First, we need the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-15, “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” He came at Pentecost to show us Christ. In Acts, He’s marked by speaking in tongues. We no longer speak in tongues, but we do have the Spirit to live the Christian life. This is often a SECOND WORK, where we increasingly realize what we have and the necessity of the Spirit [Eph 1:17-19]! He enables us to overcome sin!

Secondly, the Holy Spirit came through the Apostle’s hands. Acts 8:18, “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money.” Not everyone could pass Him on. Philip worked miracles because hands were laid upon him, but he could not pass on the gift [Acts 6:6,8; Acts 8:6]. Thus, when the Apostles died, there was no one left to pass on their power.

Now, we have the gospel, but we do not have the miracles. Now, we have the finished word of Christ, and miracles are not needed.

Thirdly, your heart is not right, if you think you can buy the Spirit. Acts 8:20-21, “But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought the gift of God could be obtained with money! You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.” The Holy Spirit is given freely through the redemption that’s in Christ. His precious blood paid the price. He satisfied justice and pacified God’s anger, when He put away sins by taking them upon Himself. Now, God gives to us by faith.

Trust God’s goodness, and you’ll have the Spirit. Seek Him by prayer.

Fourthly, repentance will save us. Acts 8:22-23, “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” We may be utterly wicked and have done many wrongs. We may have worshiped falsely and made a false profession of faith. We may be as evil as any human, but if we TURN AROUND through repentance, then He’ll receive us.

He is a forgiving God who forgives the grossest iniquity, and He won’t hold it against you. Learn the satisfaction made through His Son’s blood, and then come to Him. It is enough for God to give you a new heart and obedience because His Son died! Come, and say, “I am a sinner, and I have done wrongly. Help me to do right. Forgive my sins!”

Finally, this is the worst thing that we can do: When confronted for our sins, to be content for someone else to pray for us. Acts 8:24, “But Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." This means that we are not seeking the Lord ourselves.

Simon sought the gift of the Spirit with money. He was willing to give in order to get. When it came to repentance, however, he wouldn’t even pray for himself. He didn’t care for his soul, and he didn’t fear God. This is wrong!