Sermon:
A. Simon the sorcerer
1. He claimed to be a man of great power.
a. He had great authority among the people.
b. The people considered him to be a possessor of the power of God.
Why? Because of the power he appeared to have. (Ref. 2 Cor. 11: 12-14

2. The truth of God’s word exposed the falseness of Simon’s power.
a. The people believed the Word of God.
b. Simon believed; but his belief was rooted in the display of God’s power
in the life of Philip.
1. Simon saw a power greater than he possessed.
2. He desired to have that power in order to increase his stature among the
people.
B. Simon exposed.
1. Peter and John in Samaria
Why? Transitional period in the life of the church.
2. Through prayer and the laying of hands by the apostles on the people, they
received the Holy Spirit just as the Jews had in Jerusalem.
3. Simon impressed with what he saw, offered money for what can only be
received as a gift.
a. The apostles were glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in their use of God’s
power.
b. Simon wanted the power so that he might get some glory for himself.
1. Simon had a heart problem.
a. He was not grateful for what the Lord had done for Him.
b. He wanted the Lord’s power for his glory.
2. The result: His hardened heart would not allow him to repent for
desiring God’s power for his own glory.
Unfortunately, the spirit of Simon is alive and well in the church today. Many seek to be what God has never called them to be and will use whatever means they have in order to get glory for themselves. (Ref. Isa. 42:8)