The Power Of God Series

“The Power Of God”

Acts 8:14-25

As we study our text today it is my desire not to cause any confusion.

In order to understand this first part it is necessary to find out what is taking place and why.

I. A Message Received

Acts 8:14-17 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

If our text makes plain sense seek no other lest it become nonsense.

We are looking at the action of the Apostles as they come to pray for the Holy Ghost to fall upon the new believers.

Let’s look at what it is NOT and then see what it IS.

(1) It was NOT the gift of the Holy Spirit unto salvation because they already were saved, Acts 8:6.

(2) It was NOT the Holy Spirit’s daily work of sanctification because that is a daily walk not something suddenly added.

(3) It WAS something that was seen and would be used to help spread the Gospel message with “signs and wonders.”

Simon saw Acts 8:18 that this was done by the laying on of hands.

Many would have us believe that the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost filling would be separate from salvation, but that is not what we see here.

The Gift that was passed on was so they would be able to witness to the lost.

II. A Message Requested

Acts 8:18-19 "And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."

Notice Simon’s reason for his request in Vs. 19

Seems that Simon had a desire to once again have power and influence that was no longer available to him.

You cannot buy the power of God for your personal gain.

Just as salvation cannot be bought; neither can God’s power for serving Him.

III. A Message Rebuked

Acts 8:20-23 "But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 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."

The problem was not the desire to be a witness, but Peter had also the gift of discernment and realized that Simon was trying to redevelop his personal power and influence on others.

Two observations from Peter in vs. 23. “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”

Gall of bitterness - “bile,” or “that bitter, yellowish-green fluid that is secreted in the liver.” Hence, it means anything very bitter; and also any bad passion of the mind, as anger, malice,

Bitterness- extreme wickedness

The bond of iniquity - bound by your past sin

There is a reason that Paul instructed Timothy in

1 Timothy 5:22 “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”

In a new birth in Christ it would be natural for a person to lean into their past and try to use that in their new life.

There must be time for the sanctification within the life of a believer to purge the things of the flesh.

When this is violated Churches suffer to consequences.

IV. A Message Requested

Acts 8:24 “Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

I just love the teachable heart that is willing to accept instruction.

“Please help me to grow and not walk in my past” seems to be what Simon is asking.

Hallelujah!!!

V. A Message Repeated

Acts 8:25 “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.”

They continued to preach and teach the truth.

We do not need to make up any “NEW TRUTH” just tell them the Old, Old Story.

Conclusion:

Is there anything in life that has been the source of your lack of growth?