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Beware of the Sin of Ananias and Sapphira

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Beware of the Sin of Ananias and Sapphira Mark E. Larson Beware of the Sin of Ananias and Sapphira Introduction: The Record of the Sin of Ananias and Sapphira is for Our Warning Today (Acts 4:32-5:11). This historical account is the first recorded instance in Scripture of sin committed by Christians since the church of Christ first began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). While it is highly unlikely that no sin whatsoever was committed by any Christians up to this point (as much as they tried not to sin and live holy lives as God called them to), God saw fit to record this particular instance of sin as committed by Ananias and Sapphira and the punishment that they both received. From this account we learn that sin is a deadly serious matter to God! God who sees all will hold not only the world accountable for sin, but also His own people. Do you find God's actions of judgment in this case to be offensive? If you do, it is likely that you are ignorant of God's holiness and righteousness and blind to your own sin! The question you need to ask yourself is not: “Why did they have to die?” Instead, ask yourself the question: “Why am I still alive?” or “Why hasn't God punished me for doing basically the same thing?” Let us take heed to the lesson of Ananias and Sapphira! I. What Was Their Sin? A. Their sin was not that they only gave part of the proceeds of the sale. i. The apostle Peter made it clear that their land, before it was sold, was their own property to do whatever they wanted to do with it (Acts 5:4a). ii. Peter also points out that even after the land had been sold, it was still under their control to do what they willed (Acts 5:4b). iii. There was no obligation or demand by the apostles that the Christians had to give up all their land or property. a) The members of the assembly at Jerusalem were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32): They were closely united in love and truth of the gospel. b) Giving is not to be done grudgingly or out of compulsion (because you feel forced), but cheerfully from the heart (2 Cor. 9:7). iv. Ananias and Sapphira did not sin because they gave only part. They sinned because they lied to make it appear that they had given it all. B. Ananias and Sapphira committed the sin of lying. i. Lying is unquestionably a sin, a violation of the law of God (Lev. 6:1-7; Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9; cf. Prov. 6:16-17; 12:22). ii. The devil, “a liar and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44) got them to lie about what they were giving: “Why has Satan filled your heart...?” (Acts 5:3) C. They lied to GOD the Holy Spirit! i. To lie to the Holy Spirit (v. 3) is to lie to God (v. 4), for the Holy Spirit is God! (e.g. Heb. 9:14; 1 Cor. 2:11; Job 33:4; Ps. 139:7ff.) (Acts 5:3-4). ii. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit because it was the Holy Spirit who dwelt in the apostles, giving them their power and authority. iii. Their attempt to deceive the apostles was an attempt to deceive God putting “the Spirit of the Lord to the test” (v. 9) and they paid the price! 1 Mark E. Larson II. How Do We Lie to God Today? A. Like Ananias and Sapphira, you might be giving just enough to give the appearance that you are giving what the Lord requires. i. Why they lied is not known for certain, but their primary motive seemed to be their desire for approval of the assembly and apostles (Acts 5:1-2). a) If they had been greedy and didn't care about receiving the praise of men, they wouldn't have given anything. b) Yet, they did care and therefore gave at least part of the proceeds and tried to make it look like they were sacrificing it all. ii. Example (Mark 12:41-44): The widow gave more because she made a sacrifice in her giving, even though it amounted to only one cent! The rich gave large sums, but there was no sacrifice involved. They gave to make an appearance, but did not truly seek to please God in giving. a) If and when you give to gain the approval of the assembly and do not seek to please God in the amount you choose to give to those in need, God will see through the deception each and every time. b) The N.T. does not specify an amount (e.g. tithe), but we are provided principles for giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:6-7; Acts 11:29). B. By calling Him our Lord and then not doing what He says (Luke 6:46). i. That is the most common lie people tell to God today! (Mat. 7:21-23). ii. When you act religious or merely “play church” and then do not obey God's laws, you lie to Him when you call Him your Lord! a) To call God or Jesus your Lord means that you confess Him to be your master and ruler, the One to whom you willingly submit to and obey. b) To sing praises or pray prayers calling Him your Lord, or to tell people He is your Lord, and yet not obey Him is to tell a falsehood, a lie! III. Lying to God is a Serious Offense of Which No One Will Escape Judgment. A. You can fool people into believing that you are a faithful Christian, but you cannot fool God. i. Attempting to lie to God is to play the hypocrite (Mat. 23:27-28). You appear outwardly righteous to men, but God knows who you really are! ii. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” - Gal. 6:7 God cannot be lied to. He knows the truth! iii. God sees through every lie and deception. He sees it all (Heb. 4:13). iv. “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Rom. 2:16) B. The death of Ananias & Sapphira should cause us to have greater fear of God. i. “Great fear came upon the whole assembly” (Acts 5:10-11). When we recognize the power and righteousness of God, we will fear and obey Him. ii. God isn't bluffing or kidding around. God will judge and punish those who continue in sin (Rev. 21:6-8). iii. God will also judge His own people (Ananias & Sapphira were Christians!). a) Christians who return to sin and do not repent will be judged accordingly (Heb. 10:30-31). Let us take heed! 2.
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