Acts 8:9-24 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria… I. THE TRAITS OF A TRUE CHRISTIANITY. 1. It has growth. A true gospel has germinative power; it propagates itself; it is a seed which springs up wherever it is dropped, whether in Judea, Samaria, or Antioch. 2. It has breadth. It overcomes the prejudices of race and nation, breaks the bounds of sect, and brings Jews and Samaritans into one fellowship. 3. It has power (ver. 7). The physical miracles of the apostolic age were pictures of spiritual power in all ages. Even now the gospel drives out unclean spirits and gives power to the impotent. Men can see the results of its power though they may not understand its source. 4. It brings joy (ver. 8). Every soul truly converted tastes the joy of salvation, and is glad with an indwelling happiness. 5. It has discipline (vers. 14-16). The Church recognises a central authority, to which all its workers are loyal. 6. It has high moral standards, which are not framed to suit base natures nor influenced by worldly considerations (vers. 20-23). II. THE TRAITS OF A FALSE CHRISTIANITY. Even in the true Church, and in its purest days, there was to be found a Simon the sorcerer. 1. The false Christianity is often concealed under the formal rites of the Church service. Outwardly Simon was a baptised member, inwardly he was a hypocrite. 2. It is revealed in the spiritual manifestations of the Church. When the Holy Ghost descends, Simon is at once detected. 3. Its spirit is that of selfish ambition, seeking for power over men rather than power with God. 4. It should be dealt with promptly, rebuked unsparingly, and should find no countenance in the Church. 5. It may find mercy and forgiveness if the false disciple will seek the Lord. Parallel Verses KJV: But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: |
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