Acts 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Now, Ananias and Sapphira could have kept all that they had when they sold their possession. That wasn’t the problem here. The problem was what they were pretending to do.
After they sold it, they gave a portion of their sale to the apostles, making it look as though they had given the whole thing.
They were being deceptive, not just to them, but to the Holy Spirit. That was the problem.
Acts 5:2 (NKJV 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
You see, before this incident took place those who believed were of one heart and one soul.
They were sharing a deep spiritual bond driven by the Holy Spirit. They did not view their material goods as their own, but were bringing all they had to the apostles and sharing it with those in need.
Out of love for Jesus Christ, they were giving up their possessions to take care of those in desperate need, poverty, or without in their community.
Ananias and Sapphira were pretending to bring in everything they had, but keeping back a portion secretly was what cost them their lives.
Acts 5:3-5 (NKJV) 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
Because of their deception and lies, they both died, bringing in a holy fear and reverence toward God among the early church.
How important it is in our walk with God to be honest with Him.
No, we may not drop to the ground and die if we are dishonest.
But we need to see the importance of God wanting us to be honest, to have heartfelt integrity, and be genuine in what we do with Him and others.
Amen.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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