THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF MEMBERS AND THE CHURCH (29)
DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH (21)
GROWING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE (6).
Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 15:4; 1Cor 4:1-2; 2 Cor. 4:1-7
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Acts 6:4.
The Apostles had an excellent growth plan for their individual and collective ministries. Our memory verse encapsulates what looks like a vision statement targeted at yielding growth in service as its dividend. Tonight, we shall examine PHILIP THE APOSTLE as contrasted to PHILIP THE DEACON EVANGELIST that we studied last week.
PHILIP THE APOSTLE: WHAT WENT WRONG? John 1:43-46.
At the instant of Philip’s invitation to join Christ, his conviction was so strong that he immediately extended a hand to Nathaniel and introduced him to Christ. This is usually the zeal that greets everyone at the point of conversion. He stepped into Apostleship in grand style but after this episode, not much was heard of him and his exploits in service. Below is a classic view of his activities and actions.
I) In John 6:5-8, we see Philip the Apostle more concerned with the mathematical computation of how much each man can consume per plate and not depending on the rudiments of faith that should have guided his answer and consequently launched him to greater heights. It is obvious that Philip was singled out TO TEST HIS LEVEL OF FAITH IN CHRIST. Sadly, he lost it and its attendant blessings.
II) While in Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus Gave everyone the opportunity to defend their level of spiritual growth; WHY is it that in the midst of all the disciples, Jesus opted to address this question in (i) above to Philip? Because He probably wanted to CORRECT HIS ERRORNOUS CONCEPT AND MINDSET.
III) While some Apostles like James, Peter, John were prominently mentioned before the day of Pentecost and they continued to blaze the trail after Pentecost, Philip the Apostle was only heard of BEFORE the Pentecost and no mention was made of him AFTER the Pentecost. On the other hand, Philip the Deacon was never mentioned BEFORE the Pentecost but the effect of Pentecost impacted on him and he became prominent thereafter. SELAH!!
IV) In John 12:20-22, Philip the Apostle almost lost the opportunity of winning souls when the desperate Greeks came to him determined to see Jesus. Instead of leading them to Jesus as requested, PHILIP took them to Andrew. Was there an embargo on Him from getting across to Jesus directly or he was just being afraid of another failure. Stunted growth can be a dilemma to prospects in life. I pray you will not miss opportunities that come knocking at your door. Is it possible for a business man to decline a contract offer that runs into billions because he has been dealing with millions only?
V) John 14:5-10. Philip the Apostle obviously had issues with growth in service. At a crucial time when he ought to have been getting set to take over the publication of the gospel, he demanded to know the Father. This doubtful position that Philip had at this hour in ministry was enough to attract discipline or suspension. For all his apostleship and at this point in life, Jesus only rewarded him with kind words.
VI) We are not in anyway insinuating that Philip the apostle had backslidden. Absolutely Not. We are simply looking at growth in service. Can you compare this same APOSTLE Philip to the late comer DEACON EVANGELIST Philip? LEADERSHIP IS NOT ALWAYS A FUNCTION OF FIRST COMERS. You might have taught a brother or sister in the Neighbourhood Fellowship some years ago but over the years that same brother YOU TAUGHT has proven a track record of growth in service and today he might even be a Pastor over you. This is what growth in service can achieve and not a function of LEADERSHIP BEING PARTIAL. 1 Sam 2:27-30; Matt. 19:30
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