Tag: heart not right
Not for sale!
Scripture reading for May 16th: Acts 8
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 8:18-22 “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostle’s hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.””
In this time of the last days, many false teachers are out for money. They are seeking power, new fads, or something that will help them make money. The apostles encountered Simon who had been making money off of sorcery. Simon saw what the apostles were doing by laying hands on the people and the resulting baptism of the Holy Spirit and he wanted in on the action. He offered money to get this power and was soundly rebuked by Peter for having a heart that was not right with God. Peter emphasized that this power was not for sale at any price! Simon’s best action would be repentance and prayer to God for forgiveness and a right heart!
Observations for over-comers: Beware of those who want the gift of the Holy Spirit for the wrong reasons! Don’t be quick to lay hands on everyone to receive this precious gift of power. Repentance and salvation must come first! “My son, pay attention to My wisdom, listen well to My words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2)
A gift that’s not for sale!
Scripture reading for May 15th: Acts 8
After the stoning of the deacon, Stephen, a great persecution broke out of believers in Jesus by the Jews. Philip, another of the deacons (Acts 6:5), went to Samaria and preached the Word of Christ there. The Lord worked through him to heal the sick and deliver the demon-possessed.
Among those who heard Philip was a man named Simon, who was a sorcerer. He had super-natural powers from the devil to perform magic, was full of pride and loved attention. Many of his followers heard Philip and believed the Gospel and were saved. Luke records that, “Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and wonders he saw.” (Acts 6:13)
Sometime later, word reached the apostles that the Samaritans had received the Gospel through Philip. They sent Peter and John to check it out. “When they arrived, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit, because the holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, they had simply been baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:15-17)
When Simon saw that the gift of the Holy Spirit was transferred by the laying on of the apostle’s hands, he offered them money to obtain this ability! “Peter answered, “may your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord.” (Acts 6:20-22) Simon evidently saw the results of the baptism in the Holy Spirit–speaking in tongues and prophesy! He was motivated by selfish motives, not a desire to minister! How is your heart towards the Lord?