“You Can’t Fool God”
Acts 4:32-5:11
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Ananias and Sapphira
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
What does this say about God?
- He knows everything about us — Omniscience
- He sees everything we do — Omnipresence
- He has the power to step in at any time and stop us — Omnipotence
- He’s holy and He’s called us to be holy too
What does this say about Ananias & Sapphira? (and us)
- They coveted (strong pull to have something)
- They stole money (Greek word refers to stealing / “held back”)
- They lied about it
- They thought that they could fool God
“It matters to God what we think and do”
It matters because…
- God takes holiness serious
- God hates sin
- God loves the church
- The chruch is His witness
- God will intervene if we don’t!
Here’s what we should do…
2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take a every thought captive to obey Christ”
Here’s how we do it…
James 4:7-10 — how we get there
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
- Submit your thoughts to God
- Resist the devil
- Draw near to God
- Humble yourselves
- God gives great grace
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