Daily Walk Through the New Testament
September 24
Read Acts 8:4-25

The power of the apostles was undeniable. God’s own Spirit had empowered these preachers, and their words and deeds carried power. God worked through them to accomplish many miracles and to bring the gospel to those who had never heard.
Simon saw their power, and he wanted it. He was a mystic who practiced witchcraft, and he seemed to know the real thing when he saw it. Simon believed and was baptized, but he still didn’t fully understand. He was seeking God, but his heart was not right. Simon wanted the power for the sake of the power, for what it could do for him. We can argue the authenticity of his conversion, but we cannot doubt the depth of his confusion. He wanted to “buy” this spiritual power — as if the Holy Spirit was a trick to be learned or a skill to be nurtured. Peter called him out on it. God’s Spirit cannot be bought or earned — it is His gift to us that comes by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Yo can’t buy your way into heaven, and you can’t buy God’s power on the open market. There will always be those who confuse the gospel with worldly power. There will always be those who have suspect motives or warped views of God. There will always be those who are motivated by pride and jealousy. We must have discernment. We should be wary of any ministry that exalts people instead of God. We must also check our own motives. Do we serve God to impress people or to please God? Humble yourself before the Lord, submit to His purposes, and use His power to do His will.