Are You Like the Ethiopian?
 
Introduction

    I.  Perhaps you have been impressed by the account of the conversion
        of the Ethiopian.  Acts 8:26-40.
        A.  This Ethiopian was a person who had great responsibility.  Vs. 27.
        B.  Even though he had this great responsibility, he had traveled 
        	  several hundred miles in a chariot to worship as he understood.  Vs. 27.
        C.  He was obviously religious because as he returned home he was 
	  reading from the roll of Isaiah.  Vs. 28.
  II.  In at least some ways, you are like the Ethiopian.
        A.  You came to this building today because you have interest in serving
	  God.
        B.  Even though you came a shorter distance, probably all of you brought
	  a Bible or New Testament, showing interest in God’s word.
III.  Are you like the Ethiopian in the way he responded to God’s teaching?
IV.  Let us study together, about the conversion of the Ethiopian.
       A.  This lesson can be important to you to encourage you to obey the
             gospel.
       B.  It can also be important to each of us in encouraging us to teach 
            others more effectively.
         
Body	

    I.  Let us first consider the conversion of the Ethiopian treasurer.
        A.  God, through the angel and Holy Spirit, guided Philip to this man
	  who sought God’s salvation.  Vss. 26-29.
        B.  The treasurer was reading from the prophet Isaiah, but did not 
	  understand.  Vs. 28, 29.
              1.  Philip was anxious to teach him the meaning of the passage he 
	       was reading.  Vs. 30.
              2.  The Ethiopian was anxious to learn.  Vs. 31.
              3.  Philip began where the man was and taught him about Jesus.
	       Vss. 32ff.
                   a.  In teaching Jesus, he apparently told him what Jesus had
		taught.  Mark 16:15, 16; Matt. 28:19, 20.
	       b.  The Ethiopian then knew what he should do.  Vs. 36.
	       c.  He asked what hindered his obedience.
        C.  Philip told him that if he believed, he could be baptized.  Vs. 37.
        D.  Since the eunuch believed, he was baptized and went on his way 
	  rejoicing.  Vs. 38-40.

Are You Like the Ethiopian?, page 2.
        
  II.  Use this example as encouragement to obey the gospel and to teach
        others.  
        A.  Do you desire to obey the Lord as did this Ethiopian?
	  1.  You haven’t come as far, but you have come.
              2.  You did bring God’s word.
	       3.  Are you ready to obey?
	       3.  You, like the Ethiopian, can go on your way rejoicing when 
		       you obey!
        B.  We can teach others, just as Philip taught the Ethiopian.
              1.  There are sincere people around us who are interested in 
		       obeying God.
	       2.  You and I need to be aware that God may have brought us in 
		       contact with our friends, neighbors, and fellow-classmates,
		       or fellow-workers, for the express purpose of our teaching
		       them.
              3.  Begin where they are and teach them.  
              4.  This lesson from Acts 8 may be the very place to begin.

Conclusion

      I.  Learn the lessons from Acts 8:26-40.
    II.  Obey the gospel yourself and teach that gospel to others.
   III.  All things are ready for you to obey the gospel and others may 
          be waiting for you to teach them the gospel of salvation.

Prepared by: 
  David Arnold
  January 21, 1995