Untitled Sermon (2)

Notes on Church life from Acts 8:9-24

Notice that

Philip wasn’t off on his own. He was preaching the message of the church, with the authority of the church, with the support of the church.

This doesn’t mean there must be explicit commissioning of every Bible study or evangelistic conversation as personal evangelism is the primary means we have to engage others with the gospel.

It does mean, however, that Philip - while absolutely under the authority of the Holy Spirit - was also operating as an extension of what God had established in Jerusalem. Same church. Same message. Same Christ. Same work. Same expectations/accountability.

We see this as the Apostles came and “evaluated” what God was doing through Philip. They rejoiced to see it and even joined in as they affirmed this new work of God (and the unity of the saints in Christ) through the laying on of hands and conferring of the Holy Spirit to them.

Do you believe that you represent the church of Christ to others? How will you carry that responsibility? Are you operating your life as an extension of the church?

Neither Simon, nor the other Samaritans were kept from Baptism. While there could be reason for believers to meet him with suspicion, doubt and possible rejection, they didn’t. He was accepted and baptised right away with the others.

We are to “guard the table” so to speak. But nowhere are we called to outright refute someone’s initial profession of faith in Christ and Baptism.

How do you know if someone’s profession of faith is true? Why is id dangerous to compare one person to another as they walk with Christ and grow in Holiness?

Read Matthew 13:24-30.

While it may be wise to take time to ensure we have carefully and fully explained the Gospel and what it means to follow Jesus, we can joyfully and expectantly receive and baptise all who claim to have repented of sin and are desiring to walk with Jesus by faith.

Regardless of their past (Simon had been a sorcerer!!!)

Regardless of their culture/ethnicity/etc. (They were Samaritans!!!)

Read 1 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11

Are there any groups, or categories of people who you would struggle to invite in? Who you’d be suspect of more than others? (Compare to the Samaritans)

If you haven’t been baptised as a believer in Jesus, and you profess to be a follower of Jesus, having repented of sin and trusting in Him as your Savior and Lord, let me know! Let the church know!

Peter showed mercy as he practiced church discipline. Peter was quick to warn Simon when he showed that he fundamentally misunderstood and would misapply the great gift of Grace through Christ.

He misunderstood Grace. He wasn’t satisfied in Christ, but would use the gift of the Holy Spirit as an enterprise, assuming the Apostles did as much.

While it is good to hunger and thirst for more of God (Matthew 5:6), and even gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1), they are always used in a way that brings glory to God and His Son Jesus - never as a tool to serve our own selfish ambition or fortunes.

Are there ways we use the gifts of grace to puff up our pride and make it about us? Are we forgetful of the grace He’s given us, or doubtful of His gifting? Are we filled with gratitude and humbled?

Peter mercifully, yet boldly points out his error, it’s source, and the only right response.

He offered money for the Holy Spirit! His offer showed where his heart was!

His heart was “not right with God”. He was still in the “gall of bitterness” and in the “bondage of iniquity”! It is the sinful heart that brings forth the fruit of the tongue and his tongue had betrayed his true state before God.

Better to know it! What would have happened had Peter brushed it off, or kept silent! What if Peter sugar-coated it? No, better to know the source and the solution that Simon might apply it! (Hence, church discipline!)

The only solution is to go directly to God in true godly repentance/sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Did he show godly sorrow in v.24? What might it have looked like? How was what Peter did far more loving than what is normally done in American church culture?