Acts 8:18–24

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

This is a perfect example of someone not having Christian eyes. Simon claims to be a Christian, but he’s thinking only about himself. He witnesses the kingdom advancing but doesn’t care about that. He cares about the method involved. He wants that power for himself—not for the kingdom.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s OK to care about methods and power. We should try to be effective at whatever we’re trying to do, and that includes kingdom tasks.

But Christian eyes see all things in terms of the kingdom. Personal advancement isn’t of value for its own sake. If it’s useful for the kingdom, then it’s valuable.

Simon doesn’t come around, even at the end. He’s repentant, but he’s still only thinking about himself. He doesn’t want the punishment. If he had learned to see with Christian eyes, he might have been so bold as to ask for the power again, but this time for the right purpose.

Simon repented of his plans to get the power.

He needs to repent of his plans (or lack thereof) to use it.

Spiritual gifts are of tremendous importance—way beyond what most folks realize. When we don’t use our spiritual gifts for their intended kingdom purposes, they lay dormant and don’t grow. Exercise them and they grow stronger and more exciting.

Do you know what your gifts are? Check out Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:8–10; 28–30, and Ephesians 4:11. If you’re not sure, seek the answer. Discuss this with others.

Leaving your gifts lying fallow is a dreadful mistake. You can only truly discover your gifts by exercising them. Seeing them grow stronger confirms their supernatural nature and strengthens your faith.

See why James said that faith without works is dead?

It’s at least unconscious.

To subscribe to The DEEP click here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

All the weekly study guides, which include all five devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.