God Is Not for Sale💰

“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” Acts 8:20

Hey friends 👋

We’re continuing through Acts, so open your Bible and study along with me 📖

After Stephen’s death, persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.

What was meant to silence the gospel

actually helped spread it!

Verses 1–8

“A great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.” (v. 1)

Saul began destroying the church, dragging believers from their homes and putting them in prison. (v. 3)

But look at how the believers responded:

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (v. 4) 🙌

Philip went to Samaria and “proclaimed the Messiah there.” (v. 5)

People listened, miracles took place, and “there was great joy in that city.” (v. 8) ❤️

Persecution scattered the believers,

but it could not silence the gospel!

Verses 9–17

Simon had amazed the people of Samaria with sorcery. (vv. 9–11)

But when Philip proclaimed “the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ,” people believed and were baptized. (v. 12) ✝️

Even Simon believed and followed Philip. (v. 13)

When the apostles heard Samaria had accepted God’s Word,

Peter and John came and prayed for the believers to receive the Holy Spirit. (vv. 14–17) 🕊️

Verses 18–25

When Simon saw the Spirit given through the apostles, he offered them money for the same ability. (vv. 18–19)

Peter responded, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (v. 20)

God’s gifts cannot be purchased,

and His power is not for our own glory!

Peter called Simon to repent and pray to the Lord. (v. 22)

Peter and John then returned to Jerusalem, “preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.” (v. 25)

Simon’s story leaves us with an important reminder:

God is not for sale💰

His presence cannot be purchased,

His power cannot be controlled,

and His gifts are not for our own glory!

God is not looking for what we can offer Him.

He wants our hearts ❤️

May we seek Him not simply for what He can give us,

but because He alone is worthy ✝️