Evangelism - Philip's Way

Living from Identity

Beyond the Title: Every Believer is Called

In this sermon we explore the evangelistic call as a fundamental aspect of every believer's life. We are all called to evangelize by simply being good neighbors and living out our faith.

Who is an Evangelist?

• Traditionally: Someone who proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ, often by preaching and sharing the gospel message, typically traveling to reach new audiences.
• This sermon's focus: It's more than just a title; it's a way of life.

A Character Study: Philip the Evangelist

Philip is the *only* person in the New Testament specifically described as "the evangelist." His life demonstrates a powerful biblical order:

Identity → Function → Fruit → Title

• Identity: Philip was a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, chosen for service.
• Function: He was sent by the Spirit to specific places (Samaria, desert road) and people (Ethiopian eunuch). His obedience led to revival and conversion.
• Fruit: His life bore fruit not only in public ministry but also in his home, raising four prophetic daughters.
• Title: Years later, he is recognized as "Philip the evangelist." The title followed the fruit and function.

Core Questions for Reflection

• Are you living from your identity, or trying to earn a title?
• Have you said yes to the Spirit, or are you still waiting for a stage?
• Are you bearing fruit where it matters most—your home, your community, your everyday life?

Hope vs. Procrastination

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick." Some are heartsick not because God is withholding, but because of delayed obedience. You might be hoping a door will open, but God has already told you to walk through the one in front of you. You're pausing for permission, but God has already set the plan in motion.

Hope is meant to ignite action, not be an excuse for procrastination.

Scripture References

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Acts 6:1-7

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Acts 8:5-8, 26-40

Acts 8:5-8: Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8:26-40: And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.

Acts 21:8-9

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

2 Timothy 4:5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

A Prayer for Today

"Lord, if I am in Christ and a new creation, then
Let Your Spirit lead me
Use me to reach the city
Use me to reach the one
Use me to reach my family
Let my life bear fruit that speaks louder than any title ever could."

You don't need a title to be effective. You just need to say yes to Jesus.