“Helping those who far from God become committed followers of Jesus Christ, from the Scenic City to the nations.”

Life Group Leader Guide

Sermon Text: 2 Cor. 8:16-24| Complementary Text: Acts 5:1-11 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Opening/Community: Ideas for beginning your Life Group ​ ​ ● Icebreaker: Come up with a fun and fitting question to help people get to know one another. ​ ● Sing Together: BX Spotify Playlist ​ ​ ● Highs & Lows: What were the best and the most challenging parts of your week? ​ ● Follow up: How did you apply what you learned from last week’s discussion in your life this week. ​ ● God at work: How have you seen God at work this week? ​ ● Prayer: Thank God for his character and the ways you've seen his faithfulness this week. ​

Sermon Review: Review and discuss the sermon together ​ ​ ● Main Point: ● Sermon Outline:

● What challenged you in the sermon to deepen your commitment as a follower of Christ?

1 Complementary Text: Additional material to help deepen your Life Group’s understanding of Scripture ​ ​ and become more committed followers of Christ.

Text: Acts 5:1-11

Author & Date: Luke/c. A.D. 63

Audience: Theophilus, a Gentile believer who was supposedly a Roman government official

Theme of the Book: History of the early church

Immediate Context: The Holy Spirit judged those who did not obey the teaching of the apostles.

Main Point: Harsh judgment on those who lied to the Spirit

What does this passage teach us about God?

The Holy Spirit knows our hearts regarding obedience to God’s call to be generous. -- vv. 1-2.

When we commit our hearts to give to the church, nothing should stand in our way. We should pray and seek the Lord about our gift, and when we decide upon it, we should stick to our commitment. God chose to strike Ananias and Sapphira dead, and that probably won’t happen today, but the point is that we should obey God when He prompts us to do something through His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit knows our hearts. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (ESV). The Spirit knows we are sinners, but He expects us to resist temptation and be victorious over sin by being obedient to His promptings.

Ananias and Sapphira decided to ignore the Holy Spirit and satisfy their own desires. They wanted to “look good” in front of the church and still have for themselves. They were not giving to the church to please God, only to please themselves. Kenneth Gangel writes:

This couple wanted acclaim without sacrifice and comfort without commitment. They caused the first demonstration of defeat within the ranks since the betrayal of Judas and denial by Peter. The outward act seemed so appropriate. Notice the identical wording in 4:37 and 5:2: Put it at ​ the apostles' feet. What appeared to be public generosity was actually family conspiracy, but God ​ was looking.

The Holy Spirit requires obedience to Him regarding our commitments to the church -- vv. 3-4.

The Holy Spirit gave Peter the discernment to know that Ananias and Sapphira had done. They had sinned against the church, but more importantly, they had sinned against God. Kenneth Gangel writes:

Peter tells Ananias that he lied to the Holy Spirit and follows by saying, You have not lied to men ​ but to God. Notice the emphasis on the voluntary nature of participation in communal property. ​ 2 Some see Communism at the end of chapter 4, but Peter makes it clear that Ananias was under no obligation to participate. Once he did, however, he betrayed the unity and community of the congregation. Tom Constable writes,

Lying to the Holy Spirit is a sin that Christians commit frequently today. When Christians act hypocritically by pretending a devotion that is not there or a surrender of life that they have not really made, they lie to the Holy Spirit. If God worked today as he did in the early Jerusalem church, undertakers would have much work (Constable, 39). (Holman New Testament ​ ​ Commentary)

God will judge our sin however he sees fit. -- vv. 5-11.

The Bible teaches us that death is the ultimate result of sin, but in this instance, death occurred instantly. Physical death is not usually the cause of one’s sin, but it is the ultimate result. Kenneth Gangel reminds us that suffering is not always because of sin, but it is always to bring glory to God:

In this case the death resulted from sin, but the Bible reminds us that immediate death does not always occur. In the early verses of John 9, the disciples concluded that the blind man must be suffering because of his sin or that of his parents. Jesus reminds them that neither is the case, "But this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life" (John 9:3). God sees what happens in our hearts; and when hidden sin threatens to thwart the church's ministry, he may choose to deal with it severely.

The young attendants had buried Ananias and returned in three hours, quite possibly a record for first-century Jewish funerals. Amazingly, Sapphira came in with the same story, and it was deja vu all over again. Sapphira's narrative offers nothing new. In neither case did Peter pronounce a curse of any kind. Peter explained the sin, but God took care of the judgment.

We are stunned in this passage by the suddenness of God's judgment and the seeming lack of pity or remorse on the part of Peter and the others. Furthermore, there seems to be no opportunity for repentance apart from Peter's question to Sapphira in verse 8. Stories like this were quite common in the Old Testament, such as Nadab and Abihu consumed by the illegitimate fire they used (Lev. 10). Repeatedly in Deuteronomy, God told his people to root out evil from among them (Deut. 13:5; 17:7,12; 19:19). Let's not confuse lying to the Holy Spirit with blaspheming the Spirit (Mark 3:29). There seems to be no parallel here between death as physical punishment and what has often been called the unpardonable sin. Nowhere in Luke's record does he condemn Ananias and Sapphira to eternal punishment. Most scholars take the opinion that these believers retained their salvation and will experience eternal life. Surely, we must learn here the necessity for purity and unity in the body of Christ. (Holman New ​ Testament Commentary)

What does this passage teach us about mankind?

Giving is not a show for applause; it is an expression of adoration for Christ. -- vv. 1-2.

Ananias and Sapphira wanted to look good in front of the others. They forgot that they should only be concerned with being right before God. Kenneth Gangel writes, 3

Like Paul, Luke is ever the master of contrast. Immediately following the brief testimony of Barnabas, he tells us about two other Christians who sold property so they could participate in the church's communal care program. The name Ananias means "God is gracious," and Sapphira means "beautiful." This was a joint effort even if the cultural patterns of the time put Ananias first. Luke tells us he kept back part of the money, using the verb nospizo which means "to put ​ ​ aside for oneself." Already this narrative reminds us of Achan in Joshua 7:1-26. (Holman New ​ Testament Commentary)

The death of Ananias and Sapphira was a lesson in obedience for the early church. -- vv. 5-11.

God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead to teach a lesson to those who survived them. Lying to the Holy Spirit is a serious offense. It may not happen today, but the early church needed to learn an important lesson, and Christians today should take heed as well. Wilkins, Evans, et. al. note as follows:

This instant judgment befell Ananias and Sapphira not because they kept some of the proceeds from their sale of land, but because they lied to God and the church, claiming that they had given all the proceeds to the church. There was no requirement that the couple donate all the proceeds, as Peter makes clear with his statements in verses 3–4. Had they said from the start that they were donating only a portion of the profits, there would have been no cause to judge them. (The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Gospels and Acts) ​

How does this text point to Christ and the gospel?

The validation of the Gospel was essential to the early church. Christ had called the apostles to establish the church, and their message needed constant validation. The death of Ananias and Sapphira was God’s means of affirming their message. Wilkins, Evans, et. al. note as follows:

Readers may ask why the judgment was so swift. The sudden and divinely executed judgment was an exceptional case, and might be attributed to the unique circumstances of the foundational era of the church. God was working miracles through the apostles, verifying their teachings and bringing many to faith. To disrespect apostolic authority was to disrespect God’s commissioning of the apostles. Their deaths also served as a stark reminder that God knows everything we do at all times and that sin has consequences. (The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Gospels and Acts) ​

How does the sermon text complement this text?

Pastor Bob Deffinbaugh gives us the connection to the sermon text:

I have been thinking about Ananias and Sapphira, the couple whose death we read about in Acts 5. When ​ ​ the church was born in Jerusalem as the result of Peter’s great sermon at Pentecost, there was an almost immediate response to the needs of the poor among the believers. Men like Barnabas sold property which they did not need and gave the money to the apostles so they could minister to the needs of the poor of the congregation. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of their property as well, and gave a portion of the proceeds to the church. The problem with this couple’s action was not that they kept back a portion of the proceeds of this sale for themselves, but that they lied about the amount they gave to the apostles. Both of them testified that what they gave was the entire amount they had obtained from the sale of their

4 property. And for this, they both died. This was a lesson to the whole church, and it certainly made quite an impression.

I have been rethinking the account of Ananias and Sapphira in relation to our text in 2 Corinthians. I believe the two texts are somewhat related. Let me suggest a purely hypothetical account of the early verses of Acts 5, which make the actions of this couple seem far more natural and reasonable, and shows ​ ​ us how we could do something similar.

Let’s suppose that in Jerusalem there is a great need among the poor saints, and consequently men like Barnabas sell unneeded properties to obtain funds to give to the apostles so they can distribute funds to the poor. Ananias and Sapphira determine that they will sell a piece of property too, and so they call an appraiser to determine the value of this property. Let’s say he gives them a figure of $10,000. As others come to the apostles with their contributions, Ananias and Sapphira come and inform them that as soon as they sell their property, they will be giving $10,000 to the church for the poor. The next week, before the property has been sold, plans for a new shopping mall are announced. The new mall is adjacent to the property of Ananias and Sapphira. A businessman sees the added value to their property and offers them $15,000. It takes a few weeks for the deal to close, and no one but the couple and this businessman know about the price they have been paid.

It is at this same time that Ananias and his wife learn of a great deal on some land some distance away. This land can be acquired for a mere $5,000.00. One or the other thinks of a plan. They could donate $10,000 to the church and keep $5,000 to use in the purchase of the new land. They would still be giving what they promised, and yet they would be able to make money for a nest egg in the future. Somehow, in the course of events, the question is asked of them, “Did you get the $10,000 you were asking for the land?” The couple responds that they have. Soon, almost without knowing it, they are caught in the lie, and this lie is the death of them.

My point in this hypothetical account is that we seldom premeditate such lying and deceit as that seen in Ananias and Sapphira. Sin often “evolves,” if you will pardon my use of this term. We don’t plan for things to go that way, but they do, often because of seemingly insignificant choices along the way. The problem at Corinth seems similar to my fictional version of Ananias and Sapphira. Further, I believe we are guilty of the same kind of sin today, and we too are hardly even conscious of it until Paul’s words in our text begin to come to life.

When Paul comes to Corinth with the gospel, a number respond by trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation. Like new converts everywhere, these believers respond to the report of poor saints dwelling in Jerusalem and Judea. They want to help and promise to do so. The need is so great that it will take time to accumulate a gift as large as the Corinthians want to give, and so a plan is agreed upon which will give them time to raise the funds. For some, it might take time for property to be sold. For others whose means are limited and who have nothing to sell, it means saving up funds over time so they can contribute. In any case, it will take time to come up with their intended contribution.

Some, it seems, may have had a bad year farming or in business (fishing is poor this year), and their ability to give may be diminished. Some may have lost heart and decided that since they can only contribute a fraction of what they promised, they might as well do nothing. Others may have been swindled by their Christian brother and thus unable to give much. I can imagine the person who took his fellow-believer to court may have “borrowed” from his personal benevolence fund, salving his conscience by convincing himself that when he gets the money back he deserves, he will give that amount and more. Another family may have been through a very difficult year and determined that “for the family’s sake,” they will use their contribution to take a much needed vacation. Another family may have decide to use their contribution to begin a business, certain that God will prosper them, and they can give much more over a longer period of time. Others were offended by Paul’s failure to come to them as soon as they had expected. They know he will come to collect their contribution, and it looks as though this will be later rather than sooner. They decide to use what they had accumulated and then begin to set money aside for the poor as soon as they can afford it.

5 We don’t really know the details of why the Corinthians are in danger of failing to keep their initial commitment to give to the poor. What we do know is this: In the first blush of their faith in Christ, the Corinthians genuinely purposed and promised to contribute to the poor in Judea. They have even been setting funds aside. Now, as the time for Paul’s return begins to draw near, Paul has sufficient reason to fear that their contribution will fall considerably short of what they have promised. Paul’s return will prove embarrassing for all. Paul boasted to others of their generosity, and now that boast may prove to be empty. Some Macedonians will be going with Paul to collect the Corinthian contribution, and they will be embarrassed at how small the Corinthian donation is. And the Corinthians will be the most embarrassed of all. They will have failed to do what they promised, with no acceptable excuse. Paul’s words and actions, recorded in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, are intended to prevent embarrassment, by seeing to it that the ​ ​ Corinthians keep their commitments for their own good, for the good of others, and for the glory of God. (https://bible.org/seriespage/12-keeping-your-commitments-2-cor-816-915). ​ ​

What specific applications does this text call us to do or believe?

PRINCIPLES

1. It is our duty as Christians to help other believers. 2. If our charitable giving is uncompelled and cheerful, we will be rewarded spiritually. 3. God reserves the right to use whatever punishment he wishes when sin occurs in the church. 4. Sinning Christians do not always get the opportunity to repent and change their ways.

APPLICATIONS

1. We must take realistic steps to guard against the temptation to steal or mishandle church funds. 2. We must take an active part in meeting the material needs of other believers. 3. Christians should give generously and freely. 4. Be open and honest with God and fellow believers at all times. 5. Fear the great power of God which he can unleash against sin.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. Why was Paul so interested in collecting money for the saints in Jerusalem? What special connection, if any, did Paul have with Jerusalem that made this of particular personal interest to him? 2. Who was Titus? Why did Paul send Titus to help with the collection? Explain the wisdom of this decision. 3. According to Paul, what would God do to bless those Christians who gave generously to the offering? On what basis could Paul offer these blessings? Are these blessings sufficient to motivate you to give generously to Christians in need? Why would anyone lie to God? Could anything make you lie to God? 4. How can you worship a God who would cause people to die? (Holman New Testament Commentary) ​

6 Recommended Resources

1. Holman New Testament Commentary: Acts. 2. Holman New Testament Commentary: 1 and 2 Corinthians. 3. The Holman Apologetics Commentary on the Bible: The Gospel and Acts. 4. Keeping Your Commitments (2 Corinthians 8:15-9:15). ​ Pray @ Brainerd: Please pray for: ​ ● Those who committed to apply the text in some way this week. ● The needs in your Life Group. ● Pray if the Lord might be calling you to serve in the opportunity below. ● Pray for Brainerd members deployed around the world (Deployed requests below). ​ ​ ● Pray for the activities of our church (Announcements below). ​ ​

Brainerd Deploy ● Greg | South Asia

Serving @ Brainerd

Greeter Team ● Do you enjoy meeting new people, answering questions, and creating a culture of hospitality? We are looking for members to serve on our Greeter Team in each of our venues/campuses. If you have questions or want more information, email Paul Christensen at [email protected]. ​ ​

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