Spiritually Minded 03

Last week we saw that even Christians can be carnally-minded. This week we will start looking at a few examples of carnally minded Christians. As we do, keep in mind the following statement: EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.

Simon the sorcerer, Acts 8:18-24
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”
24Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

Simon had been quite a celebrity before Philip came to town. Many people were amazed by the magic tricks he did. The people flocked to see him, and thought he had some mysterious power.

But when Philip arrived, all that changed. Suddenly, the people were following Philip instead of Simon. Even Simon himself got born again and started following Philip around. But although Simon was a Christian, he still craved the attention and fame he used to have. So he offered to pay Peter to give him the power to impart the Holy Spirit so he could regain some his former popularity.

Attributes of Simon’s carnal mind that we need to guard against:

Jealousy & envy

Bitterness over what we had to give up when we became a Christian.

Seeking our own popularity before God.

Wanting God’s blessing in order to increase our own profile as a church.