The First Sin of The Church

Is it to ambitious to be 100 fold Christians

Stephen gave over 70 references to the NT

Acts 4:32 NKJV

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

This communal ideal throughout the ages have been tagged “admirable but impractical.”

This church was united not just spiritually but also materially.

Community life was characterize by four things.

- There unity of mind and heart . thoughts are values where the same

- The sharing of possession. no only was the church united spiritually but materially

- The power and witness of the apostles. - The early church had great leadership given to them

- The Grace of God rested upon them.

The unity of the heart and mind came from a life being full of the Spirit.

Acts 2:42 NKJV

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 4:33 NKJV

33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Great Power & Great Grace

They didn’t just have power and grace but they had great power and great grace.

James 4:6 NKJV

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Humility cures worldliness

James 4:7–10 NKJV

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

“Submit” is a military term “to be subordinated” or “to render obedience.” “Resist” (antistēte) means “take a stand against.” Take a stand against the devil, and he will flee.

The devils not fleeing is because we don’t submit.

Acts 4:34 NKJV

34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

Acts 4:35 NKJV

35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

Acts 4:36 NKJV

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:37 NKJV

37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

This is the introduction of a man named Barnabas which is translated Son of Encouragement.

Barnabas as a source of comfort to people when they are going through difficult times.

He would be the one you would call to aid you in suffering.

Barnabas was a man of great principle and loyalty.

He discipled Paul in the earlier stages of Pauls ministry.

These verse show the generosity of the early church and contrast it w/ the selfishness of Ananias and Sapphira.

Acts 5:1–11 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. 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. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Just imagine Ananias possibly very arrogant and proud he probably was whistling as he put a part of the money at the apostles feet.

This is a bold contrast to barnabas giving

The resources were shared because there was body members who lacked and those who were poor.

Ananias pretended as if he gave all, hence partaking on a practice that would be designed to help the less fortunate. So in reality he sinned against THE HOLY SPIRIT and stole from poor.

The tried to beat the system

This was also the first sin of the church.

Same way Adams sin led to death Ananias and Sapphire sin led to death.

vs 5:3. In response Peter accused Ananias by saying, Satan has … filled your heart. The verb translated “filled” is eplērōsen, from plēroō, which here has the idea of control or influence. The same verb is used in the command, “Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Ananias, a believer, was influenced by Satan, not the Spirit! The fact that Peter asked, How is it …? implies that Satan had gained control because Ananias had not dealt with some previous sin in his life.