Acts 8:18-25

What is True Conversion?

Introduction:

Within the visible church there are those who have been genuinely converted to Christ. There are also those who possess a false conversion. They make a profession of faith, become baptized and join the church. The world calls them hypocrites because they wear a mask, not revealing their true identity. Here in the gospel of Luke we have such a case in this man Simon the Sorcerer.

1. The True Nature of Sin

   1. Sin is not merely negative

      1. The problem of human sin is profound – v.23

      2. Buying the grace of God with silver!

      3. Modern psychology view of bad behavior – Rom. 8:7; 3:10-13

2. Examples of bitterness:

   1. Esau – Gen. 25:27-34; Heb. 12:16,17; Prov. 13:15

   2. Peter – Luke 22:62

   3. Judas of Iscariot – Matt. 27:5

   4. Politics

3. God’s View of Sin

   1. Destruction and perishing – v.20; John 3:16

   2. God hates sin – Hab. 1:13; I John 1:5; Eze. 18:4; Rom. 1:16

2. The True Nature of Conversion

   1. There must be a new heart – II Cor. 5:17; II Pet. 1:3,4

      1. Peter’s sharp rebuke – v.21

      2. A honest and good heart – Luke 8:15

2. There must be the indwelling of the Holy Spirit

   1. Simon was devoid of the Holy Spirit – v.19

   2. Simon was devoid of humility – I Cor. 15:9; I Thess. 1:9

   3. Simon was devoid of repentance – v.22 Turn To: James 4:6-10

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church 207 First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

12/13/2009