Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible ReadingActs 8:9-25 (ESV) 9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”
25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.
Titus 3:4-7 (ESV) 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV) 1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”
Observation Questions- What was it about Simon the magician that drew the attention and amazement of the people in Samaria? (Acts 8:9-11) [04:15]
- When Philip preached the good news about Jesus and the kingdom, what was the response of the people, and how did it differ from their response to Simon? (Acts 8:12-13) [04:47]
- What unusual thing happened when the Samaritans believed and were baptized, and how did the apostles respond? (Acts 8:14-17) [10:20]
- What did Simon try to do when he saw the Holy Spirit given through the apostles, and how did Peter respond to him? (Acts 8:18-23) [19:09]
Interpretation Questions- Why do people, both then and now, seem to be so drawn to things that amaze or impress them? What does this reveal about the human heart? [07:06]
- According to the sermon, what is the difference between being amazed by spiritual things and being truly made alive by the Holy Spirit? [15:26]
- What does Simon’s attempt to buy the power of the Holy Spirit show about his understanding of the gospel? How might this attitude show up in our own lives? [21:52]
- The delay in the Spirit’s coming to the Samaritans was described as a unique moment to affirm the gospel was for all people. Why was this important for the early church, and what does it teach us about unity in Christ? [13:08]
Application Questions- The sermon said, “Everyday mission is not pedaling a product. It’s announcing a king and a kingdom.” When you think about sharing your faith, do you ever feel like you’re trying to “sell” something? What would it look like to simply announce Jesus instead? [04:01]
- The people were amazed by Simon’s magic, but Philip’s message brought real change. Are there things in your life that you chase after for amazement or excitement, but that don’t actually satisfy or bring life? How can you shift your focus to what truly matters? [07:06]
- Simon wanted to use God’s power for his own gain. Are there ways you might be tempted to use God or faith for your own benefit, rather than surrendering to Jesus as King? What would repentance look like in those areas? [21:52]
- The sermon challenged us to “bring your hunger and thirst to God.” What are you currently longing for or trying to satisfy in your life? How can you bring those desires honestly to God this week? [24:43]
- “You’ll never share what you’ve never experienced.” Have you personally experienced the goodness and sufficiency of Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from seeking Him more deeply? If so, how can you share that experience with someone else? [24:43]
- Paul’s call to “keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit” is an invitation to ongoing dependence. What are some practical ways you can ask God to fill you with His Spirit each day? [27:08]
- The sermon mentioned that as we are more amazed by Jesus, our lives will naturally overflow to others. What is one step you can take this week to increase your appetite for being amazed by God, rather than by lesser things? [26:01]
