The Hope Podcast

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his website www.aneelaranha.com. This daily podcast brings you very short messages of hope and encouragement for these difficult times.

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The Hope Podcast

Philip's Journey

October 24, 2024 • Aneel Aranha • Season 5 • Episode 181

Feel like your current role is insignificant? Learn from Philip's story how God can use humble beginnings and willingness to follow His lead for remarkable purposes.

181. Philip's Journey — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about Philip, who started as a table server and became a powerful evangelist, and the lessons we can learn from his spiritual journey.

Philip first appears in Acts 6:5 as one of the seven chosen to serve tables in the early church. But God had bigger plans for him. In Acts 8, we see Philip preaching in Samaria with great success and later being led by the Spirit to share the gospel with an Ethiopian official.

What can we learn from Philip? First, faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater opportunities. Philip's initial role was serving tables, but his faithfulness opened doors to a wider ministry.

Second, Philip shows us the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading. Scripture tells us, "The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it'" (Acts 8:29). Philip's obedience led to a significant conversion.

Third, Philip's ministry demonstrates that the gospel is for all people. He preached to Samaritans, traditionally despised by Jews, and to the Ethiopian official, crossing cultural and racial boundaries.

How can we apply Philip's example to our lives? Start by being faithful in whatever tasks God has given you now, no matter how small they seem. Your current role might be preparation for something greater.

Practice listening to the Holy Spirit. This might mean taking time for quiet reflection, studying Scripture, and being open to God's unexpected promptings.

Be ready to share your faith with anyone, regardless of their background. Like Philip, we're called to cross boundaries with the gospel message.

Remember, God can use you in powerful ways, even if you don't hold an official leadership position. Philip wasn't one of the twelve apostles, yet he played a crucial role in spreading the gospel.

As you embrace Philip-like faithfulness and openness to the Spirit, you may find God using you in ways you never expected, touching lives and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

God bless you.