The Lord says to speak life instead of death, blessing instead of cursing, and to give a good report. While those things have their place, they do not bring us the victory. Victory comes through faith in Christ and Him crucified—faith in what He has already done. It is by faith that He alone will bring to pass the things He has spoken over your life.
Too often, spiritual leaders have taught us to put our faith in good works or in our expressions of faith. But our faith must be in God and God alone.
Surely, faith without works is dead. “Show me your faith by your works.” Yes, God has called us to do good works. But all power and authority were given to Christ alone, and we are partakers of His divine nature.
The story of Simon the Sorcerer reminds us that the gift of God is to be freely received. It cannot be earned or bought. God will freely give us all things—not because we labor for them, but because we receive them by faith. We never labor for victory.
The power of God cannot be earned, bought, or bribed.
God responds to our trust in Him—but sometimes our expressions of faith may be misplaced.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8, MEV)
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32, MEV)
18 When Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could purchase the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. (Acts 8:18–22, MEV)
We received it all through the authority of Christ and His Grace.
19 Look, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19–20, MEV)
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