How can we guard our hearts against "no part or share" in ministry? The Warning from Acts 8:21 “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.” Setting the Scene • Philip preaches in Samaria; many believe, including Simon, a former sorcerer (Acts 8:5-13). • Peter and John arrive, pray, and the believers receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). • Simon offers money for apostolic power; Peter responds with the Spirit-inspired rebuke of verse 21. • God values heart posture above outward involvement; motive determines whether someone truly shares in ministry. What Threatens a Right Heart • Mixed motives—seeking influence, praise, or position (Matthew 6:1-4). • Hidden sin—unconfessed patterns dull spiritual sensitivity (Psalm 66:18). • Pride—trusting personal gifting instead of the Giver (Proverbs 16:18). • Transactional faith—treating God’s work as a commodity, as Simon did (1 Timothy 6:5). Guarding the Heart: Four Ongoing Disciplines 1. Repent Quickly • “Repent, therefore, of your wickedness… pray to the Lord” (Acts 8:22). • Keep short accounts with God; invite conviction, respond immediately (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Pursue Pure Motives • “The aim of our instruction is love… from a pure heart” (1 Timothy 1:5). • Serve for Christ’s honor alone, not recognition or control (Colossians 3:23-24). 3. Guard with the Word • “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). • Daily Scripture intake exposes selfish desires and renews the mind (Hebrews 4:12). 4. Submit to Spiritual Oversight • Peter’s correction saved Simon from deeper ruin; welcome loving accountability (Hebrews 13:17). • Transparency with mature believers protects against blind spots (Galatians 6:1-2). Daily Practices That Keep Us Safe • Begin each day surrendering roles, plans, and gifts back to the Lord. • End each day reviewing thoughts and actions under the spotlight of God’s Word. • Fast periodically to dislodge subtle idols of power, success, or applause. • Celebrate others’ victories; cultivate genuine joy when God uses someone else. • Serve in hidden ways that cannot feed ego—anonymous generosity, unseen intercession. Encouragement from the Wider Canon • 1 Corinthians 13:3 — “If I give all I possess… but have not love, I gain nothing.” • 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • 1 Peter 5:2-3 — Shepherd willingly, “not for dishonest gain… not lording it over those entrusted.” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Living Ready for Service Staying usable is less about perfect performance and more about a continually tender, surrendered heart. As these safeguards become habits, the Spirit frees us from Simon-like ambition and secures our full part and share in the ministry entrusted to us. |
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