Is Your Faith Real? | Acts 8:4-25

Summary

In this message, TA walks through Acts 8 and challenges the difference between appearing to follow Jesus and actually knowing him. Through the story of Simon, we see how someone can look like a follower of Jesus, believing, being baptized, and staying close to spiritual activity, yet still miss the gospel. The invitation is to examine our own hearts, not to create doubt, but to bring clarity, and to respond with genuine faith in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

4 Signs of a Fake Christian:

• You don’t need God because you are your own god. It’s possible to rely on our own abilities, success, and image while still associating with Christianity. But everything we have is from God and living as if we don’t need him is ultimately pride and rebellion. (Acts 8:9–11; James 4:6)
• You believe God’s blessings can be bought or earned. True Christianity recognizes that everything from salvation to transformation is a gift of grace, not something we achieve through effort or good behavior. (Acts 8:18–21; Isaiah 64:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• You have external conformity with no internal transformation. You can look like a follower of Jesus outwardly while remaining unchanged inwardly. Real faith leads to transformation—a new heart and new desires, not just new behaviors. (Acts 8:13, 21–23; Matthew 15:19)
• You want God’s blessings but you don’t want God. Many want what God can give without actually wanting a relationship with him. True faith desires Jesus, not just his benefits. (Acts 8:22–24)

Discussion Questions

• Which of these feels most convicting for you right now? Why?
• Where are you most tempted to rely on yourself instead of recognizing your need for God?
• In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval instead of receiving his grace?
• If you’re honest, are there areas of your life where you’re playing the part of a follower of Jesus without real heart change?
• Do you want Jesus himself, or mainly what he can give you? How can you tell?