It is important to remember that growth is a reasonable next step for us who follow Christ. Not physical growth, but shifts in our character that point to us having a deeper relationship with God. In Today’s Holy Nougat, this is amplified (as in, it happens instantaneously), and its impact is worth noting.
Acts 8:17-18 NIV
[17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
Spiritual Growth
Yesterday, we read that Simon the Sorcerer accepted Christ in his life, along with others in Samaria. We saw that decision as conversion, for they had left their former spirituality for Christ. In the verses following, a decision was made to accelerate the new converts’ growth by affording them the opportunity to receive the baptism of God’s Spirit. Siblings, this is part of the growth we ought to desire on conversion.
In Acts 1:8, Y’shua’s words to the disciples help us to understand why spiritual growth is important. He commissioned the disciples, stating that their witness of Christ would expand beyond local boundaries. I propose to us that inasmuch as the disciples had been under Y’shua’s tutelage for a while before being sent (see Luke 9:1-5;10:1-5), so it is that there is need for spiritual maturity (growth) before we bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Whether accelerated or at a slower pace, I believe both are effected by God’s Spirit. It is not solely our own doing.
Self-Check
Can we see evidence of our spiritual growth since our conversion? Is it reflected in our daily lifestyle?
Application
Romans 3:27-28 maintains that this growth of which I speak is God’s doing. We are justified (made right or made righteous) with God strictly by faith. It is this righteousness that qualifies us to speak on God’s behalf about Y’shua. Further, Ephesians 2:8-10 insists that it is God’s grace that saves us and establishes God’s good works in us through Y’shua.
This knowledge, though readily available to us now through Scripture, was probably not very accessible then. Especially not to non-Jews. Hence, Simon the Sorcerer didn’t immediately grasp this integral lesson in spiritual growth. Coming from an alternate spiritual background and possessing what might be seen as a capitalistic mindset, it is not entirely surprising that Simon sought to purchase his spiritual growth. He liked what he saw, recognized its potential, and figured that if he paid for it, he’d have what others got and some in reserve.
But
Siblings, we DO NOT have Simon’s excuse.
We know that unnaturally accelerated physical growth can result in defects and challenges. As we read Scripture, we learn that trying to accelerate spiritual growth without God’s Spirit can result in dangerous spiritual consequences. Moreover, in Luke 11:13, Jesus assures us that inasmuch as we gift our children with good gifts, God desires to gift us with God’s Spirit. We don’t have to buy spiritual maturity. It’s ours for the asking. That’s included in the Conversion-Conviction package. Y’shua promised us that in choosing Him, God’s Spirit was auto-selected.
Invitation
If you have not yet experienced the growth that comes with the manifestation of God’s Spirit or needing deeper expression of the Fruit of the Spirit, don’t hesitate. Ask God right now. I promise, God will come through.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
