Desiring God

Introduction

Well, good morning. As John said earlier, I’m back from Alabama. It’s a wonderful day, and we know that it’s a wonderful day because our Lord Jesus lives. And I didn’t really get to talk much about Alabama, but I’ll tell you one thing: there are a lot of football fans out there, and that’s always wonderful. And there’s a lot of weirdos out there too, and that’s wonderful too. But the one thing that I really enjoyed was getting to learn and grow and getting to bring some of Florida with me and being the person that talks weird in that place. And it was very interesting. But today, when we’re getting into the lesson, we’re going to be talking about the desire of God and what that really looks like.

And so we’re going to be using the story of Philip and the eunuch to kind of emphasize and use that as a foundation to lay for that for that topic. And so when we’re looking at the story of the eunuch, it’s going to begin in Acts 8. So if you want to turn into your Bibles, we’re going to be looking in Acts 8. But during the time, giving the context, Philip at the time was laying a foundation down in Samaria. The Christians are scattered due to persecution, but he decided to establish a church, continue to grow and spread the good news and the gospel, and do what God had called him to do. But on a faithful day, we see that he met a man that he would ultimately change his life forever and lay us a great picture that we can carry throughout our lives for the rest of the time.

So if you’re in Acts 8, please look in verse 26. That’s where we’re beginning the reading today.

And so he arose and went, and oh, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority, under Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the spirit said to Philip, Go near and overtake his chariot. So Philip ran to him and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said, Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, How can I unless somebody guides me? And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place, the place in the scripture which he read was, He was led astray, he was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shear is a silent.

So he opened not his mouth, and his humiliation, his justice was taken away, and who will declare his generation, for his life was taken from the earth. So the eunuch answered Philip and said, I ask you, of whom does this prophet say this? Of himself or of some other man. Then Philip opened his mouth and began at this scripture and preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So he commanded the chariot to stop and to stand still.

1. Who This Eunuch Is

And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and he baptized him. Now when they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing. So that was a pretty lengthy reading, but we’re going to establish a couple things here. We have three points, and then the lesson will be yours. The first point is we need to know who this eunuch that we’re reading about in Acts 8 is. And one thing we have to understand is that he was an Ethiopian. If you don’t know where Ethiopia is, it’s in the African region, right? But also, not only was he an Ethiopian, he was a proselyte, he was a Jewish believer.

So you have to understand how committed was this man, this eunuch to worshiping God or worshiping the religion that he actually believed in. Well, he was traveling a very long mile, a very long distance to go and worship, to go to Jerusalem. We have to understand he was the treasurer of the queen, which means that he probably had a well-off life. He probably didn’t have to worry about you know being poor or worrying about bills. He probably had a lot that was given to him because of the job that he held. But we have to understand that the eunuch was a religious man, but he also was a humble man. All these things up here right now could have been a hindrance to him. He’s a foreigner, he’s a Jewish believer.

2. What Did the Jews Really Think of the Messiah?

He’s a treasurer, he has a good life. He’s believing in the old law, he’s not from this land. But still, one thing’s for sure. The eunuch desired to know what the true Lord was. And he was reading the scripture. He didn’t understand the scripture until Philip came to him. But he had that in his heart that he wanted to know. He had the desire to figure out who the Lord was and what he needed to do. And so we’re gonna see and we’re gonna look. As a Jewish believer. What did the Jews really think of the Messiah? Let’s do that by looking at Isaiah chapter 9. In Isaiah 9, beginning in verse 2, it says, The people who walked in darkness have seen a light. Those who dwelt.

I apologize. The people who have walked in the darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied a nation and increased its joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy of harvest. As men rejoice when they divide the spoil, for you have broken the yoke of his burden, the staff on his shoulders, the rod of his oppressors, as in the day of Midian for every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood will be used for burning and for fuel of the fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders, and his name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, of the increase of his government and peace.

There will be no end until the throne of David, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with justice and judgment for from the time forward, even forever. The zeal of God of hosts will perform this. And so we’re looking at Isaiah 9 here, and this is what the Jews were taking with them. This sight of a physical king. They believe that when they read this and they hear this, this man that’s gonna come and conquer all the kingdoms and be a great warrior, that they’re looking for something physical, and they’re looking for a great man that that’ll fit the part. But if we know who our Lord is, we see a great big warrior, a big, desirable looking man?

Well, no. But the eunuch was reading a different part of Isaiah. Isaiah is the Messian a Messianic book. But let’s look at what the fill what the eunuch was reading in Isaiah 53. In Isaiah 53, we’ll begin reading in verse one. Who has believed our report, and to whom has the arm of God been revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, as a root out of the dry ground, and he has no form or calmliness. And when we see him, there will be no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, as we hid, as it were, our faces from him.

But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.

We have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of all of us. See, the Jews were a proud people. We see this time after time at the end. They believe they’re God’s blessed people. Right? God chose us. We are his people. They believe that they had some special treatment. And so when they’re reading the scripture and when they’re interpreting the scripture, they think that they can interpret it however they want to. So they took Isaiah 9, but then they wanted to ignore Isaiah 53. This great warrior, this Messiah, also was going to come, and you probably wouldn’t have recognized him. If he walked by you, you probably wouldn’t have taken a second look. And I love that because the eunuch was there understanding that this was a humble king.

This was a humble savior. This was a man that didn’t come looking for fame, money, or anything that this world had to offer. But the eunuch had the true desire, even though he didn’t know Jesus, to learn.

3. A Lack of Faith

What we’re called to do. Whether that’s being saved or living your life, the first thing we need to understand is a lack of faith. Belief in Jesus is a prerequisite. Prerequisite. That’s a big word. Prerequisite.

But Philip makes it clear in verse 37 of Acts 8. If you believe with all your heart, you may. So what was the eunuch’s response? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Faith is necessary. We have to understand that. Look in John chapter 8. When we’re looking in John chapter 8, Jesus is having another confrontation with the Jews. And the Jews almost made it a mission. No, they did make it a mission to try to derail him, to try to make him look bad, to try to do anything in their power to make him look bad so that they can resume all their power. But in John chapter 8, Jesus has told us, beginning in verse 24. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins if you do not believe that I am He.

4. A Lack of Repentance, A Lack of Water

You will die in your sins. If you cannot believe, if you cannot accept in your heart, you cannot be saved. Another thing that we shouldn’t let hinder us is a lack of repentance. Repentance is another thing that we need to even begin our journey when you’re being baptized. Right? And we’re going to do this by looking at Acts chapter 2. Turn to your turn to your Bible say Acts chapter 2. In Acts chapter 2, it’s a pretty well-known scripture. This is Peter’s sermon to the Jews, beginning in verse 36. Therefore, let all of the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now, when they heard this, they were cut to the heart. And they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do?

Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is an example of when you’re cut to the heart and you’re convicted. Peter made it known. You killed our Lord. You killed the Son of God. So what do you want to do? If you were in their shoes, what would you want to do? If one of the apostles just told you you murdered God, what would you want to do? You want to make that right as soon as possible. So what did Peter tell them to do? Repent. Change. Make that 180 in your life. Follow Jesus and be baptized for the remission of your sins.

We need to understand that. A lack of water should never hold us back. We understand that there are three types of baptism in the Bible. We understand that there’s the baptism of repentance that John the Baptist was doing when he was preparing the way of the Lord. We understand that there’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is what the apostles received. And we understand that there’s the baptism in Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, which is the baptism that we receive today. And so the water is always ready. There’s always water. Verse 38, he says. So he commanded the Acts chapter 8, verse 38. So he commanded the cherry to stop still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down to water and baptized him.

He didn’t wait for a special place and a special time. He found some water and immediately went. But what does that represent? Being baptized means you’re putting away the old self and bringing up a new person into the newness of life. You’re burying that person. And we see more of that in Romans chapter 6. Turn there in Romans chapter 6. Beginning in verse 3. Or do you not know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus, were baptized into his death. Therefore, we were buried with him. Therefore, we were buried with him through baptism into death, just as Jesus Christ has raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we shall be in the likeness of his resurrection.

Paul is making this very clear. You need to bury yourself. You need to get rid of that stained person that you are. And you need to find Jesus. Baptize yourself. Come up a new person. What does walking in the newness of light look like? Do you believe that when you are baptized, your sins are forgiven? And do you believe that Jesus is your Savior? If you believe that Jesus is your Savior, you will do what He says. He makes it very clear if you love me, you will keep my commandments. So when you’re walking in the newness of life, that’s not just saying, I believe that God is God. That’s doing what he tells you to do. Spend your time in his word. Spend your time growing with him, loving him.

And he will love you too.

5. Pride Can Get in Our Way

One thing that can get in our way is pride. Some people are too proud to admit that they need forgiveness of their sins. Let me tell you something, brothers and sisters. If you cannot admit that you are wrong, if you cannot admit that you are not perfect, you have something wrong with you. And I don’t mean to be blunt, but that’s just what it is.

Some are too proud to acknowledge that they need baptism. But let me tell you, how many times do you read God’s word? And you read of a person who thinks they can conquer the world by themselves, and they think that they can do everything without God, and how does it end for them? Almost every single time they will fall, and they will fall hard. And so I tell you, swallow your pride. Jesus even makes it clear in James chapter 4. Look in James chapter 4. We’ll be beginning in verse 6. But he gives more grace, therefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit yourself to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

6. Family Shouldn’t Hinder Us

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and let your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up. God is a great God. God is a great father. God is a great mentor. He’s a great best friend. And all you gotta do is give it all to him. Let your life be for him, and you will have many wonders. Another thing that shouldn’t hinder us is family. Some people are too scared about what their family will think when they decide that they want to follow God. Some kids are more worried about putting a smile on their mom’s face or their dad’s face, rather than understanding the true understanding of the Bible and understanding the true understanding of Jesus.

Some people are more worried about the acceptance of siblings and relatives than following what we’re instructed to do. But let’s say that a child decides that he wants to take that step. Let’s say he wants to get closer to God. Let’s say he’s decided that he is not living right and he needs to make that step, or they are worried sometimes that their family won’t welcome their conversion. Oh, in a couple more years. Oh, I don’t think you’re just ready yet. Maybe another time. I don’t think you have all the understanding. These are genuine concerns. These are genuine things that a child might hear. And children, do not get me wrong. You are children for a reason. Be a child. Honor your father and mother. This by no means means rebel against what the authority is.

But look at Matthew chapter 10. Beginning in verse 37. He who loves his father or his mother more than me is not worthy of me. And he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. He who finds life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it. I think we can all agree here. Family is one of the best things in every single person’s life. I mean, we all can say, I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have the people in my life guiding me, pushing me, loving me. But I can confidently say that Jesus is the best thing in your life.

And he tells you, be ready to sacrifice the things that you love sometimes for me. Unfortunately, there are people that have to lose.

And there’s not a lot of people that have the blessing to have a family that grows in the church. But Jesus says, if you suffer for my name’s sake, you will find life.

Conclusion

And well, that’s just not true. Let me ask you something. When we’re looking at the story of the eunuch and Philip, how many sermons did it take the eunuch to realize that he needed to change? One.

We don’t know how long that was. But brothers and sisters, let me tell you something. Some people believe that they just need to be in a certain place to obtain God’s mercy. They think that they need to get themselves to a better place morally so that they can finally make that decision that they’re ready to be baptized. But let me tell you something, brothers and sisters. Baptism is for the sinners, not the saints. The whole reason you decide to be saved is because you know you are not in the place where you need to be.

No, there’s not a moment. The moment is when you realize you are in sin. And so I offered the invitation. If you know that you are in the place that you need to be, if you know that your sin has separated you from God, you need to make that right. And if for the people who say, Well, I’m waiting for a moment and I don’t want to do it for you, I want to do it for me, don’t wait. Do it for God. Because God is waiting for you, God is merciful, and God loves you. Do not wait a single day. Because if you wait, the chance might pass you by. This life is like a vapor, brothers and sisters. You do not know the day that you will be called home.

If you know that if you died right now and you wouldn’t be in Abraham’s bosom, what are you waiting for? Make things right with God. Or maybe you have decided to make things right with God. And maybe you decided that you were walking this journey, but you stumbled and you’ve gotten a little weak. We can help fix that. The church is ready to have your back. I urge you, brothers and sisters, I love you. Make things right. God loves you, we love you. There is not a single doubt in the world that you will not find what you need to find when you take your life and you give it to our Lord. And so, if there’s any way that we can help you today, if there’s any way that you can grow closer to getting to heaven, please come forward as we stand and sing a song of invitation.

Holding up his hand is fine.