A Tale of Two Simons

Acts 8:1-25

A False Prophet• Simon bewitched / manipulated people• Received glory that belonged to God

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

A False Prophet

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1

A False Prophet

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders

2 Thessalonians 2:9

A False Profession• Many were truly saved under Philip’s

preaching.• They were delivered from demonic

influences.• Simon – “If you can’t beat them;

Join them.”

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders

2 Thessalonians 2:9

A False Profession

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils

also believe, and tremble.

James 2:19

A False Profession

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh

to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him.Hebrews 11:6

A False ProfessionThat if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt

believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt

be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with

the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

A False PerceptionTherefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

A False Perception• Still Materialistic• Still Manipulative

A False Perception• He would Perish • He had neither part nor lot• His heart was not right• He needed to repent of wickedness• He needed to pray for forgiveness• He was in the gall of bitterness• He was in the bond of iniquity

A False PerceptionInstead, Simon asked Peter to pray for him.

Peter never did because only an individual can repent to God for themselves.

Jesus is the only intercessor.

A False Perception

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:5

Genuine SalvationAnd Simon Peter answered and said,

Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and

said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father

which is in heaven.Matthew 16:16-17