Acts 8:20 Your money perish with you, because you thought that the Gift of God could be purchased with money!
Our study through the Book of Acts has brought us to something that we must bring out. Philip went to Samaria to preach the Gospel of Christ. At this time, a man named Simon had been practicing witchcraft and sorcery among them. The Word of God tells us that the people were bewitched by him and believed the supernatural things he was doing were from God. But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of Go.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. (Acts 8:9-11)
However, when the Samaritans heard the Truth of the Gospel of Christ they believed and were saved. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. (Acts 8:12) Even Simon, the sorcerer, was saved when he heard the Truth! Then Simon himself also believed and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the Miracles and Signs which were done. (Acts 8:13)
Hearing that the Samaritans were believing in Christ, John and Peter went there and laid their hands on them for them to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now when the Apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-15)
This brings us to the point of this Morning Message. Simon, the converted sorcerer, tried to purchase from Peter and John the power to lay his hands on people and they be Baptized with the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Peter’s response to Simon was swift and direct! But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the Gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” (Acts 8:20-23)
My friends, NOTHING can be purchased from God. Simon’s attempt to purchase power was not acceptable to God. It is still not acceptable today. There are so-called ministries out there that will “sell” people titles that they believe come with certain powers of God. This is a falsehood and should be avoided at all costs.
As a side note, this is where the term simony comes from. It is defined as the buying or selling of a spiritual office, act, or privilege. This is demonic in nature so please allow me to suggest that you should you come upon this (and you will) rebuke this practice in the Name of Jesus and refer people to this Passage of Scripture. (Acts 8:18-23)
The Truth will……..….turn the tide……….in this world!
Only the Truth! Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
