How can we ensure our faith is in God, not in signs and wonders? Introducing Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9–11) • “Now a man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great.” (Acts 8:9) • Crowds flocked to him “because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.” • Their confidence rested on what they could watch, feel, and celebrate—spectacle over substance. Signs Can Impress, but Only God Saves (Acts 8:12–13, 18–23) • When Philip preached “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,” the people believed and were baptized (v. 12). • Simon also “believed,” yet he remained fascinated by the miracles (v. 13). • Later he tried to buy apostolic power (vv. 18–19), exposing a heart still bound to self-exalting wonder. • Peter’s rebuke—“Your heart is not right before God” (v. 21)—highlights the peril of a faith rooted in phenomena instead of repentance and trust. Why Signs Alone Are an Unsteady Foundation • John 2:23-25—Many “believed” after seeing Jesus’ signs, yet He “did not entrust Himself to them” because He knew their hearts. • Matthew 12:38-39—A generation demanding signs is called “evil and adulterous.” • 1 Corinthians 1:22-24—“Jews demand signs,” but the gospel centers on Christ crucified. • Miracles can authenticate God’s work, but they cannot substitute for personal surrender to Him. What Genuine, God-Centered Faith Looks Like • Hebrews 11:6—Belief that God exists and rewards seekers, even when no visible proof appears. • John 20:29—“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • True faith rests on God’s character and His revealed Word, not on extraordinary experiences. Practical Habits to Keep Our Faith Anchored in God • Immerse yourself daily in Scripture—let truth, not sensation, shape conviction. • Cultivate prayerful communion—seek the Giver more than His gifts. • Watch your motives—ask, “Am I drawn to God’s glory or to personal excitement?” • Embrace ordinary obedience—consistent faithfulness in small things trains the heart to trust without spectacle. • Test the spirits (1 John 4:1)—compare every sign, teaching, or experience with Scripture’s clear standard. • Celebrate signs when God grants them, yet refuse to make them the basis of assurance. Key Truths to Remember • Signs can point to God but cannot replace Him. • A heart set on wonders is easily misled; a heart set on Christ is secure. • The most remarkable miracle is God’s grace that brings a sinner to saving faith. Closing Summary Simon’s story warns us that amazement is not the same as conversion. By rooting our confidence in God’s unchanging Word, cultivating humble dependence on Him, and valuing obedience over spectacle, we ensure our faith remains anchored in the Lord Himself, not in the passing allure of signs and wonders. |
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