Can’t Buy the Spirit

Text: Acts 8:9-24
Theme: Simon tried to buy the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit is not for sale. He is a gift from God.
Key verses: “When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’ Then Simon answered, ‘Pray to the Lord so that nothing you have said may happen to me.'” (v. 18-24)
What God said to me: Dwayne, be very careful that you do not try to use my power and my anointing on you for personal gain. You know first hand what it feels like to have my hand withdrawn from you because your heart is wicked to build up yourself. That happened to you in high school as you tried to impress everyone with your signing ability. My gift and my Spirit are not given you to impress others, but rather to bless and help others. Simon believed in me but was bitter because he was no longer the center of attention in that city. He wanted my Spirit only so he could continue doing miracles and continue being called the Great Power of God. If he truly repented then I forgave him, but I would not tolerate it. And I will not tolerate such motives in you either. Humble yourself before me and determine to become less so I can become more though you. Focus on others rather than yourself. Die to yourself and to your flesh today. Follow me and trust my Spirit to flow through you to touch many who come around you today.
What I said to God: Father, thank you for speaking to me so clearly and for meeting with me this morning. I confess my ill motives and impure thoughts. I confess my focus on myself rather than on the world You bled and died for. Fill me with Your Spirit and use me today. Watch over my family.