When Hell Is Present in the Church

Acts 8:4-24

The devil wanted preeminence. He wanted to rise up against God - to be greater, to usurp power. Because of this pride, he fell - and he took as many as a third of the angels with him. And he’s been forever trying to deceive men to lift themselves up. He has tried to instill this hellish behavior in others. When he tempted Eve, she was convinced that if she only ate the fruit, she’d be wise - like God. He did it with Cain who thought his works were good enough. But when Abel’s sacrifices were praised, he killed him to be first place. The men at Babel wanted a name. Even Moses gave into his flesh, exalting himself - meekest man alive? Surely not! David also exalted himself - my country’s such a great nation - look at the number of people! And Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be famous for giving. Satan tried with Jesus - he’d have the kingdoms of the world if he only bowed down to Satan.

The desire for preeminence is a hellish quality. It’s in the world. But it’s also in the church. Simon the sorcerer offered the apostles money to buy the ability to give the Holy Spirit. He wanted to rise above others. In the middle ages, a practice was named after Simon. Called simony, it involved paying money to buy church office. A person would pay money for a bishop to ordain them as priests. As a priest, they’d have a salary. They’d buy and sell positions to have more wealth and power. Bishops enriched themselves by doing this. Ungodly men could rise up to high positions because they had money. This was the genius of Satan to insert hell into the church. When God works, so does Satan. Firstly, we shall see the work of God - the gates of hell are pushed back by selfless Christ-centered believers. But secondly, we shall see the work of Satan - the attitude of hell is promoted in the church by power-hungry false believers.

Firstly, the gates of hell are pushed back by selfless Christ-centered believers. After Stephen was stoned, Saul went house to house, dragging Christians into prison - both men and women. Because of this destructive intention, the Christians fled Jerusalem - except the Apostles. And they obeyed Christ by preaching in Judea and Samaria. Without the persecution, they may never have left Jerusalem. But they did, and verse 4 says that wherever they went, they preached the gospel. And as they went further from Jerusalem, they encountered more idols. Jesus didn’t have to go far to get to Gentile lands. But he went and encountered many possessions. He even ventured into Samaria. Like Philip here. Verse 5 - “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” We’re not sure where in Samaria, but it was a large city, maybe even Sychar where Jesus went. And he preached. This demonstrated how the gospel caused him to overcome discrimination. There was a racial and religious barrier. Satan had for many years caused hatred. He did it between Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Isaac and Ishmael, Joseph and the rest of his brothers. The Bible says he’s a thief who comes to steal and destroy. And this hatred he caused between the Samaritans and Jews. Since the divided kingdom period, these two people had hated one another. It became worse after the Assyrians. There was intermarriage and further corruption of religion. So the Samaritans were not Israelites nor foreigners. They didn’t exactly worship another God, but worshiped him very wrongly. So there was deep animosity. Nehemiah encountered that hostility from Tobias if you recall. The Jews despited the Samaritans. In fact, the term Samaritan became an insult in Jesus’ day. His enemies called him “Samaritan” to insult him.

But Jesus showed his gospel infused life. He demonstrated the ministry of reconciliation. He said to Nicodemus - for God so loved the world! He loves not just the Jews but all kinds of people. And in John 4, he proved it. He went to Samaria and spoke to the notorious Samaritan woman. The Pharisees would never have done this. They’d never have spoken even to a woman - the socially inferior sex. And she was ungodly - she had 4 husbands and her current partner was not her husband. But Jesus crossed those lines. Race doesn’t matter - anyway, there’s only one race - the human race. Christ created all. Sex doesn’t matter. He created them male and female. And social class was not an issue either - Jesus was rich, but became poor to save us. And sin was no barrier because Jesus came to make people clean. In Christ there’s neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, Barbarian, or Scythian, etc. Jesus showed his love because God is love. That’s why this spirit-filled deacon came to Samaria showing true servant care. Philip was elected deacon to calm down a racial issue. He loved those who were different, down-trodden, discriminated against. So it’s no surprise he went to Samaria. The Jews would’ve overlooked them. But salvation is for the world - all kinds of people, and Philip knew that. He overcame differences.

But the Christians also overcame the devil. The further out from Jerusalem they went, the more idol worshipers they encountered. Like when Jesus ventured into Gentile lands, he encountered a legion of demons and more. Idol worship is devil worship. 1 Corinthians 10:20 says - “But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils and not to God…” Samaria was Satan’s realm. Many were demon possessed. And out of his Christian diaconal mercy, Philip did miracles. Verses 6-7 say that all the people listened together to Philip; they heard and saw his miracle - demons shrieked as they came out of people; the paralyzed and lame were healed. Satan’s kingdom was being pushed back. It’s gates were buckling. And we see why such demon activity in the first place. These things came as a result of the work of one man. Simon the Sorcerer. Verses 9-11 say he used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria. So not just that city, but all Samaria. Sorcery was not magic tricks but the use of evil powers to do wonders - demonic miracles - like Pharaoh’s magicians. And he bewitched or amazed them. He controlled them through miracles. He claimed he was great - he promoted himself. Why? Because he thought he was great and wanted to be influential. That’s why he did those works - to the point where all the people said he had power from God. They were deceived. He came in the name of God but possessed people with false teaching and false miracles. He was established - verse 11 - of long time he had bewitched them. This was the Satanic attitude - his desire for influence. While Philip was Christ-centered, Simon was self-centered. And this caused great fear among the people.

We know this because in verse 8, when Philip performed genuine miracles of deliverance, there was great joy in the city. When there’s idolatry and sorcery, there’s enslavement. But when the gospel’s preached and believed, there’s joy. The people were not only freed from spirits, they were converted from unbelief. Verse 12 reads - “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” No matter the hold of Satan over them, they believed. Philip proclaimed the kingdom of God on earth had come because of Christ. The kingdom of God was pushing back on the gates or territories of hell. In Luke 10, Jesus foresaw that Satan would fall like lightning from heaven - from a place of influence to a place of ignominy; from victory to being vanquished. And the people were baptized. They received the sign of the covenant - they had the mark of God’s covenant on them. They belonged to God by faith. They were regenerated by the washing of the Spirit in them. And bore outwardly that sign. And what a marvelous fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that neither on Gerizim or Jerusalem will God’s people worship - but in Spirit and in truth.

But something interesting we see in verse 13. “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” The Bible says he believed and was baptized. Now, to be sure, his belief was not genuine and therefore, his baptism was not genuine. While his baptism was a sign of what should happen in the heart, it was not a seal to him. We know it was not genuine because Peter said he was still in unbelief and sin. So while the word “believe” is the same word for both the genuine believers and for Simon, there are nuances. The Bible even speaks of that nuance in other parts. In the parable of the sower, those who believed and gladly received the word were eventually found to be unbelievers. There’s a belief and reception that’s not deep enough. That’s why in some parts of the Bible like John 3:16, it says whosoever believeth in, or into Jesus. But John 6:30 describes people asking Jesus what sign he would perform so they would believe him. Even our catechism describes true faith as not only a sure knowledge or an assent, but a firm confidence. For faith to be genuine, there must be 3 components - notitia or to notice or have knowledge of; assensus - or assent or agreement to; and fiducia - or conFIDence. Simon, like the shallow ground and the rocky ground, received the gospel and believed, but did not believe into Christ. He didn’t bear forth the fruit of salvation. So why did he join them? Simple. Everyone was converting. He was losing his influence. He saw the power and knew he couldn’t compete. Even he was amazed by what he saw. It was more powerful than what he had done.

But we see secondly, the attitude of hell is present in the church by power-hungry false believers. There are unbelievers in the visible church. Yes, the parable of the sower says people profess faith, but don’t bear fruit. Jesus had 12 apostles - but Judas was a false believer. He did the work of the ministry. He appeared to be the same as everyone else until the end. Hebrews speaks of those who grew up in church, identified as Christians, were sanctified - or set apart - speaking about baptism, but they left the faith. Christ said there will be sheep and goats in the church until he comes. Simon’s baptism didn’t save him. Yes, he professed and was baptized. But his baptism didn’t reflect what was inside his heart. Children, you have been baptized - you have God’s mark on you. You have the privilege of calling yourselves Christian, praying to God as your father who hears you - but you must truly believe in your heart. The book of Hebrews shows how many covenant children abandoned the faith even though they had been set apart. Here was Simon who was set apart by baptism, but his actions showed he really didn’t believe.

But we see what he wanted - distinction. This showed there was no change in his life at all. He was the same as before. Verse 18 says Simon’s lust for distinction - to be first - did not change when he was baptized. He wanted to pay money to retain power. This all happened when the Apostles came down. In verse 14, they heard the Samaritans believed. Wow! So they sent Peter and John to investigate. Can it be the Samaritans believed? And it also showed John changed. Previously, when the Samaritans didn’t receive Christ, John wanted to call down fire on them - he was a real son of thunder - like many of us are. But now he himself was transformed by Christ and came to investigate. If it was true, then the filling of the Spirit should not be denied them. Verse 15 says, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. They were indwell by the Spirit because they were saved, but not filled. God wanted to show these Jews that the Kingdom of God was spreading even to these religiously and racially impure people - who in the end are pure as God’s people. The Apostles had to see it. And when they laid hands, in verse 17, they were filled with the Spirit. What happened was likely a repeat of Pentecost - like in Acts 10 when the Gentiles spoke in other languages after receiving the Spirit. This was a sign to the Jews that Samaritans and Gentiles in Christ were their brothers and sisters. They believed the same Christ, filled with the same Spirit, worshiped the same Father in Spirit and Truth. They were not enemies. They were the same!

But there was one there that didn’t want to be the same. He wanted to be better, think himself better. There was hell present in the church. In hell, we will be the most selfish we will ever be. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands, we see in verse 18, that he offered them money. He said to them in verse 19 - “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”As soon as Simon saw the exciting manifestations of the Spirit, he revealed what he wanted all along. He was not interested in the gospel, nor salvation by the gospel, nor the character by the gospel - to be poor in spirit, to mourn for one’s sins, to go to Christ meekly, to hunger after righteousness - he wanted power. He said, “Give ME also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.” Dear child of God, keep this attitude of hell far away from you - that others are less than you, that you are better, complaints against others, the desire to be influential for self. This attitude of hell can destroy the church.

We see that he wanted to control the Holy Spirit. Give me power so on whomever I lay hands, he will receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was something to him to give, something to trade. In the past, he had influence over people, giving them things in exchange for money. He got rich by giving them mystical experiences. It was no different now - he wanted ability to give mystical charismatic experiences in exchange for money. This is exactly what we see in churches today. And so Simon wanted influence that he lost over the Samaritans. He didn’t care to submit himself to the Spirit, but to control God. This means he didn’t understand God. God was an idol to him to be used for influence. This was the attitude of hell in the church.

And he was rebuked for being the unbeliever that he was. After he offered money, Peter rebuked him in verses 20-23 - thy money perish with thee - or literally, your money with you should go into destruction - or figuratively - you and your money can go to hell. How can the gift of God be purchased? It’s a gift! It’s only given to those who truly believe! Folks, you think your salvation is secure just because you’re baptized? You must believe. You think you’re alright because you’re in church and have professed? You must believe. And because Simon thought that way of God, Peter said in verse 21 - You have no part in this ministry. You’re not a Christian. Your heart is not right with God. You may have professed. Even washed with water. But your heart is not washed. Repent - maybe he’ll forgive you of this sin! Peter could see that he was still filled with bitterness and in the chains of sin. The word “bitterness” was used to refer to Esau in Hebrews 12. Esau was a covenant child. He was circumcised. But he sold off his birthright for a bowl of porridge because he didn’t actually believe, neither was circumcised in his heart. He was a bitter, poisonous root in the church. Simon was still a slave of sin. You say you believe, you’ve even been baptized, but there’s no evidence of that in your life - no proof - you will perish. And you are a dangerous poisonous pretender in the church. Peter spoke so strongly also because of Simon’s past influence. If he remained in the church, that attitude of hell would continue to influence the church. Satan would destroy the church from within by unbelievers - even baptized ones.

We’re coming to our Confession of Faith at the end of the month. We are thankful for so many who are professing their faith. We’re thankful for those coming for baptism and covenant baptism. For communicants and non-communicants. But we’re reminded - the church is not comprised only of saved people, but unsaved. They both belong to the congregation of God’s people. In the Old Testament, there were unbelievers in the congregation. in the New Testament church, there are also unbelievers. Let’s make sure of our salvation. For Simon, his words after the rebuke are disturbing. Verse 24 - “Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” He asked Peter to pray to God. Why doesn’t he pray himself? Why doesn’t he repent? He doesn’t say he sinned. He was only afraid of these things happening to ME. The attitude of hell - of self-centeredness.

What are some applications for us? Firstly, we must know clearly that there are believers and unbelievers in the church. Baptized even. They may have the sign, but not the seal. They come for many reasons - the children of believers; the parents of believers; friends of believers, people wanting friendship, people wanting influence. My good friend from Myanmar, a Presbyterian pastor said to me - that when Burmese Buddhists want to convert to Christianity, many ask what position they can get in the church/ This is not unique to Burmese Buddhists - it’s everywhere. We see this in movements in Christianity, in people who look down on their brethren as inferior. This is the attitude of disunity and preeminence. That’s why the gospel must be preached over and over again to our hearts - it’s not just unbelievers who should attend gospel meetings, it’s all believers. Children need Jesus!

Secondly, these characteristics are present in the flesh of believers. The Apostles argued about who would be first in the kingdom. Peter refused to wash feet even though he sat in last place at the Last Supper. Christ showed servitude. The first shall be last, and the last first. Peter saw this love of preeminence. Satan got Ananias and Sapphira to use money to buy influence. It’s in the church. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” How? The love of self. Is there discrimination? Self-promotion? Philip like Christ, came to minister to enemies. Jesus came to minister, not to be ministered unto. He came to wash feet and give his life for them. Is hell present here? It’s everywhere. Let’s push it back by the gospel.

1. The Gates of Hell Pushed Back by Selfless Christ-centered Believers

A. They overcame discrimination

B. They overcame the devil

C. They converted from unbelief

2. The Attitude of Hell Present by Power-hungry False Believers

A. He wanted distinction

B. He wanted to control the Spirit

C. He was rebuked for unbelief