"Simony" is "the act of trying to buy a church office or position." It derived from the deed of Simon Magus (Magi) from Samaria. After watching the incredible power that came from those who were filled with Holy Spirit following the laying on of hands by Peter and John (Acts 8:17-25), the magician (Simon) wondered how he could buy Holy Spirit's power to lay his hands on people and get the same results. He assumed that money could buy power and influence in God's realm. How wrong he was!
With the gift of discernment, Peter's instant response was to utter a curse on Simon, telling him that both he and his money could go to eternal damnation. Referring to Deuteronomy 29:18, Peter said that Simon had a "root that filled him with bitter poison" which came from his captivity to sin. When instructed to "repent," instead of confessing his sin to God and repenting, he asked Peter to pray for him. He wanted to hand the responsibility of solving his problem to someone else instead of repenting and getting right with God himself.
How frequently has it has been thought that the power and blessing of God can be purchased by money? Often enough that the word, "simony" was coined. How frequently have folks like Gehazi (2 Kings 5:19-27) tried to exploit others in God's name? How frequently has the notion been entertained that others could do the work to solve our problems instead of taking responsibility for our own stuff?
God is a God of grace - neither He, His power, His forgiveness, His love, nor His blessings can be purchased or earned - God is not for sale!
Grateful for His grace,
Bob
A BIG AMEN to that!!! Wa-Hoo! Not giving a certain amount of money, no good deeds can earn our salvation. "...When we display our rightoeus deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6) (and look into what God means by filthy rags!)
ReplyDeleteThe only way is God's Highway and that's through our savior Jesus Christ! God is not a sell-out.
We can't just give money or send money and have it mean anything if it is for selfish reasons. It is a blessing on both sides (giver & receiver) only if God & His power is behind it.
You are so right, Pastoor Bob that money may give some people power here on this planet, but it means nothing in the realm of our LORD.
"When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners" Romans 3:4,5
Reminds me of that credit card commercial but with a twist:
"Cost of giving to a tel-a-thon for tele-evangelist's "ministry" & a vial of miricle holy water - $500. Cost of having the Holy Spirit living inside of you - PRICELESS & FREE!"
These days there are quite a few people who would rather give their money and their Sunday mornings (church) and other things than give their heart to Jesus. They are looking to feel right or good. They would rather do that than repent, ask for forgiveness and ask for Jesus to come into their hearts because he died for our sins. It's a risk they aren't willing to take. Some do the hand-off though and ask for prayer; like the magician Simon did.
I love how the God has His Word for us to delve into. We get to know him and his ways so much better. As we read more and more, we realize yes the times have changed since these books were written, but people haven't! Praise God for his infinite wisdom.