We played a game as children called "Simon says." Do you remember that? Whatever Simon (the person who was the leader) said, you all had to act out and the last person to follow was eliminated from that round.
In Acts 8 we meet another Simon (Simon Magus) - also known as Simon the Magician. Even though he had come to faith in Jesus, he tried to buy the Holy Spirit from the disciples. He was thoroughly rebuked for his attitude and Simon drifted into the background.
"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 in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart." (Acts 8:20-22)
Simon's major error was believing that the things of God can be bought with human resources. And this is never true. God can't be bought and neither can the workings of the Spirit. So, when I suggest that we should not act like Simon, I am implying that we ought to wary of using God for our own gain. Sadly there are many people who go down this path, but it is a very dangerous road to take.
- God grants his spirit to those who ask and who are willing to obey.
- God gives us his salvation if we are humble enough to admit our sin and need of him.
- God pours out his mercy on all who are broken-hearted.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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