Acts 8:18-23
18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."
All disciples of Jesus have given the power from God through the Holy Spirit. This is something Jesus had told us that He will send us an advocate or a helper and He will teach us with righteousness and will help us to remember everything that He taught us. The Holy Spirit will give us power in the forms of many spiritual gifts that we may use them to accomplish the purposes He assigned to us.
Every spiritual gift is given to whom it is intended to by God. But there is a danger in desiring God’s gift with a wrong intention as it may lead us into destruction. Just like Simon who met the disciples of Jesus Christ and witnessed the wonderful works of Jesus Disciples. He ask the disciple to help him to have the same power to posses. But Peter saw clearly that his intention is completely different, thus, Peter rebukes him.
Spiritual Gifts and its power is given to accomplish the works of the Lord for the advancement of Jesus Ministry, to share the Gospel of Christ that brings salvation to those who believed in Him and leads them to life. No self seeking desires should motivates the heart of our fellow brethren in Christ when asking for God’s power, because if our soul is not ready for such power brought by Fire, we may be consumed and vanished completely.
Just like the advice of Peter, repent and pray for forgiveness that we may obtain freedom from the bondage of iniquities. Also, beware of what we are asking for from God especially that our intention is different from God’s. He knew very well what is inside our hearts, let us not forget that nothing is hidden that won’t be reveal.
As we end this evening, let us pray for God’s desire to give us His spiritual gifts on His appointed time. May the peace of God rest in our hearts as we choose to ask God’s power to manifest in our lives.
Have a great evening and God bless us all.
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