9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
—Acts 8:9–25 (NKJV)
THEME: Genuine faith is more than being amazed by God's power. Genuine faith produces a transformed heart surrendered to Jesus Christ.
SHORT REVIEW: Acts 8 marks an important turning point in the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8. The Gospel has moved beyond Jerusalem and into Samaria. Last week, we watched that happen through Philip:
Philip Proclaimed the Gospel. He went to Samaria and preached Christ.
God Proved the Gospel. God confirmed His Word with demonstrations of His power.
Christ Produced Great Joy. Lives were changed, barriers were crossed, and “there was great joy in that city.”
Persecution scattered the believers, but it could not stop the Gospel. Jesus was building His Church exactly as He promised. But Acts 8:9 introduces us to another man in Samaria. His name is Simon. Simon sees what God is doing. He hears the Gospel. He witnesses the miracles. He professes belief. He is baptized. He even begins following Philip. From the outside, everything appears to be right. But something is wrong on the inside. Eventually Peter will put his finger on the central issue: “Your heart is not right in the sight of God.” — Acts 8:21
And suddenly Simon's story becomes very personal. Because the question is no longer simply: Was Simon's faith genuine? The more important question becomes: Is my heart right with God?
As we read Acts 8:9–25, let's allow Simon's story to turn our attention away from someone else's heart—and toward our own.
THIS IS THE WORD OF THE LORD
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the [b]people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Large Group Discussion Question
What is the difference between being interested in Jesus and genuinely following Jesus? How can we recognize that difference in our own lives?
At first glance, Simon's story appears encouraging. He hears the Gospel, professes belief, is baptized, and continues with Philip. Outwardly, everything seems right. But Luke invites us to look deeper. Simon was clearly fascinated by what he saw, but was he surrendered to the Savior? That is the difference this passage asks us to consider. Being impressed by God's power is not the same as being transformed by God's grace.
I. Genuine Faith Pursues Christ — Acts 8:9–13
Simon had built his life around impressing people. He practiced sorcery, promoted himself as “someone great,” and enjoyed the attention of the crowds. But when Philip arrived preaching Christ and demonstrating God’s power, suddenly Simon became the one who was amazed. He heard the Gospel, professed belief, was baptized, and followed Philip—but his fascination centered on the miracles he saw rather than the Savior Philip proclaimed. Simon reminds us that being impressed with Jesus is not the same as surrendering to Jesus.
A. Seek the Savior - “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ...” — Acts 8:12
Philip's message wasn't Philip. It was Jesus Christ. Genuine faith begins when we seek Christ Himself—not merely His blessings, power, or miracles.
B. Surrender the Self - “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24
Simon had spent his life saying, in effect, “Look at me.” Jesus calls the believer to say, “I surrender me.” Genuine faith moves us away from self-promotion toward self-surrender.
C. Separate Faith from Fascination - “And even Simon himself believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.” — Acts 8:13
Notice where Luke places the emphasis: Simon was “amazed” by what he saw. Fascination asks, “What can Jesus do?”Faith asks, “Who is Jesus, and will I surrender my life to Him?”
TAKE-HOME TRUTH: I will pursue Christ, not merely what Christ can do for me.
BACKWARD LOOKING QUESTIONS
Group 1: What differences do you see between Simon drawing attention to himself and Philip pointing people to Christ?
Group 2: According to verses 12–13, what did Simon hear, believe, and do after Philip preached the Gospel? What does Luke specifically tell us?
Group 3: What seems to have captured Simon's attention most—the Savior Philip proclaimed or the signs Philip performed? What evidence do you see in the passage?
Group 4: Why is Simon's fascination with spiritual power an important warning as we consider the difference between being amazed by Jesus and surrendering to Jesus?
If Acts 8 ended at verse 13, we might assume Simon's story was another Samaritan conversion. But God sees what people cannot see. The arrival of Peter and John creates a moment in which Simon's outward profession is tested—and what has been hidden in his heart begins to surface.
II. Genuine Faith Permits God to Probe the Heart — Acts 8:14–23
Peter and John arrived in Samaria as God continued fulfilling Acts 1:8, uniting Jewish and Samaritan believers into one Church. But their ministry also exposed what was happening inside Simon. When he saw the Holy Spirit given through the apostles, he offered money for the same authority. Simon was still thinking in terms of power—something to possess, control, and use. Peter immediately identified the real problem: “Your heart is not right in the sight of God.” Simon had experienced outward religion, but God was interested in inward transformation.
A. Examine My Motives - “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me.” — Psalm 139:23–24
Simon forces us to ask not only what we are doing for God, but why we are doing it. Genuine faith invites God to examine our motives.
B. Expose My Sin - “Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness...” — Acts 8:21–22
Peter did not soften Simon's condition. Before sin can be confessed and forgiven, it must first be recognized and exposed.
C. Entrust My Heart to God - “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
The answer is not merely trying harder to appear righteous. We bring our hearts before God and ask Him to cleanse, renew, and transform us from within.
TAKE-HOME TRUTH: I will allow God to reveal anything in my heart that does not belong there.
INWARD LOOKING QUESTIONS
Group 1: What can quietly compete with Christ Himself for the affection of our hearts?
Group 2: How can the desire for recognition, influence, or success affect our motives—even when we are serving God?
Group 3: What helps you honestly pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart”?
Group 4: When God reveals something in your heart that is not right, what makes it difficult to admit it and surrender it to Him?
God reveals what is in our hearts not simply to expose us, but to change us. Once He shows us what is wrong, genuine faith must decide how it will respond.
III. Genuine Faith Practices Repentance — Acts 8:22–25
Peter's confrontation was not merely condemnation; it was an invitation to repentance. Simon had heard the truth, and now he had to decide what he would do with it. Peter told him to repent and pray, but Simon's response focused on escaping judgment rather than getting right with God. As Wiersbe observes, he seemed more concerned about avoiding the consequences of sin than turning from the sin itself. Meanwhile, Peter and John continued preaching throughout Samaria. True repentance seeks more than relief from consequences; it seeks a restored relationship with God.
A. Recognize My Sin - “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” — Psalm 51:3
Repentance begins with honesty. Instead of excusing, minimizing, or hiding our sin, we agree with God about what He has revealed.
B. Repent Before God - “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” — Acts 8:22
Peter does not tell Simon merely to feel badly about what he has done. He calls him to turn to God. Genuine repentance is not simply regret over consequences; it is a change of heart that turns us away from sin and toward God.
C. Respond with Obedience - “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.” — Matthew 3:8
True repentance produces a changed response. We don't simply confess what was wrong; we begin walking differently because God is changing our hearts.
TAKE-HOME TRUTH: I will seek more than relief from consequences; I will seek a heart that is right with God.
FORWARD LOOKING QUESTION
As you think about the week ahead, what is one area of your heart you want to surrender more completely to Jesus? … A heart that belongs to Jesus will increasingly show itself through repentance, surrender, obedience, humility, love for Christ, and a changed life.
Simon’s story ultimately brings us back to one deeply personal question. It is not about what others see on the outside, but what God sees on the inside: Is my heart right with God?
CONCLUSION
Simon may be one of the most sobering people we encounter in Acts. He heard the Gospel. He saw God's power. He professed belief. He was baptized. He stayed close to Philip.Yet Peter looked beyond everything Simon had done outwardly and said:
“Your heart is not right in the sight of God.” — Acts 8:21
That is really where this lesson leaves us—not looking at Simon, but looking at our own hearts.
Last week, Samaria showed us the joy that comes when people genuinely receive Christ: “There was great joy in that city.”
This week, Simon reminds us of the danger of wanting the power of Christ without surrendering to the Person of Christ.
Genuine faith wants Christ Himself.
So perhaps there is only one question we need to carry home today: Is my heart right with God?
The old hymn asks it beautifully:
Is thy heart right with God,
Washed in the crimson flood;
Cleansed and made holy,
Humble and lowly,
Right in the sight of God?
And our lesson gives us three simple responses:
Pursue Christ. I want Christ Himself.
Permit God to Probe My Heart. I want Christ to have all of me.
Practice Repentance. When Christ reveals what needs to change, I will respond.
Because in the end, genuine Christianity is not merely about what we profess with our lips or practice outwardly. It is about a heart that has been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Five Takeaways
1. Pursue Christ. Don't settle for knowing about Jesus or being impressed by what He can do.
Remember: Genuine faith wants Christ Himself.
2. Examine Your Heart. Invite God to reveal your motives, desires, and anything that competes with Him.
Remember: God sees what others cannot see.
3. Surrender Yourself. Simon wanted God's power without yielding to God's authority.
Remember: Following Jesus means giving Him not merely part of our lives, but all of our hearts.
4. Practice Repentance. When God reveals something that is wrong, don't merely regret the consequences—turn from the sin and turn toward Him.
Remember: Genuine repentance seeks transformation, not merely relief.
5. Live a Changed Life. Genuine faith eventually becomes visible through obedience, humility, love for Christ, and growing Christlikeness.
Remember: A heart surrendered to Jesus will increasingly produce a life that reflects Jesus.
Statement of Affirmation
Because Jesus is worthy, I will...
Pursue Christ wholeheartedly,
Examine my heart honestly,
Surrender myself completely,
Practice repentance faithfully,
And live so that my life increasingly reflects Him.
Saying this together:
Lord Jesus, make my heart right with You.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
LESSON 34 — Simon: The Sorcerer
“Is My Heart Right with God?”
Acts 8:9–25 | August 16, 2026
THEME: Genuine faith is more than being amazed by God's power. Genuine faith produces a transformed heart surrendered to Jesus Christ.
Large Group Discussion Question
What is the difference between being interested in Jesus and genuinely following Jesus? How can we recognize that difference in our own lives?
BACKWARD LOOKING QUESTIONS
Group 1: What differences do you see between Simon drawing attention to himself and Philip pointing people to Christ?
Group 2: According to verses 12–13, what did Simon hear, believe, and do after Philip preached the Gospel? What does Luke specifically tell us?
Group 3: What seems to have captured Simon’s attention most—the Savior Philip proclaimed or the signs Philip performed? What evidence do you see in the passage?
Group 4: Why is Simon’s fascination with spiritual power an important warning as we consider the difference between being amazed by Jesus and surrendering to Jesus?
INWARD LOOKING QUESTIONS
Group 1: What can quietly compete with Christ Himself for the affection of our hearts?
Group 2: How can the desire for recognition, influence, or success affect our motives—even when we are serving God?
Group 3: What helps you honestly pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart”?
Group 4: When God reveals something in your heart that is not right, what makes it difficult to admit it and surrender it to Him?
FORWARD LOOKING QUESTION
As you think about the week ahead, what is one area of your heart you want to surrender more completely to Jesus? … A heart that belongs to Jesus will increasingly show itself through repentance, surrender, obedience, humility, love for Christ, and a changed life.
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