Redeemer Church Mauritius
Acts 8 introduces us to Saul, Philip and Simon. Saul is religious and angry – trusting in himself more than in God. Philip has been transformed by the message of Jesus and he shares that message wherever he goes even though his life is threatened by persecution. Simon seems to respond to Jesus, but he is actually just interested in using God’s power for his own personal gain. These three personalities highlight the right and the wrong ways to respond to God. It is only through a genuine repentance and faith in Jesus that we enter into a relationship with God the way he intended it to be. That relationship will transform our lives and make us fruitful just like it did for Philip the Evangelist.
Acts 8:1-8 NIV
1. Saul of Tarsus
- A religious man and a Roman Citizen.
- A law-abiding man but with no access to God through Jesus.
- Saul’s faith centred on himself and his own performance.
2. Philip the Evangelist
- A deacon appointed to serve the church in Jerusalem.
- A man who shares his faith even though his life is threatened.
- Philip’s faith is in Jesus and through repentance of sin.
3. Simon the Sorcerer
- Simon accepted the gospel for selfish reasons.
- He wanted to use God’s power for his own influence and financial gain.
- Simon’s faith was in supernatural power.
4. Who are you and where do you put your faith?
- Our faith must be in Jesus and through repentance.
- This kind of faith produces a life that is just like Jesus.
Remember:
Repentance and faith – the keys to the Christian life.