Dumb Knowledge

It’s Sunday and here is this morning’s sermon.

Acts 8:9-25

9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."
25When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Simon the Sorcerer is a wonderful example to all of us. We see some clear traits in him that can serve as warnings for all of us. We also see knowledge in Simon. He knew all kinds of stuff, sorcery, people; he even studied these new Christians to gain the knowledge they had. But this very knowledge imperiled him. Let’s look at Simon.

1. He was self important (he boasted that he was great) vs. 9
2. He was a power broker.(People followed him and thought he was a god) vs. 10
3. He was a believer (he claimed Christ)
4. He was baptized
5. He was bitter
6. He was not content
7. He was impatient

Conclusion: The reality is that Simon the Sorcerer had a heart problem. Peter called him on his bitterness and under-laying attitude. Simon was not content with where he was and was not willing to learn and grow. He sought to catapult himself to the forefront once again.

Ultimately we do not know what Simon decided. However, we can decide in our own lives. Is my attitude everything that it should be? Can I accept where I am and find joy in this moment … right where I am? I alone am responsible for my attitude. Am I willing to lay down my disappointments, my brokenness … everything I am…. everything that I do? The choice is mine.

Thought For Today
Submission is at the heart of omission of sin