PHILIP, THE PRACTICAL APOSTLE

Scripture Reading: John 1: 43-46; 6:5-14; 12: 20-22; 14:6-14

Memory Verse: John 1:45 - "Philip findeth Nathanael and said unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazereth, the son of Joseph.

INTRODUCTION:

Philip was a close friend of Andrew and Peter. He lived in the same city as they did (John 1:44).

Andrew shows us how God uses ordinary men and Peter shows us how God uses extraordinary men. Philip shows us how God uses practical men.

Practical means capable of being used. In this lesson, we will see how practical Philip was; he was the type of man who would not believe anything he could not figure out or understand. Many are like this today. However, there are many things we cannot understand; but we accept such as electricity, television, computer, radio, etc.

Illustration: Billy Sunday used to say, "I cannot understand how a chicken eats food, and it turns to feathers; a cat eats food and it turns to fur; and a fish eats food, and it turns to scales." He also said, "I cannot understand how a brown cow can eat green grass and give white milk, but I still enjoy drinking milk."

We accept many things that we do not understand.

I. PHILIP DESCRIBED

A. Philip - A Greek name meaning "warrior" or "lover of horses."

B. He knew Andrew and Peter on a personal basis. He talked to them a lot. He placed great importance on this relationship.

C. He was timid and retiring. He was not loud. He was often reserved. He checked with Andrew about things concerning him.

D. He is not to be confused with Philip the deacon. (Acts 6:5; Acts 21:8).
1. One never reads of the apostle Philip after Pentecost, and one never reads of Deacon Philip before the Day of Pentecost.
2. It was not the Apostle Philip who led the Ethiopian Eunuch to Christ, but Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8; Acts 21:8).

E. The one word that best describes Philip is "practical."
1. Once he knew what was expected, he could be used.
2. We should not expect too much from new Christians too fast. They need answers and time to grow. They need to understand things before they can be used to their fullest capabilities.

II. PHILIP DECIDING

Scripture: John 1: 43-46

A. Philip was probably that other disciple who was with Andrew the day they heard John the Baptist preaching of "Jesus the Lamb of God." (John 1:29).

B. Jesus found Philip (John 1:43) Andrew found Peter, but Jesus Himself found Philip (Luke 19:10).

C. The call to "faith" and the call to "follow" came at once (John 1:43).
1. Paul had the same experience (Acts 9).
2. Perhaps Philip was the one who requested of Jesus that he might first go bury his father (Matthew 8:21-22). It was a very practical request.

D. Philip would not step forward until he was sure of his ground (John 1:45).
1. He had read all that Moses and the prophets had said about Christ, but he wanted to be sure. As soon as he was sure, he brought others to Christ (John 1:45).
2. Contrast what Philip said to Nathanael (John 1:45) with what Andrew said to Peter (John 1:41).

E. Nathanael said to Philip "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Practical Philip said, "Come and see." (John 1:46)

III. PHILIP TESTED

Scripture: John 6: 5-14

A. When the hungry multitudes had nothing to eat, Jesus asked Philip, "Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"
Jesus knew Philip was practical so he wanted to see if he would act on faith or reason. After some thinking Philip said,
"Two hundred pennyworth is not sufficient for these that they may all take a little." When Jesus multiplied the loaves and
the fish, He showed that one could be too practical. Philip was looking at the money and the multitudes when he should
have been looking at the Master.

B. If Abraham had been practical, he never would have looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. Faith won over reason.

C. Most churches today are far too practical. Very few operate on faith.

IV. PHILIP WAS PRACTICAL TO THE END

A. In John 12, when the Greeks came to see Jesus, Philip's approach was the most practical. He knew the disciples were only to go to the lost sheep of Israel.
Now the Gentiles wanted to see Jesus. Philip didn't know what to do so he called on Andrew. He depended on him in these type situations.

B. In John 14, after being with Jesus three years and seeing all the miracles, Philip was still not quite sure. He said "Lord, show us the father, and it sufficeth us."
Jesus said, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet thou has not known me."

CONCLUSION:

The last mention of Philip is in Acts 1:13 just before Pentecost. Scholars say he did mission work in Asia Minor.

If your practical life brings questions, seek God's Word for the answers. Exercise faith and get the job done.

One day you will hear, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."