Unstoppable! 'Deliverance from Evil' — Acts 8:22-24

Monday, April 29, 2024

[Peter continued his rebuke of Simon, the sorcerer:] "Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin."

"Pray to the Lord for me," Simon exclaimed, "that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!"

— Acts 8:22-24 NLT

Key Thought

Simon realizes his sin — "wickedness... evil thoughts... bitter jealousy... held captive by sin" — in asking to buy the ability to give the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is forgiven and delivered from evil because of his change of heart and his faith in Jesus. Even those deserving "terrible things" can be delivered from sin, death, and destruction through their faith in Jesus. Simon is an example of the great transformation that can occur in the life of someone who turns completely to God through Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O Father, stir our hearts as your people. Make us tender toward those trapped by evil, but may we be clear and courageous in pointing them to turn their hearts to Jesus. We don't want to "write anyone off" as someone who might not come to you. So, dear Father, give us wisdom through the Holy Spirit to know how best to invite people to Jesus, how not to compromise the truth about Jesus, and how to love others as Jesus did. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17, 21

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:22-24 NLT — [Peter continued his rebuke of Simon, the sorcerer:] "Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin." "Pray to the Lord for me," Simon exclaimed, "that these terrible things you've said won't happen to me!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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