SERMON NOTES
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Acts 8:9-25
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. 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.
Sermon Notes
Verses 9-13
Verses 14-17
Verses 18-25
Important Questions
GROUP STUDY
READ
Text above
MEMORIZE
Acts 8:22
Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.
REVIEW
What was Simon’s profession before Phillip arrived in Samaria? What attracted Simon to Phillip’s work?
What did Simon do after being baptized?
Why were Peter and John sent to Samaria from Jerusalem? Why was it important to have the apostle’s stamp of validation on the work?
What is meant by saying that some things in the book of Acts are “descriptive” and not “prescriptive”?
What did Simon offer to buy from Peter and John? What was Peter’s reaction?
Why was it said that there’s not enough information to know whether Simon truly turned to Jesus?
REFLECT
How is belief that leads to saving faith different than mere mental assent that Jesus died and rose again?
Given what’s written about Simon in this passage, does he seem to be someone who is a baby believer making bad choices, or does he seem to be someone who doesn’t belong to Jesus and is trying to gain power and prestige? Why do you think this?
Can you think of an area of your life where it might be important for you to ask the Lord to show you the true intention of your heart?
Have you experienced drinking the poison of bitterness? What did it do to you?
Is there currently any area of your life where you might be sitting in the poison of bitterness?
How is shame tied to living in the bond of iniquity (sin)? Why is it important to not only confess to Jesus, but to bring in other trusted brothers or sisters to work past shame?
RESPOND
Spend some time this week asking the Lord to show you what He sees in your heart. Pay special attention to any bits of Scripture that come to you while you are praying, or for any scenes or pictures from your life. Write down what you are experiencing in prayer. Ask God for the wisdom to know the next step you need to take. Remember, the Holy Spirit is our Counselor!