Joy to the City

Joy to the City:

Sharing Christ is the Secret to Joy

Acts 8:4-13

As the believers scattered following the stoning to death of Stephen where they went they took the cross with them. The message was Jesus is alive. Turn to him and you will receive newness of life with forgiveness and freedom from the power of Satan. In Acts 8:4-13 we see how the filling of a city with the gospel of our Lord Jesus brought transformation and great joy. Three lessons about Phillip’s preaching can be gleaned.  

I. He Built on God’s broader work.  Samaria had a history with Christ. It is generally thought that the city of Samaria that Philip went to was the one where he met the woman at the well (John 4:39). The people of this city flocked to Jesus because of the word of the woman who testified, 'He told me all the things that I have done.'". They must have been asking what transpired with Jesus. Phillip built on this earlier work of God. Salvation of individuals and communities is a process that culminates in conversion.  We must acknowledge what God has done and is doing already with others in the lives of people we are reaching and make our contribution. Your part may or may not be the final that results in conversion.  Just play your part faithfully. Your effort is not in vain. Do not be weary, in due season you will reap.
II. He Baffled the Sorcerer.  The people of the city were so ripe for supernatural intervention that from the smallest to the greatest they gave attention to Simon the sorcerer. They even revered him as the great power of God because his astonishing magic arts. Phillip preached and demonstrated Jesus. They did not only hear but also saw the proof of Christ’s power and character. Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He was absolutely taken back and was as overwhelmed as he had overwhelmed others. Reaching a city is not mere programs but a power encounter.  There is a battle for attention to be won. Samaritans had already committed their attention. What is taking peoples time especially after work and sleep. What you give attention to you give power over you (Acts 8:6-10). Simon controlled the city. In the absence of Christ, the real answer, there are counterfeits that try to fill the gap.  Praise God because of Phillip’s boldness and faithfulness the great power met the greatest and most attractive. Unless we gain attention, we cannot influence.  God’s offer is grater than anything the world offers. The great power met a greater power. The kingdom of God is not of word only but of power (1 Corinthians 4:20, Rom 1:16).   You are a proof producer.

III. He Blessed the City (v. 8). When the sorcerer was dominating, there was no joy in the city. What you give attention to determines whether you will have joy or not. Without hope, you cannot rejoice.  The gospel (good news) brought joy to Samaria. JOY is an indispensable mark and undeniable evidence of the gospel (Luke 2:9-11). As a believer, your overall disposition must be one of joy.  Our joy does not depend on circumstances but on God (Psalm 16:11; Romans 8:28) and his promises and character. God is its OBJECT and its SOURCE. We find full joy in our salvation (John 15:10-11). We receive joy as a fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is an attitude we choose to express. It is a command (Phil 4:4). Yes weeping comes in the night but joy comes in the morning. You bring the morning because you are the light of the world. Joy is Defiance SHOUT for it. Do something for joy (Psalm 5:11; 32:11; 35:27, 65:13, 67:4, 126:2, 132:9, 16).  You will win people to Christ by modeling and transmitting joy.  People will come to Christ because of a good attitude they see in you and receive. Do they see you living a life of joy, peace, and rest?  

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa