Acts 8:13-25 Genuine vs. Counterfeit Faith: Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Read Acts 8:13-25. What evidence is there that Simon’s faith was counterfeit? What evidence is there that his faith was genuine?

Why do you suppose Luke does not conclusively answer the question as to Simon’s faith? (See 1 Corinthians 11:28; 13:5; Galatians 6:4; Philippians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; and Revelation 2:23)

What do the following Scriptures reveal as “proofs” that in themselves are not conclusive of genuine faith?

Matthew 7:21-24—

Matthew 19:16-21; 23:27—

Matthew 25:1-10—

Luke 8:13, 14—

Romans 1:21; 23-27

1 John 5:13 declares, “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” On what is the Christian to base his or her certainty of salvation? (Or, what do the following Scriptures reveal are the basis of genuine saving faith?)

John 1:12—

1 John 1:1-3—

1 John 2:1-2—

1 John 3:18-20—

2 Corinthians 7:10—