Lesson 12 for the 20 th of September, 2008

Because of the great growth of the church, the apostles were snowed under with the problems of the congregation. In order to free them from those problems, they suggested the election of seven deacons who would resolve them, so they could proclaim the Gospel

Those who practice deaconship gain a place of honour and acquire better confidence for talking about their faith in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy, 3: 1-13) Philip had the adequate moral and familiar qualities for being appointed deacon (his four daughters prophesied) [ Acts, 21: 8-9 ] Service prepared Philip to receive greater gifts

God improved or gave the next (among others) gifts to Philip: Service Teaching To succour the needy Compassion Word of knowledge To cure sick people Miraculous powers Teacher Hospitality

In order for the work to be built up strong and symmetrical, there is need of varied gifts and different agencies, all under the Lord's direction; He will instruct the workers according to their several ability. Co-operation and unity are essential to a harmonious whole, each labourer doing his God-given work, filling his appropriate position, and supplying the deficiency of another. E.G.W. (Evangelism, pgs )

Peter and John were sent to Samaria in order to help Philip and, with their gifts, they complemented Philip’s ones When they laid their hands upon new believers, they received the Holy Spirit They discerned the true spirit that motivated Simon Magus

When persecution sparked off in Jerusalem, Philip fled to Samaria. There, DEACON Philip became MISSIONARY Philip, preaching the Gospel with great power and success

When God needed to evangelize to the royal treasurer of Ethiopia, He sent His angel to Philip for carrying out this special mission

God gives us gifts and wants us to use them for the benefit of His work. As we practise those gifts, He will give us others and/or will increase those that we already have, giving new opportunities for the service. We have to collaborate with other brothers to bring the Gospel all over the world. Wherever God leads you, be a missionary. Philip’s example teaches us that:

An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts… E.G.W. (The Acts of the Apostles, págs )

The unselfish labour of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an inspiration. The members of God's church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good. With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour's love. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward. Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour, for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the divine commission is irresistible E.G.W. (The Acts of the Apostles, págs )