When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too!” he exclaimed. (Acts 8:18-19)

As a sorcerer, Simon would’ve purchased various charms and books on the occult.
So Simon offers a deal to Peter and John like he would any other magician of the day.
To Simon, this is how the spiritual world worked.

But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 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 jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (Acts 8:20-23)

Simon's heart is not right with God. He had no recognition of sin in his life or his need for forgiveness from Jesus. We see this in his response...“Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon exclaimed, “that these terrible things you’ve said won’t happen to me!” (Acts 8:24)

Simon doesn’t repent...doesn’t pray...doesn’t even seek more understanding.
Simon continues to operate under the paradigm that it’s all about what Simon can get.

What do you want from God?
How are you bargaining with God to get it?

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excerpt from CHURCH:the big idea--part 21***free download at pathwayonline.org