Text:Acts 8:26-ff.

Today we are discussing the power of the Holy Spirit and it is greatly tied to the spirit of unity in the body. There is a very interesting account in the book of Acts with a man named Philip and a Eunuch from Ethiopia. Philip gets a message to go and talk to the eunuch so he does. While talking with the eunuch, Philip notices he is reading out of the prophet Isaiah. Through some discussion and witnessing, the eunuch accepts Jesus and desires to be baptized. They stop the chariot by some water and Philip baptizes the eunuch. Immediately, the Spirit catches Philip away and he is then miles away in another city preaching the gospel.

Many of us just read over this account each year and do not give it much thought. Something amazing though happens. The Holy Spirit takes Philip from one spot and in an instant, he is in another city miles away. How did Philip receive the power of the Spirit like this and is this possible today?

Well, lets look at the first question together. There is some insight into Philip’s relationship with God and the Spirit to be exact. At the beginning of this account the Spirit tells Philip to go to the desert. Philip obeys. The Spirit then tells Philip to go to the chariot of the great eunuch and Philip not only obeys but runs to the chariot. You and I will never be filled with the power of the Spirit if we do not obey. Obedience is key.

Philip also preaches Christ. In this world, there will be many that claim to have the Spirit of God upon them and may even do great earthly works. One tell though is who receives the glory. Philip never once tried to steal the glory of God. Many today use the “power of the Spirit” for gain or glory. Simon shows us this previously in Chapter 8. Evidence of the Spirit is praise, thanksgiving and edifying the body, Eph. 5:17-21. The fruit of the Spirit also deals with building others up and the church of God, Gal. 5:22-ff. Do not be fooled by false prophets that appear to work in the Spirit of God. May the Lord use His Spirit to glorify Himself through us and bring unity amongst the body. May you and I obey like Philip and see our Father bring salvation to the lost.