Acts 5:1-11
GETTING STARTED:
● There is a picture of the culture at the end of chapter 4 that will lead into what will
happen at the beginning of chapter 5. Let’s read Acts 4:32-37.
● A man named Joseph – who was called Barnabas generously gave a significant
gift as he was directed by the Holy Spirit. He did not do this for the attention that
he received – but he was compelled by love and directed by the Holy Spirit.
● Now we will see a great contrast. A couple driven by jealousy, a desire for
attention, and their hearts filled by Satan. Will attempt an act of great deception
that will be stopped by God. LET’S READ IT TOGETHER. Acts 5:1-11
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD IN THE MIDST OF THE CHURCH.
● In verses 3&4 – it states that they lied to the Holy Spirit and then – You weren’t
lying to us – but to God.
● Here – early in the church’s story – there is an attempt to steal the glory from God and to practice what Satan practices – deception.
● God puts a stop to it. Now – just because they lose their physical life – does not
mean that they lost their spiritual life. The truth is – we don’t know. That kind of
judgment rests with God.
● The clear message to all is this. This will not be a human personality church –
this will be a Spirit led – Christ glorifying church. No one will be allowed to lift up
their ego or to practice deception.
THE SIN IS DECEPTION – IT IS PROMPTED BY THE FATHER OF LIES.
● Peter asked Ananias – why have you let Satan fill your heart? He will later give
Sapphira an opportunity to confess and she will continue the deception.
● The sin was not holding back part of the money – listen to what Peter said in
verse 4 – the property was yours to sell or not sell, the money was also yours to
give away.
● Listen to what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 – You must each decide in your
heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.
For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. There was no pressure from the
church on Ananias and Sapphira – they were driven by a need for attention.
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS AND BRINGS HEALING AND GROWTH. Acts 5:12-16
● 2 things are true at the same time when the Spirit is doing the supernatural.
People on the outside have a deep reverence for what God is doing that causes
them to pause and step back.
● But they are also drawn to what is real – what is life changing – to a culture that is
led by the Holy Spirit. So the church continues to grow.
● Signs and wonders continue – great miracles – people were bringing the sick and
those possessed by evil spirits – AND THEY WERE ALL HEALED.