LEADING WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD

Sir,

In Acts 8:9-25, we have the story of a man known as Simon also known as ‘Simon Magus’ or ‘Simon the Sorcerer.’ He lived in the town of Samaria, north of Jerusalem.

According to the Bible, Simon made great claims. He once claimed that he ‘was someone great’ (Acts 8:9). He drew large numbers of people. The Bible says the people of Samaria ‘all gave heed’ to Simon (Acts 8:10). He had a large following including many Influential followers. We are told that his followers ‘came from all classes of people, from the least to the greatest’ (Acts 8:10). The Samaritans spoke well of him, saying ‘this man is the great power of God’ (Acts 8:10).

Simon had become both rich and influential by the use of sorcery before the people, who were amazed or bewitched by his work. If it was today, Simon would have made a good televangelist. He could have had his own TV show.

Credentials

His credentials as a ‘faith healer’ would have been impressive. But Instead of preaching Christ, Simon was preaching himself. The Bible says he amazed his audience for a long time with his ‘sorcery,’ and not by the Spirit of God. The church in Jerusalem, hearing that the Samaritans were accepting the gospel, sent Peter and John to join Philip in his evangelical work in Samaria: “Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. They laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:15-17.

Now Simon was an alert man, and seeing that when Peter and John laid their hands on the heads of the people in prayer, “they received the Holy Ghost… he offered them money, saying ‘Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost’.” Peter rebuked Simon in a way that must have astonished the people, and which struck the heart of Simon with fear: “Your money perishes with you, because you thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. You have neither part nor lot in this matter: For your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven for you.” (Verses 20-23).

Simon loved gain. He wished to add to his own gifts the power of imparting the Holy Spirit to men, that he might increase his influence over the people, as well as add to his income and popularity. Simon sought to buy the power to do what only God can do.

Dear reader, Simon Magus and all his followers have been a reproach to Christ from His day until now. Simon is what is supposed to be a spiritual function turned into a marketable commodity for financial or personal advantage.
Every generation of people has had to contend with Simon-like types. This genre of men will serve the Lord for gain and self-advancement. Oftentimes they will push ‘religion’ as a means of making merchandise of the brethren (2 Peter 2:3). The Gospel is not for sale, the Holy Spirit is not for sale. Freely we have received, freely we should give.

Proof

Dear reader, the fact that someone makes great claims, has a large number of influential members, people speak well of him and has existed in town for a long time is no proof that God is with him.

In these last days there will be people or movements that will think they can purchase God’s blessings. Followers will be encouraged to ‘sow a seed of faith,’ with the promise that God will make them rich. If any of this sounds familiar, or you know someone who believes it, then that’s Simon. The prosperity gospel is Simon’s way of doing business, not God’s way. Take heed to yourselves!

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