20/11/2022 [Book of Acts 36]                                                                                                              www.lifechurchmissions.com

Simon Who Practiced Sorcery in Samaria for a Long Time <Ac 8:9-13>

Introduction:

* Read <Ep 6:12>

* Understand a few things from the work of evil spirits seen in Samaria:

1）The work of evil spirits is hidden in different regions.

2）If God has mercy, He will send evangelists to their midst.

3）There was a man named Simon who had practiced sorcery for a long time in Samaria.

4）Through Simon, evil spirits made the people obey them indirectly.

* Where is the most powerful work of evil spirits in a region?

* Before Philip came, Simon brought the greatest influence to Samaria.

Confirm the evil spirits’ work recorded in a few passages in <Acts>:

1）<Ac 13:6-12>: Bar-Jesus in the island of Paphos kept influencing the proconsul (governor) there.

2）<Ac 16:16-18>: In Philippi, a female slave who had a spirit kept pestering Paul and Silas.

* Thus, when we preach the gospel in a region, we must be conscious of the work of evil spirits.

* Example: What are people believing in? Who are the people obeying?

Read <Ac 8:9-13>

1. <v9-10>: Simon who practiced sorcery.

* Read <Ex 22:18>

* Read <Lev 20:6>

* Witchcraft and sorcery are all participation with demons, and are greatly prohibited by God.

* Those who use such spells are mostly attracted by power and honor.

* But most people are also amazed by the benefits brought by such spells.

* Believers must be careful not to harbor such attitudes to demand from your leaders.

2. <v11>: They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.

* Following Simon who practiced sorcery was as good as following the evil spirit behind him.

* Simon practiced sorcery for a long time, thus he influenced the entire region.

* Simon made them amazed (in other words, the people also loved going after such things).

3. <v12>: Everyone’s attention turned from Simon to Philip.

* The evangelist must not be afraid of such forces.

* When Christ was preached clearly, the work of evil spirits will begin to shatter.

4. <v13>: Simon followed Philip.

* Simon was still being attracted to power rather than to Christ.

* Did Simon truly believe?

* Read <Ac 8:21>

* Read <Jn 2:23-24>

* Read <Jas 2:19>

* Church history – Simon Magus

* A church that seeks signs and wonders will attract many such people.