Acts 4:32-5:18

Introduction

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Aaron Burr is a key political figure in American history. He was an intellectual giant, Revolutionary War hero, prominent lawyer, and the vice president to Thomas Jefferson. However, this was not the full extent of Burr’s legacy. Burr was known for a contentious attitude, opportunistic nature, and hot temper. Burr was not know for turning the other cheek or showing grace.

Burr was Thomas Jefferson’s running mate for the presidency in 1800. Due to a tie in the electoral college, the House of Representatives had to choose between Jefferson and Burr for the next President. Jefferson obviously won. However, Burr blamed much of this on a political rival that wrote a critic of Burr and lobbied against him. Later in Burr’s life, he would also lose his gubernatorial race in New York. Once again, Burr blamed the same political rival for his loss due to public critique.

After his term as Vice President, Aaron Burr would never hold elected office again. As a matter of fact, his political career would become worse than he could have ever imagined. Just 3 years after his term as Vice President, was a wanted man. Arron Burr founded himself with a warrant for his on the crime of treason against the United States. Who would have issued such a warrant? None other than the sitting President and his former running mate, Thomas Jefferson.

Need

Saints, Arron Burr is a man whose actions have shaped who we are as a nation. Unfortunately, his jealousy and vindictive nature cost him more than he could have ever thought possible. His jealousy murdered his political career and aspirations. A man with seemingly everything lost it all.

Brothers and sisters, we need to be reminded and warned about the dangers and consequences of jealousy.

Referent

acts 4:32-5:18

Organization

Generosity Encourages (vs. 32-37)

Jealousy Destroys (vs. 1-18)

Sermon in a sentence:

Jealousy murders.

Generosity Encourages (vs. 32-37)

(v. 33) the physical generosity was an overflow of their mutual encouragement.

(v. 33) God generously gave the church grace.

(vs. 34-37) Generosity and encouragement required physical sacrifice

Generosity is focused on others before yourself. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Instead, ask what you can do for your country?” In the Christian life, in the church life, we are so easy to ask the first question aren’t we? What if every church member asked what they can do for the local body?

Jealousy Destroys (vs. 1-18)

(vs. 1-2, Jealousy destroys your peace

It can literally kill you

(vs. 17-18) It can destroy your reasoning

Conclusion

Earlier I told you a little bit about Aaron Burr. What I didn’t mention was the thing that he is most famous for. In 1804, while the sitting Vice President of the United States of America, Arron Burr shot and killed his political rival, Alexander Hamilton. This was the nail that sealed Burr’s political career and legacy. Jealously, literally murded Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s future.

Application

Repent and Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Put to death jealousy with true generosity.