Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 1: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 8:18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

Observation: Simon had enjoyed the admiration of the people because he amazed them with his magic. When he saw how people responded to being filled with the Holy Spirit, he must have thought, “This would be a good trick to add to my act.” If he paid them enough, maybe they would give him this power.
People today still think that God can be influenced with money. Some think that because they put some money in the offering, God has to bless them. Sad to say some preachers beg for money with a token gift or a promise that the giver will receive some special blessing.

Application: If my giving is an act of obedience or an expression of love and faith, it has value. If my giving is in expecting some blessing, then I really do not understand that God’s blessings are more valuable than I could ever afford! My giving should be an expression of appreciation for what I have already received!

Prayer: Jesus. You are Lord of my life, which includes Lord of my money. It all belongs to you! It is not how much of my money I give to you; it is how much of your money I keep for myself. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!