Life in the Spirit – It’s the Real Thing, Pt II Acts 8:9-25

Simon’s heart Wrong perception of God and salvation – vs. 20

Simon’s heart Wrong perception of God and salvation – vs. 20 Simony: the buying or selling of ecclesiastical (church) privileges; for example: pardons or benefits.

Simon’s heart Wrong perception of God and salvation – vs. 20 His heart was not right before God – vs. 21 “His heart was not straight before God.”

Simon’s heart Wrong perception of God and salvation – vs. 20 His heart was not right before God – vs. 21 His heart was full of bitterness, and captive to sin – vs. 23 “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage (bond) of iniquity.”

Deuteronomy 29:16-18 You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold. Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the L ORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Bitterness (Google synonyms) resentment rancor indignation grudge spite sullenness sourness churlishness moroseness petulance pique peevishness acrimony hostility malice virulence antipathy antagonism enmity animus friction vitriol hatred loathing venom poison nastiness ill feeling ill will bad blood

Bond of iniquity...being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3...holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments (bonds), grows with a growth which is from God. Colossians 2:19 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:14

Bond of iniquity (Google synonyms) wickedness sinfulness immorality impropriety vice evil sin villainy criminality odiousness atrocity egregiousness outrage monstrosity obscenity reprehensibility

Simon’s heart …bound by sin, wickedness, impropriety, vice, evil deeds, and greed. Is there any hope?

II Timothy 2:19 "The Lord knows those who are His," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

What can we do about habitual sin? Remember Jesus Christ: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15

What can we do about habitual sin? Because He himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18

What can we do about habitual sin? No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13

What can we do about habitual sin? Confess your sins one to another.... James 5:16

What can we do about habitual sin? Remember Jesus Christ….who has been tempted in every way… - Hebrews 4:15 He is able to help those who are being tempted… - Hebrews 2:18 No temptation has seized you… - I Corinthians 10:13 Confess your sins one to another… - James 5:16