Unlike Simon, Don’t Seek Miraculous Powers

[Christ4Ever]

"Pray to the Lord for me," Simon exclaimed, "that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!" Acts 8:24 NLT

Do you know the difference between a miracle and a magic trick? Can you discern between the Holy Spirit’s activity and the special effects of those who use His name while conjuring up remarkable displays of power?

Simon the sorcerer knew all about power. In Samaria, he was billed as “the Great One—the Power of God” (Acts 8:10)—until Philip came preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Through Philip’s prayers, the sick were healed, the demon-possessed were released from bondage, and hearts were transformed. Simon was so impressed that he made a profession of faith and followed Philip and Peter around. Yet was Simon a sincere believer? Or was he jealous and looking for a way to steal back the show from the visiting Christians?

The truth came out when Simon watched the Holy Spirit given to the Samaritan believers. He was amazed and thought to himself, I must get that power? So he offered cash to Peter, who sternly rebuked Simon for his evil thoughts and bitter heart.

Unlike Simon, let’s honor the Holy Spirit for who He is—not try to manipulate Him for our own glory.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a sincere believer through and through, now and always.

 

[B-A-C]

The problem wasn't Simon getting the gifts. It was that he was trying to buy them with money.

Acts 8:18; Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
Acts 8:19; saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
Acts 8:20; But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

I agree we shouldn't be seeking the gifts, we should be seeking God. But we shouldn't be avoiding the gifts either.

1Cor 12:6; There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. ( all believers )
1Cor 12:7; But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1Cor 12:8; For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;
1Cor 12:9; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
1Cor 12:10; and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.
1Cor 12:11; But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

All of have a gift, are you using yours?

There are some large Pentecostal churches, that have "classes" . They will teach you how get and use your gifts... for a certain amount of money... Hmmmm.

 

[Curtis]

1Co 12:31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

1Co 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.