The First False Prophet but not the last! Acts 8:4-24

Transcription

1 The First False Prophet but not the last! Acts 8:4-24

2 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (Deu 18:20-22) False prophets have always been around and have always sought to destroy God s work.

3 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (Mat 24:24 ESV).

4 Main idea: Jesus is the only way to heaven, so check your own salvation and watch out for false prophets.

5 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

6 9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

7 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

8 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, "Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." 20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." 24 And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

9 Main idea: Jesus is the only way to the father, so check your own salvation and watch out for false prophets.

10 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8).

11 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). A. Effectiveness of gospel proclamation hinges on our obedience to proclaim the gospel.

12 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Rom 10:13-14 ESV) One study found 80% of Protestants believe they should share their faith 61% haven t in the past 6 months.

13 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). A. Effectiveness of gospel proclamation hinges on our obedience to proclaim the gospel. B. Samaritan salvation evidenced by: i. Obeyed the gospel (v. 6). ii. Much joy (v. 8). iii. Belief in Jesus (v. 12). iv. Baptized as believers (v. 12, 16).

14 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). Application: i) Share the gospel! ii) Trust God to change lives. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1Co 3:6 ESV)

15 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). 2. Attributes of a false prophet (vv. 9-19).

16 5 Attributes of False Prophets (vv. 9-19). 1. Self-exaltation. 2. Popularity-seeking. 3. Held himself out as divine. 4. Sought to amaze people. 5. It s all about the money.

17 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). 2. Attributes of a false prophet (vv. 9-19). Application: i) Watch out for false teachers. ii) Identify them by their attributes.

18 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). 2. Attributes of a false prophet (vv. 9-19). 3. False faith cannot save (vv. 9-23). The Samaritans: Obeyed the gospel (v. 6). Much joy (v. 8). Belief in Jesus (v. 12). Baptized as believers (v. 12, 16). Simon: Did not obeyed the gospel. Did not display joy. Did not believe in Jesus. Was not baptized as a believer.

19 3 Attributes of False Faith. 1. Not saving faith. 2. Incorrect object of faith. 3. No brokenness before God because of sin. "I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast unless you believed in vain." (1 Cor 15:1-2)

20 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). 2. Attributes of a false prophet (vv. 9-19). 3. False faith cannot save (vv. 9-23). Application: i) Evaluate your salvation. ii) Don t follow false faith.

21 The first false teacher. 1. Jesus wins (vv. 4-8). 2. Attributes of a false prophet (vv. 9-19). 3. False faith cannot save (vv. 9-23). 4. Spirit confirms salvation (vv ). A. Holy Spirit in Acts endorses the gospel. B. If you are saved, you have the Spirit.

22 Have you received the Spirit? A. Yes, the Spirit works in my life to snuff out sin and cause me to love. B. Yes, the Spirit fills my heart and my mouth with praise and worship to the Lord. C. Yes, the Spirit gives me courage to take risks for the cause of Christ.

23 Have you received the Spirit? A. Yes, the Spirit works in my life to snuff out sin and cause me to love. B. Yes, the Spirit fills my heart and my mouth with praise and worship to the Lord. C. Yes, the Spirit gives me courage to take risks for the cause of Christ. If you cannot affirm these statements, pray for salvation.