With Sin Comes Judgment, With Judgment Comes Healing

UNITY IN THE GOSPEL

Acts 4:32 NASB95

And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.

The people were of One heart and soul. UNITED. The source of their unity was the gospel.

AUTHORITY TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

Acts 4:33 NASB95

And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

The Spirit gave them Great Power and Abundant Grace.

COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF THE GOSPEL

Acts 4:34–35 NASB95

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

OPPORTUNITYS TO LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL

Acts 4:36–37 NASB95

Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

We are introduced to Barnabas here. He will become a key figure in the Book of Acts.

Son of Encouragement.

It is super easy to get discouraged. Especially when there is disuntiy. Especially when there are problems.

This example of generosity and love will be a pivotal example as we slide into chapter five.

THE INDIGNITY OF NOT LIVING OUT THE GOSPEL

The Deception

Acts 5:1–2 NASB95

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.

In following Barnabas’ example. they decide to sell a piece of property.

The problem is...their greed gets the besst of them

And they “both” present this lie to the disciples.

The Descision

Acts 5:3–4 NASB95

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

The land was his to keep or his to sell. His choice.

When he sold it, he could have told the disciples that he was keeping a portion for himself. They could have given 10%, 20%, 50%, or 100%.

But they lied and said they gave it all...when if fact they kept back a portion.

You havent lied to us...you lied to God.

God knows our hearts. He knows our secret actions. He knows our thoughts. He knows our intentions.

The Destruction

Acts 5:5 NASB95

And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.

Acts 5:6 NASB95

The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

This deception costs Ananias his life.

And great fear came over all who heard it.

Sometimes the judgment of God is what is needed to purify the church.

The Double Deception

Acts 5:7–10 NASB95

Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

The Dread of Judgment

Acts 5:11 NASB95

And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.

The Difference that Judgment makes

Miracles and Unity

Acts 5:12 NASB95

At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico.

High Esteem

Acts 5:13 NASB95

But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.

Multiplication of believers

Acts 5:14 NASB95

And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number,

Healings

Acts 5:15–16 NASB95

to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.