Response
When tragedy strikes fellow believers, such as the recent violence in Nigeria, we are called to respond not with distant sympathy but with active compassion. Our prayers, resources, and advocacy are tangible expressions of our unity in Christ. The pain of one part of the body is the pain of all, and our willingness to act is a measure of our faithfulness. [31:54]

- Divine Appointments Require Attentiveness and Obedience
Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian official was not a coincidence but a result of his sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting. Divine appointments often come when we least expect them, and our readiness to listen and obey determines whether we participate in God’s unfolding work. Being attuned to the Spirit means being willing to step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel. [41:13]

- Meet People Where They Are, Not Where You Wish They Were
Philip began his conversation with the Ethiopian official at the very point of his question and confusion. He didn’t require the official to have all the right background or understanding; instead, he started with the scripture at hand and pointed to Jesus. Effective witness begins with listening and engaging people’s real questions and experiences, not with pre-packaged answers. [47:30]

- The Power of Scripture to Reveal Christ
The story demonstrates that all of scripture ultimately points to Jesus, and a deep familiarity with the Word equips us to share the gospel in any context. When we immerse ourselves in scripture, we are prepared to draw connections that reveal Christ to those who are seeking. Our ability to guide others from confusion to clarity depends on our own engagement with God’s Word. [49:14]

- God Works Through Our Imperfect Efforts
Even when our attempts to share Christ feel awkward or inadequate, God can use them for His purposes. The willingness to step out in faith, even clumsily, is more important than flawless execution. As we trust the Spirit to guide our words and actions, we grow in courage and readiness for the next divine appointment. [54:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:32] - Tragedy in Nigeria: A Call to Prayer and Action
[31:54] - Suffering Together as the Body of Christ
[32:35] - Giving to Support Nigerian Relief
[33:12] - Prayer for Nigeria
[34:42] - Encounters Along Life’s Road
[35:31] - Introducing Philip in Acts
[36:39] - Philip’s Divine Appointment
[37:09] - The Ethiopian Official’s Question
[38:03] - Baptism on the Desert Road
[39:05] - Philip’s Ministry in Samaria
[40:14] - Listening and Responding to God’s Voice
[41:32] - The Ethiopian Official’s Spiritual Hunger
[44:22] - The Power of Scripture in Evangelism
[47:30] - Pointing to Jesus from Isaiah
[50:29] - The Miracle of Baptism and Rejoicing
[52:35] - Philip’s Continued Evangelism
[53:38] - Real-World Evangelism: Successes and Failures
[56:06] - Everyday Divine Appointments
[57:54] - Practical Steps for Readiness
[59:36] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Respond
[01:01:15] - Final Hymn and Offering for Nigeria

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### Bible Reading

- Acts 8:26-40 (Philip and the Ethiopian official)
- 1 Corinthians 12:26 (“If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it.”)
- Isaiah 53:7-8 (The passage the Ethiopian official was reading)

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 8:26-40, what specific instructions did Philip receive from the angel and the Spirit, and how did he respond?
2. What do we learn about the Ethiopian official’s background and spiritual hunger from the passage?
3. According to 1 Corinthians 12:26, how does Paul describe the relationship between different members of the body of Christ?
4. What was the Ethiopian official reading, and what question did he ask Philip about the passage? ([37:09])

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Philip was willing to go to an unknown place and approach a stranger just because the Spirit prompted him? What does this say about his relationship with God? ([36:39])
2. The Ethiopian official was reading Isaiah 53 but didn’t understand it. What does this tell us about the importance of having someone to help us understand Scripture? ([45:12])
3. The sermon mentioned that when one part of the body suffers, all suffer. How does this idea challenge the way we think about tragedies happening to Christians in other parts of the world? ([31:54])
4. The pastor shared a story about a clumsy attempt to pray for someone. What does this teach us about God using our imperfect efforts? ([54:20])

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about the tragedy in Nigeria and the call to respond with compassion, prayer, and support. What is one practical way you can respond this week to suffering in the global church? ([31:54])
2. Philip was attentive and obedient to the Spirit’s leading, even when it was uncomfortable or unexpected. Can you think of a time when you felt prompted to do something for God but hesitated? What held you back, and what could help you say “yes” next time? ([36:39])
3. The Ethiopian official had real questions and confusion. Are there people in your life who have spiritual questions? How can you start a conversation with them by listening first, rather than giving quick answers? ([47:30])
4. The sermon encouraged us to deepen our familiarity with Scripture. What is one step you can take this month to become more comfortable with the Bible, so you’re ready for “divine appointments”? ([58:12])
5. The pastor admitted that sometimes sharing faith feels awkward or clumsy. What fears or insecurities do you have about sharing your faith? How can you trust God to work through your imperfect efforts? ([54:20])
6. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian shows that God can use anyone who is willing. What is one area of your life where you need to be more open to God’s leading, even if it feels risky or inconvenient? ([41:13])
7. The sermon suggested praying for opportunities to share the good news. Are you willing to pray for a “divine appointment” this week? What would it look like for you to be ready if God brings someone across your path? ([59:04])

---

Devotional

Day 1: When One Part Suffers, All Suffer Together
The suffering of fellow believers calls us to compassionate action and shared prayer, reminding us that the body of Christ is deeply interconnected—when one part is hurting, we are all called to respond with love, support, and tangible help. [31:54]

1 Corinthians 12:26 (ESV)
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Reflection: Who in your community or around the world is suffering today, and what is one specific way you can respond with compassion and support this week?

Day 2: Divine Appointments Happen When We Listen and Respond
God orchestrates encounters along the road of life, and when we are attentive to His Spirit and willing to step out in faith, we find ourselves in moments where we can share Christ’s love and message in ways that change lives. [41:13]

Acts 8:26-29 (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 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

Reflection: Are you listening for God’s prompting in your daily life, and how might you make space today to notice and respond to a divine appointment?

Day 3: Start Where People Are and Point Them to Jesus
Effective witness begins by meeting people in their questions and confusion, patiently guiding them from where they are—just as Philip did with the Ethiopian official—toward the hope and truth found in Jesus. [47:30]

Acts 8:30-35 (ESV)
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. Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.”
And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

Reflection: Who in your life is asking spiritual questions or seeking understanding, and how can you come alongside them to gently point them to Jesus today?

Day 4: Let Your Light Shine in the Real World
Our faith is not meant to be hidden but lived out boldly and visibly, shining the light of Christ in everyday encounters—whether with friends, strangers, or even those we meet by chance—so that others may see and be drawn to Him. [53:19]

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: What is one practical way you can let your faith be visible to someone you encounter today, even if it feels awkward or outside your comfort zone?

Day 5: Trust the Spirit to Guide and Give You Words
We do not have to rely on our own eloquence or strength; when we step out in faith to share Christ, the Holy Spirit promises to guide us and provide the words we need, even in moments of uncertainty or weakness. [57:08]

Luke 12:11-12 (ESV)
And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Reflection: Is there a conversation or opportunity you are nervous about? How can you intentionally trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions today?

Quotes

You will all meet people along the road of life. Some of them you'll meet for just a moment. Some of them you will meet for a lifetime. Some of them you'll do be you'll do business with. And some of them will become close personal friends. But you will meet all kinds of different people along the road in your life. [00:34:33]

And Philillip hears this call and he sees this man riding in a chariot and he finds his way alongside of him because divine appointments happen when we are listening for and responding to the voice of the Lord. That's what Philip did. [00:41:06]

Now he is not Jewish. Okay? He is interested in the one true God. He is uh uh he is compelled to travel from his country to the holy land and to go to Jerusalem to the temple to worship the Lord God. But he is not Jewish. [00:41:32]

They were handcopied. Okay, so this man was well off. He was he he was wealthy. And not only that, he's the queen's CFO. So, he's in charge of the whole treasury. But also, what we know about him is that he has people who work for him because he's not driving this chariot. [00:42:12]

He is reading out loud. That was the general practice for thousands of years. And so he is reading from Isaiah and Philillip hears him. The Lord calls him, sends him, he fulfills this very quickly and then another word of the Lord tells him to approach this chariot and to stay close to it, to listen closely to what is happening in it. [00:43:32]

So the question that the treasurer asks is is is the prophet speaking about himself or is he speaking about somebody else? And this is Philillip's moment. This is what the Lord has been drawing him to is to this moment in time where somebody asks a question about the scriptures that Philip can answer and point them to Jesus. [00:46:57]

Because my friends, when we're familiar enough with the scriptures, we realize that everything points to Jesus. that he's the point of the whole story. So this Bible study that happens in this fancy chariot along a desert road between um a convert to Christianity in Philip, a man who was Jewish and now is um is a Christian and this Ethiopian unic who uh has great reverence for the the Lord God Almighty but cannot become Jewish. [00:49:07]

And Philillip draws the line from where that man is to Jesus. And it works. It works because it leads to baptism. He's created clarity out of confusion. His questions are answered. Is this about the prophet himself or is this about somebody else? And Philip says, "It's about somebody else. Let me tell you about that somebody. That somebody is Jesus. [00:49:56]

And as rare as water is on a desert road, the Lord provides water. And the unic looks out the window of this chariot and goes, "Hey, there's some water. What's to stop me from being baptized?" And the answer is nothing. And so they go down into the water and Philip baptizes this man. [00:50:29]

Thanks to a divine appointment that Philip said yes to when the Lord said go. when he met someone along the road he did not know but in that moment had the opportunity to proclaim proclaim Christ to him and he did and this whole this man's whole life was changed because Philillip was willing to go into an unknown place to meet an unknown person to fulfill this divine appointment because divine appointments happen when we are listening for and responding to the voice of the Lord. [00:51:30]

Now these moments, these divine appointments are important to us because we cannot hide our light under a basket as Jesus as Jesus says. We can't we can't we can't light our lamp and then you know not put it on a lampstand but to put it under a basket. That's not what he says that's not what we do as followers of Christ. [00:52:57]

They may be our servers at lunch. They may be somebody um that we meet along the street as we're walking in the neighborhood. They may be somebody we see in the grocery store. They may be somebody we work with. We They may be somebody that we, you know, do business with of some kind. We will meet people along the road. [00:56:12]

And the question really is, are we ready? If the Lord says go and makes that a divine appointment to to proclaim Jesus, are we ready to do that? Are we able to do that? Now, I promise you, it's really not as hard as you may think it is. It's And it's not as hard as we make it. [00:56:32]

It really is the opportunity for us to be attuned to the spirit. And when the spirit says go, the spirit promises to give us the words to say. I think that's why I got clunky is because I was trying to figure out the words rather than letting the spirit speak through me. [00:56:53]

Find ways to look to Jesus. That might mean that you join a Sunday school class or small group or one of our table groups or a Bible study. Um might mean that um you take time to find a reading plan uh on the Bible app or somewhere uh online that um gives you a pace to read scripture in a way that you that is sustainable to you. [00:58:00]

And then um as you look to Jesus as your model and what he's calling you to do, learn more about him through that engagement with um with the scriptures and then continue to mature in your faith by sharing it by having conversation with other people uh that are encouraging you that are uh moving you along. [00:58:29]

Chatbot

What is the significance of divine appointments in faith?

How does Scripture interpret Isaiah 53 in relation to Jesus?

In what ways can believers prepare for spiritual opportunities?