Simple Simon Series

Acts 8:9 - 25 Simple Simon

The Man - 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon,

His Methods - which beforetime in the same city used sorcery,

His Means - and bewitched the people of Samaria,

His Message - giving out that himself was some great one:

His Magnetism - 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying,

His Might - This man is the great power of God.

His Menace - 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

The Ministry

A Preaching Ministry - 12 But when they believed Philip preaching

A Pressing Ministry - the things concerning the kingdom of God,

He Preached of a King, a Kingdom, a Cross and a Crown.

A Praising Ministry - and the name of Jesus Christ,

A Prospering Ministry - they were baptized, both men and women.

A Provoking Ministry -

Simon's Belief - 13 Then Simon himself believed also:

His Baptism - and when he was baptized,

His Bond - he continued with Philip, and wondered

His Bewilderment - beholding the miracles and signs which were done

The Missionaries

The Company -

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God,

The Commissioned - they sent unto them Peter and John:

The Counsel - 15 Who, when they were come down,

prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

The Need of the Holy Ghost - Their Priority

The Nature of the Holy Ghost - Their Purity - the Holy Ghost

The Neglect of the Holy Ghost - Their Parity - 16 For as yet he was fallen upon none of them:

only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The Contribution - The Notice of the Holy Ghost - Their Power -

Their Lack - 15 Who, when they were come down,

prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Their Loss - 16 For as yet he was fallen upon none of them:

only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Their Life - 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost was Essential, Available and Noticeable

The Mistake

What He Brought - 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money

What He Sought - 19 Saying, Give me also this power,

that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

What He Thought - 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

What He Fought - 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:

for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

What He Ought - 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

What He Wrought - 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

The Momentum

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.