Sermon notes

Intro: The Journey so far

We’ve arrived at part three of our Soul Detox series at the start of a new year.

Sermon 1: What do you see in the mirror?

So far, we’ve been encouraged to carry out self-analysis and introspection of our lives, to prayerfully address any habits, sins or emotions that may hinder our spiritual growth in 2026.

We looked at how Cain’s actions of killing his brother may not have been an instantaneous rush of anger, but potentially a buildup of neglected issues in his life over a longer period of time.

Sermon 2: Are you ready to deal with lethal language?

In Part 2, we examined toxic behaviours, specifically addressing our language and the power of our words, which can either encourage or harm ourselves and others. Jesus taught his disciples, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” So to have healthy language, we must first develop a healthy soul (mind, will, emotions).

This Week: Part 3: Is worldly influence affecting your Joy?

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own. – Harrold Coffin

The Situation ~ Samaria of Simon or Christ?

Acts 8:8,25 NLT

So there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8:9-11 NLT

A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great.

[10] Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as “the Great One-the Power of God.”

[11] They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic.

* Historically, the Samaritans, despite their longstanding feud with the Jews, were still known for their religious faith in the One true God, although they only affirmed the first 5 books of the bible and not the entire Old Testament.

* The people of Samaria don’t have a history of flagrant idol worship or false god adoration.

* Yet at the scene of Acts 8, a resident of Samaria (Simon) was famous in the city for being a worker of magic and sorcery.

Application

As Christians today, we live in a world of competing values and ideologies, politics and religious and non-religious beliefs. The entire town of Sittingbourne may not affirm Jesus Christ as Lord, but through our witness and willingness to serve, we can make a difference for Jesus and see our town transformed more and more in the way of Christ.

The Problem – Phillip wanted the benefits without obedience.

Acts 8:13 NLT

Then Simon himself believed and was baptised. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed.

Acts 8:18-20 NLT

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. [19] “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” [20] But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

* Simon, along with many others in the city, received the message of Jesus, but was Simon truly following Jesus for the right reasons?

* It’s clear from Peter’s rebuke that Simon was still dealing with some internal challenges. (See v18-24)

* Simon followed Phillip around because he admitted his gift, more than the one who gave Phillip the gift.

Application

When we become alive to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we experience a focus shift! – We change dancing partners, the world is no longer our master, nor is anyone else other than Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate example that we should seek to emulate.

The take-home challenge ~ What’s the difference between the Christian and the world?

Acts 8:20-24 NLT

But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!

[21] You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.

[22] Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,

[23] for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”

 [24] “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!”

* Simon teaches us that it’s possible even to believe and be baptised, but still be affected by world influences.

* Simon was still thinking through the lenses of a magician, when the call of Christ is for transformation, renewal and holiness (Set Apart for the sake of Christ)

Application

Jesus calls his disciples to shine His light in the darkness and offer a contrasting way of life to the world. Christians are called to love people, to serve, to live generously, to forgive and to model the example of Jesus in a broken world. Do our lives resemble the influence of Jesus or the world? (See John 17:14-23 & Romans 12:1-3)

Questions

1. Philip was initially chosen to “serve tables” (Acts 6:5); how does his transition to evangelism encourage us to serve in unexpected ways?
2. Was Simon the Sorcerer actually saved, or was his baptism a “false conversion”? What does his subsequent request to buy the power of the Holy Spirit reveal about the state of his heart?
3. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit (v. 14-17)?
4. Why was it significant that the gospel was preached in Samaria, a region typically despised by Jews (v. 5)? 
5. Simon was amazed by the miracles, but not necessarily the message. How can we differentiate between following Jesus for who He is versus following Him for what we can get (personal gain/power)?