Christian Living

---

November 11, 2011 – Bribing Jesus

18 However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he brought money and offered it to them, 19 Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. – Acts 8:18-19 AMP

Simon the sorcerer is a well-known figure from the Book of Acts. He was a respected citizen of the city of Samaria. And when Philip visited the city on his first missionary journey, Simon became a Christian and was baptized. Then Peter and John came to visit.

When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, they discovered that although the Christians there had been baptized, they had not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When the apostles laid their hands on them the new converts immediately began to speak in other languages. Simon was amazed. This was obviously better than any magic trick he had ever performed. He thought, surely this power can be bought. In an attempt to gain the ability to impart the Holy Spirit on others he offered Peter and John money. Peter quickly rebuked him. Simon was called foolish because he believed that he could buy something that was free. He tried to bribe the apostles and in turn was trying to bribe God.

Bribes are something that we hear about constantly in society. Politicians take bribes to support certain legislation. Government officials take bribes to accept certain contracts. Bribes are taken in corporate America to cover up fraud. Bribes are part of the world we live in, and even date back to the Old Testament, i.e. when Balak bribed Balaam to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22).

What about you? Have you ever accepted a bribe? Bribes can be accepted in several ways. For example, let’s say that you are a baseball coach for your son’s little league baseball team, but you don’t’ have a sponsor. There’s a boy on your team whose parents are local business owners. You approach them about a sponsorship and they agree with the stipulation that their son start every game. If you agree, you have accepted a bribe. Seemingly innocent things such as this happen every day in the world.

How does this affect you? You’re a Christian. You don’t act that way. But have you ever tried to bribe God? I sure have. I tried it with money. I gave ten percent to the church, and in addition gave lots of money to evangelists over the years. I would even give love offerings to church (above the tithe) at certain times of the year. Here’s the truth of the matter: I had sin hidden in my life. I thought that I could keep covering up sin in my life if just I gave more money. In my twisted way of thinking I somehow tied God’s blessings in my life with the amount of money I gave. Needless to say that attempt ended in failure.

But not everyone is like I was. Some people try to bribe God through their works. These folks are always at church. They volunteer to help in every outreach program, and even work at the local homeless shelter in their “spare time.” Are you like that? Do you give more time than you have to your church? What is your motivation behind your works? Are you doing things because you love God and He has called you to these activities or are you trying to cover up something? Are you giving your time because you feel guilty because you cannot give a lot of money? God wants us to give out of the abundance of our heart, not out of obligation or fear or even trying to make things happen. There are times when those who volunteer so much of their time are trying to entice God because they feel they cannot get into heaven by the merits of their lifestyle.

Sometimes Christians feel they have to try to persuade God to love them because they see no other way. They offer time or money or both as a concession to God to overlook faults in their life. The problem with that line of thinking is that God doesn’t want our time or money. He just wants us. He wants us to come to Him with our every sin and confess them and be forgiven. And He wants us to follow Him.

Are you trying to buy your way in to heaven? Do you think you can win over God the same way some people try to corrupt their child’s little league coach? Are you trying to do so much “for God” that your deeds outweigh your faith? It’s important to point out that Simon repented for his offer to the apostles. After being rebuked, he realized that the best things in life are free. So which Simon do you want to be like? The one who tried to get his way, or the one who wanted things God’s way?

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE