How can we ensure our faith is in Christ, not signs and wonders? Setting the Scene: Samaria’s Fascination with Power “ They paid attention to him, because for a long time he had astounded them with his sorceries.” (Acts 8:11) •The crowds’ loyalty hinged on spectacle, not truth. •Simon’s magic stirred amazement, but it never brought salvation. •Philip’s simple proclamation of Christ (Acts 8:5) broke the spell; people believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12). Lesson: a heart captured by marvels can miss the Messiah standing in front of it. Cautionary Tale: Simon’s Spell vs. the Savior’s Gospel •Simon himself “believed” and was baptized (Acts 8:13), yet later tried to buy apostolic power (Acts 8:18-21). •Peter exposed the counterfeit: “Your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21). •Outward assent + attraction to power ≠ genuine faith. Guardrail: evaluate whether our pursuit is Christ Himself or the benefits we think He brings. Recognizing the Draw of Signs •John 2:23-25—many “believed in His name when they saw the signs,” yet Jesus “did not entrust Himself to them.” •Matthew 24:24—false christs will perform “great signs and wonders to deceive.” •2 Thessalonians 2:9-10—the lawless one comes “with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder... because they refused to love the truth.” Pattern: fascination with miracles can dull discernment. Grounding Our Hearts in the Person of Christ •John 20:31—signs are recorded “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ… and that by believing you may have life in His name.” •Hebrews 12:2—“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” •1 Peter 1:8—“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him… you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible joy.” True faith rests on who Jesus is and what He accomplished, not on continuous displays of power. Practical Steps to Safeguard Our Faith 1.Dwell in Scripture daily –Romans 10:17: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” 2.Elevate the cross above experiences –1 Corinthians 2:2: “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 3.Test every spiritual claim –1 John 4:1: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” 4.Pursue the fruit, not just the fireworks –Galatians 5:22-23: look for love, joy, peace… not merely extraordinary events. 5.Cultivate contentment in quiet obedience –2 Corinthians 5:7: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Scripture Connections •Exodus 7-8—Egyptian magicians replicate signs but cannot deliver. •1 Kings 18—fire from heaven points back to Yahweh, not Elijah. •Luke 10:20—rejoice not that spirits submit, “but that your names are written in heaven.” Thread: miracles serve as pointers; they are not the substance. Closing Encouragement Christ still works wonders, yet the greatest wonder is the gospel that saves. Keep your eyes on Him, and every authentic sign will simply magnify the Savior you already trust. |
    |