February 1, 2012 (Exodus 30-32; Acts 8 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” Acts 8:23 NLT
Observation: Simon had been a sorcerer for many years. When he heard the gospel message preached by Phillip he believed and was baptized. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.”
Application: Sin is a non discriminating offender. Simon was a believer, that had been baptized, yet he was still sin’s captive. Sin leads those that are captivated by it to the depths of despair and stupidity. This is why we must deal with sin openly and immediately. Sin fills us with bitter jealousy and holds us captive to our own desires and lust. We will never begin to serve God the way we should if sin is not dealt with and addressed in our lives. We must surrender our lives to Christ totally to be set free from the bondage of sin. When we submit and surrender to Christ we are freed from sin’s power and control and bound to Christ as His slave. He purchased us with His blood and paid the price in full.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your wonderful mercy and grace that provides and protects me daily. You are the awesome God of heaven, I praise and worship You for who You are! I surrender my life to You and submit to Your will. Free me from the power and control of sin and bind me to Jesus as His slave. It’s a great honor to serve You as my Lord. I trust You and my hope is in You. You have proven Yourself to me over and over again through Your amazing power and forgiveness. Thank You. In Jesus name, Amen!