July 22, 2004
No Sale
Read: Acts 8:9-25
Peter said to him,“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!” —Acts 8:20
Bible In One Year: Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35
Police officers in St. Louis have had at least one easy arrest. It occurred at the back door of the police station when a drunk driver pulled his car right up to the booking window, thinking he was at Burger King. After attempting to place his order at what he thought was a drive-up window, the surprised driver was arrested by the booking officer and charged with drunk driving.
A man named Simon also got the surprise of his life. According to Acts 8, he was a former sorcerer in Samaria before becoming a follower of Christ. His surprise came when he walked up to the apostles and offered them money. He wanted them to give him the power to lay hands on people and impart to them the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter emphatically refused, and accused him of being under the influence of something worse than alcohol.
Peter wasn’t overreacting. It’s dangerous to think that the power of the Holy Spirit is like a product that can be bought and sold. The Spirit’s work is a gift of God that is freely given on the basis of faith, and faith alone. He has given us His Spirit to accomplish His purposes, not ours. The Spirit cannot be bought or bargained for.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Spirit. —Mart De Haan
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol throne,
Reign supreme and reign alone. —Reed
We don’t need more of the Spirit; the Spirit needs more of us.