ACTS: God's Holiness

Everything in Common

Acts 4:32–37 ESV

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.

Full of the Holy Spirit , possessions carried no importance, everyone had no need, land owners and house owners sold and gave.

Barnabas sells a field and lays the money at the apostles’ feet.

(ESV)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 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. 3 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? 4 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 man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 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.” 10 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. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

DIVINE JUDGEMENT

Harsh! Mean! Angry!

These are some accusations that given by opponents of Christianity and the BIBLE. These accusations are because most people feel they are good.

- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD.

- There is none righteous!

Two ways to look at this passage!

The unbeliever FEAR OF GOD’s WRATH - GOD is holy and hates sin! The penalty of sin is death.

God is Holy (; ; )

God Hates Sin (; ; )

Sin produces death (

Punished (, )

The Believer RESPONSE TO GOD’S AMAZING GRACE - Your sin sent GOD’s son to the Cross. Our lives should be a response to his GRACE.

You are to be holy because HE is holy! ()

Get sin out of the camp! Old Testament people literally cut off. New Testament ()

Crucify the flesh. (, , ; )

The GREAT GOSPEL!!!

(ESV)

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

This is LIFE IMPACTING!!! Hell is real! God is good! God is Gracious!!

BREAK OUT

Discuss

What is hell?

Do you believe it is a real place?

Read (ESV)

Read

(ESV)

Judgment Before the Great White Throne

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Discuss

What does this mean for you?

Knowing that some day all of us will stand before God, does this make you think how you live your life?

Read (ESV)

(ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

How good is the GOOD NEWS the GOSPEL!