ACTS 8:18-20

PONDER THIS

We all need to know about the dangers of counterfeit Christianity because not all false religion is in the occult. Sometimes it moves right into the Church. Now remember Simon has been a sorcerer; he’s been practicing witchcraft. Philip had been preaching Jesus. Here is this sorcerer, this man full of demons who has been practicing witchcraft, and the Bible says, “Simon himself also believed” (Acts 8:13). He was beholding the miracles and the signs, and he saw how the people in Samaria were receiving the Holy Spirit as they did at Jerusalem, so he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:19).

It sounds good on the outside right? He wanted to see God’s power. But his faith was superficial, not real faith. He was not believing in the Master; he was believing in the miracles. He saw the power manifested there by the New Testament Church, and so he wanted to be a part of it. But he never had met the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believe in miracles but trust in Jesus. Never put your faith in miracles; put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

• What is the difference between trusting miracles and trusting Jesus?
• Where is your heart? Do you seek God for who He is or for what He can do for you? Explain.

PRACTICE THIS

Spend some time reading this passage and asking God to give you discernment for when these moments of deceit sneak into the Church.