SAVED BUT NOT SERIOUS (16 OF 41)
Scripture: Acts 8:9-24
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Saved but Not Serious (16 of 41)
Series: Acts
Richard Bradley
Acts 8:9-24
This incredible account has inspired a lot of debate. The question has to do with Simon's salvation. Was he a saved man or not? Or, did he lose his salvation almost as fast as he received it? I believe Simon was not far from being a whole lot like many believers today. He was a saved man but not entirely serious about serving the Lord who saved him.
As a new believer Simon asked the same question many believers are asking even today: ''What's in it for me?'' It only takes one word to describe Peter's response to Simon's question and that word is ''nothing.''
Let's take a look at some of the facts surrounding this scene in Acts 8:
SIMON WAS ACCUSTOMED TO THE LIMELIGHT
9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.
10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as ''the Great One-the Power of God.''
11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.
Simon was a magician. He had lived for years off his ability to fool people. Simon had no real power, just like the devil has no real power. His ability was what magicians today call sleight of hand. Only God is in possession of ''dunamis'' power which is the only power capable of producing miracles signs and wonders.
Simon, however, had gotten used to the spotlight and the acclaim that went with being ''the power of God.'' The people assumed that his kind of ''power'' could only come from God. He knew it was false but who wouldn't get used to this kind of attention?
Be careful about getting used to being in the spotlight because it can become the controlling factor in your life.
SIMON BECAME A BELIEVER
12 But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.
13 ...
Series: Acts
Richard Bradley
Acts 8:9-24
This incredible account has inspired a lot of debate. The question has to do with Simon's salvation. Was he a saved man or not? Or, did he lose his salvation almost as fast as he received it? I believe Simon was not far from being a whole lot like many believers today. He was a saved man but not entirely serious about serving the Lord who saved him.
As a new believer Simon asked the same question many believers are asking even today: ''What's in it for me?'' It only takes one word to describe Peter's response to Simon's question and that word is ''nothing.''
Let's take a look at some of the facts surrounding this scene in Acts 8:
SIMON WAS ACCUSTOMED TO THE LIMELIGHT
9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.
10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as ''the Great One-the Power of God.''
11 They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.
Simon was a magician. He had lived for years off his ability to fool people. Simon had no real power, just like the devil has no real power. His ability was what magicians today call sleight of hand. Only God is in possession of ''dunamis'' power which is the only power capable of producing miracles signs and wonders.
Simon, however, had gotten used to the spotlight and the acclaim that went with being ''the power of God.'' The people assumed that his kind of ''power'' could only come from God. He knew it was false but who wouldn't get used to this kind of attention?
Be careful about getting used to being in the spotlight because it can become the controlling factor in your life.
SIMON BECAME A BELIEVER
12 But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.
13 ...
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