GETTING STARTED
Years ago, I took my oldest son to get a Green Apple Slush at Sonic, and when it came time to pay, he pulled out his Ninja Turtle wallet and said, “Dad I got it.” I sat there for a moment contemplating whether or not I should allow my six-year-old to pay for our drinks. So I asked him if he was sure, and he responded, “Yeah, dad. I really want to buy your drink.” Needless to say, it was the best drink I have ever had from Sonic. Looking back, I realize that accepting that drink did more than quench my thirst, it allowed me to experience generosity and grace.
- Think of a time when you received something that you didn’t deserve. Was it hard for you to accept it? Why?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 8:14-25 (ESV)
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What did the Samaritans “do” to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?
- Previously, we discovered that Simon struggled with the pursuit of power, success, and fame before his conversion and baptism. According to verses 18-19, what did Simon desire?
- For what reasons did Peter rebuke Simon? What was the issue at hand?
- What do you think were the intentions of Simon’s heart?
- Simon struggled with selfish tendencies and completely overlooked the grace of God. Where is selfishness present in your life? How does it impact the way you live?
RESPOND TO GOD
Once the Samaritans had received the word of God, Peter and John went and bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit for two reasons: to preserve the unity of the early church and to validate the authority of the Twelve and Jerusalem. It is important to note that the Samaritans didn’t do anything extra to receive the gift; it was freely given because of their faith in Christ. That is why Peter rebuked Simon for his selfishness and error in thinking that he could somehow purchase the gift of God. Throughout this passage, it is evident that God’s gift of salvation is just that: a gift. We can’t earn it, nor do we deserve it, but because of his great love he offers it to us as a free gift.
- Thank God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
