2025_05_25 Sermon Notes & Discussion Questions
May 25, 2025

Acts (Part 13): The Gospel Can’t Be Bought

Acts 8:1-25

The Spirit works powerfully where Jesus is treasured.

I. The Spirit is for all believers. (1 Cor. 12:7, Eph 1:13)

II. Four poisons that threaten Gospel Growth

  1. Misplaced devotion – Don’t hitch your faith to a person other than Christ. (Acts 8:32, 2:42, 8:10-11)

  2. Misread signs – Don’t stop at the sign. (Acts 8:13)

  3. Manipulative giving – God’s power is not for sale. (Acts 8:18-19)

  4. Malignant weeds – Don’t let bitter roots grow where grace should bear fruit. (Acts 8:22-23, Heb. 12:15, Deut. 29:18-19)

III. God gives grace to grow. (2 Chron 28:22, 33:12)


Small Group Discussion Questions

GOSPEL

  • What does Acts 8 teach us about the role of the Holy Spirit in the early church?

  • Why do you think God delayed giving the Spirit to the Samaritans until Peter and John arrived?

  • How does the idea of “earning” or “buying” God’s power contradict the Gospel? How might this mindset subtly appear in our own hearts?


COMMUNITY

  • How can we help each other recognize and root out misplaced motives in our service to the Church? How can we help each other treasure Christ more?

  • What does it look like to help a fellow believer pull up a “bitter root?” (Deut. 29:18-19, Acts 8:22-23)

  • How do we balance being bold with the truth while still showing grace, like Peter does with Simon?


MISSION

  • How can we avoid making the Gospel look like a product to purchase rather than a gift of God’s grace to be treasured?

  • What challenges do you face in sharing the Gospel with people who may be spiritually distracted?

  • What’s one next step you can take this week to participate in God’s mission?