August 23, 2022

Passage Read: Acts 8-9
Meditation Verses: 8:22-23

Thought

These were strong words for Simon, who only wanted to be able to share the Holy Spirit with others. But what Peter said was true, Simon's heart was not right. He had been famous and looked up to for years, but now he too believed in Jesus and left his magic behind. He wanted to maintain his fame and the attention everyone gave him, and he saw he could do that with the power to give the Holy Spirit. But Peter pointed out his real problem, that he was bitter and bound by unrighteousness. He believed in Jesus but hadn't come to grips with his own past sin. He still need to repent, so even his belief in Jesus didn't appear to be the saving kind, since Peter said he was on his way to perdition.

Application

Those who see faith in Christ as a means to fame and influence are probably also still bound up in sin. They are trying to prove something or right some wrong, but they haven't recognized their own sin and unworthiness. So they rise to fame with a wrong Gospel and poison the faith of others. They are not worthy of the power of Christ, because all they care about is themselves. I need to make sure I'm free from sin and bitterness, so the Lord can use me to help others know Him and walk with Him. My purpose must be to exalt Jesus, not myself. Otherwise, I too am in danger of leading myself and others astray.