Central Truth

Impure motives need awareness and repentance.

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Reflections

Simon the Sorcerer had a lot of power and prestige for many years. "He boasted that he was someone great and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, 'This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.' They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic." (Acts.8:9-11 NIV) This is heady stuff!

Then, Phillip came to Samaria and preached Christ. Many believed and began to follow Christ instead of Simon. The text says that even Simon believed and followed Phillip everywhere. But Simon thought he could buy the Holy Spirit's power. I wonder if Simon, in his heart, wanted back his old life of power and prestige. Someone else was getting all the attention now, and it was --rightfully-- Jesus Christ. "When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money." (Acts.8:18 NIV)  Peter answered, "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.  Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.  For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."  (Acts.8:21-23 NIV) 

In my faith journey, I have made a lot of progress with this issue of wanting attention and prestige. Most of the time, I do want God to get the glory, but my heart tells me otherwise at other times. So I keep asking God to show me when I still want the glory. This is what He showed me this week.  When Keith telephones his parents in California, I can feel annoyed when he doesn't tell them what I'm doing. His parents are incredible servants of God, and I want them to be impressed with me. I want their praise. "Ouch!" I felt the "captivation," and bitterness or annoyance, that I am not getting the attention that I think I deserve.  "Ouch" again. Forgive me, Lord! May You get the glory, not me.

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Discussion Questions

1. What sin holds you captive? What will you do about it?
2. Are you bitter because you have lost a prestigious job or ministry position? Are you fighting the humility of it, or are you allowing God to use it for your good and His glory?
3. The last time a parent, friend, or spouse corrected (rebuked) you, were you hurt, angry, or defensive? When Simon was rebuked (Act.8:24), he asked for prayer. If you are rebuked for something, it is for your good. Will you admit your error, repent and quickly ask for prayer?

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