Summary: In story 11 of ACTS, Pastor Rob walks us through the first half of chapter 8 which is about Simon the Sorcerer. The crux of this passage speaks to the deceptive nature of power, the revealing nature of power, and the Spirit's subversion of power. It's fascinating when you compare the character of Simon with the Spirit: Simon affirms himself, the Spirit affirms others; Simon is self-exalting, the Spirit is Christ-exalting; Simon is self-serving, the Spirit serves others; Simon draws to himself, the Spirit points to Christ; Simon wants the spotlight, the Spirit redirects the spotlight; Simon takes power, the Spirit gives power. Pastor Rob leaves us with a few questions – where are we trying to use God? Where are we trying to add the Holy Spirit as a tool in our toolbox that we can utilize whenever we want? Are we demanding that God be in submission to us, or are we actually in submission to God?
