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Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11

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Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11 Introduction 1. The book of Acts reveals the establishment, growth and spread of the early church. 2. Labelled in most Bibles as “the Acts of the Apostles,” the book of Acts in fact records the work of Jesus in His kingdom, through the Holy Spirit by some of the apostles. 3. Through this historical account, we are taught how the gospel should be preached, the pattern for many things in the church, and God’s stand on sin in the church. 4. The account of Ananias and Sapphira is one such passage. It appears as a dark spot in an otherwise bright and positive narrative, but it is necessary for us to understand the effects of sin in the church. Discussion I. All Things in Common A. Several Passages in the Acts describe the generosity of these early Christians toward one another. 1. Acts 2:44-45: “They sold their possessions and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” 2. Acts 4:32-37: “neither did anyone say the things he posses were his own.” B. They were “of one heart and one soul… they had all things in common.” 1. This is as Jesus said it should be. 2. “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). 3. It is in this setting that we are introduced to Barnabas, who was called the Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36). 4. These things are recorded as an example for us today. II. The Danger of Sin is constant. A. Even amid such good, sin has a way of sneaking in. 1. Ananias and Sapphira conspired to lie about their giving (Acts 5:1-2). 2. They sold a possession, kept back some of the proceeds, but said they were giving all. 3. Their lie manifest impure motives, which made their gift unacceptable to God. 4. Ezek. 20:30-31: When we offer gifts while defined with sin, such offerings are unacceptable to God. B. To lie in such a manner is to lie to God (Acts 5:3-4). 1. Our gifts, though given to men, are done in the sight of God. 2. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4). www.crestwoodcoc.com 3. Therefore, when we like, we are lying to God and not to men. 4. Every Christian should view his/her life as open before God; as a living service to Him (Romans 12:1). C. God uses Ananias and Sapphira as an example. 1. We would do well to note the similarities between this and Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3). 2. While Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire, Ananias and Sapphira’s offering was tainted by their lie. 3. God looks as much at the heart as the action. Our motivations are just as important as the works we do. 4. God still expects the same respect an honesty in our service today. D. The affect of discipline on the rest of the church (Vs. 11). 1. As a result of God’s swift and decisive action, great fear came upon all the church. 2. They understood from this the need to maintain righteous character in their own lives. Such examples are meant to teach us to take care, and to treat God and our service to Him with a sense of awe and reverence. 3. Hebrews 12:28-29: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.” III. Applications from Ananias and Sapphira A. The Ananias and Sapphira incident had left an enduring mark: 1. Acts 5:11, 13: “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things… Yet not of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.” 2. “They kept a more respectful distance… for each felt his own unworthiness…” (McGarvey). 3. Some today may be tempted to think negatively on this event. Instead, we should learn the importance of Godly fear. 4. Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” B. Examining our hearts when giving our gifts. 1. The act of giving is not what the Lord wants. 2. Matthew 6:2: A gift, when given in pride and conceit is worthless to God. 3. Hebrews 4:12: The word of God helps us to discern between the thoughts and intents of the heart. When we do our good deeds, we need to examine our own thoughts and intents. a. Am I doing this to please God or myself? b. Am I doing this to be seen by God or other men? c. Am I fully honest in what I am doing, or have I inflated my actions to gain a better opinion from others? d. Is it the kingdom that I seek, or something more carnal? Conclusion 1. Are you generous in your giving? 2. Are you honest in your giving? 3. Do you seek to please God and not men? www.crestwoodcoc.com .
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