Two Conflicts That Every Church Must Face

Shepherds are given a rod and a staff to care for a flock of sheep. The staff can teach sheep to stay away from danger. The rod can remove threats from the flock. Pastors do this also.

Philip was one of the seven chosen by the Apostles to take care of food distribution to widows in Acts 6:5, and he was the first missionary to be called “evangelist” in Acts 21:8.

Simon was accused by Justin Martyr, Eusebius, and other historical writers of founding Gnosticism, a religion that claimed to have secret knowledge and power. This religion has subtly crept into Christianity up until our day.

1. A Battle for Attention

Philip Preached Jesus and Healed

Acts 8:4–8 NASB95

Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them. The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was much rejoicing in that city.

Signs direct our attention to a person or thing.

Signs are the power of God unto the Gospel, but the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

Romans 1:16–17 NASB95

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

Simon Preached Simon and Entertained

Acts 8:9–11 NASB95

Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.

Possibly the founder of Gnosticism (Secret Knowledge, Materialistic Dualism).

C3 Church Toronto Pastor Manual:

I AM HERE TO SERVE MY LEADER. SO THE KEY TO MY SUCCESS IN THE ORGANIZATION IS MY ABILITY TO WORK IN THE WAY MY LEADER WANTS ME TO, EVEN IF IT IS NOT MY PREFERENCE...

If you truly disagree with me, present it in a question rather than a statement (i.e. “Have you thought about?” rather than, “That’s not right.”)

If you want to be promoted, here is what I am looking for! Teachable and Loyal. Nothing else gets you promoted faster.

Luke 14:7–11 NASB95

And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. “But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

True Christians and Churches direct the world’s attention to Christ alone.

2. A Battle for Authority

Philip’s Ministry Was Endorsed By God

Acts 8:14–17 NASB95

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

The Apostles’ laying on of hands signified God’s acceptance of Samaritans into the Church and their righteous standing before God through Christ.

The Holy Spirit’s visible power in the Samaritans was a sign that the Gospel is for every type of person.

Simon’s Ministry Was Endorsed By Greed

Acts 8:18–23 NASB95

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”

Simony: Making profit out of sacred things.

Read 2 Peter 2

CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

False Christians will hide their lives from the church because their lives expose their desires.

God deserves the authority in the church, and He demands the full attention of the Church.

Beware someone who claims to be a Christian and is quick to get attention and quick to take authority.