Lying to God
Acts 5:1-11 (KJV)
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is taught about in many churches many ministers have warned of lying to God! They have warned about blaspheme against the Holy Spirit!
Sometimes I fear we don’t take church and the worship of God seriously enough Anannias didn’t!
1. Many try to give excuse for them, and ourselves times were hard.
a. The times might have been hard but God was with them!
Acts 4:31-33 (KJV)
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
b. God provided all they needed!
Acts 4:33-34 (KJV)
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
c. God provides all we need and His power is here for us as well.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Luke 12:22 (KJV)
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
2. Why did they do this in the first place
a. Trying to keep up with others
Acts 4:36–37 (KJV)
36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
b. Even their names meant great things
5:1 “Ananias” The full Hebrew name would have been Hananiah, which means “YHWH has graciously given” or “YHWH is gracious.”
Sapphira” This was Ananias’ wife. The name in Aramaic means “beautiful.” They were both believers.
c. They thought about their selves!
3. They were punished for their sin!
a. Their sin wasn’t just “holding back” as many ministers have preached over the years it was lying to God saying trying to make themselves look just as “holy” as Joses who gave all.
b. Why do so many want to temp God in this same way? Isn’t it easy to see how dangerous it is?
c. Churches are dying all over America today because of just that same reason
Remember the scripture is also still true in Luke 12:48
Luke 12:45–48 (KJV)
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.