Acts the Story Continues (17)

Fearing God

Acts 5:11–16 NKJV

So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

I love this cluster of verses because of the way God structured it. The first thing I want to point out is the in Verse 12 the term AND. In some translations AND is replaced with NOW. The greek word use is de which can mean both. Although many bibles segregate verse 11 from verse 12 we have to remember that when this was written it was written as all one letter.

De

Annanias and Saphira were just judge by God and struck dead. Immediately great fear came upon the whole church (VV11). We only see this type of instant judgement happen a handful of times. One of the more prominate times that was brought to my memory while reading this mornings scripture is Uzzah

Instant Judgement

2 Samuel 6:7–8 ESV

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.

2 Samuel 6:6–7 ESV

And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

:6-7

2 Samu

Both times judgement was instant and both times a great Fear followed. In Vv8 David left the arch at Obedium the Gettite’s house.

In Both instances those who were in the wrong instantly died, but that isn’t the only similarity.

Those who lacked understand of who God is and those who weren’t following God’s commands fled from the presence of God.

Acts 5:13 ESV

None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.

Understand something. The Judgement of God is inevitable. Every one of us here has felt the judgement of God to some extent because while yes, God is gracious to those who seek Him God is also just. And none of us have sought God in everything we have done. Thus judgement to some degree is inevitable, but judgement has a tendency to separate those in Convenient Christianity and those who are in a life changing relationship.

Hebrews

Hebrews 12:6 ESV

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

discipline and judgement are changeable in this verse because discipline is a result of Judgement. Uzzah, Annias, and Saphira all suffered the same attitude problem.

They lacked the Fear of the Lord.

Fear of the Lord

If Uzzah respected God the way God expected Uzzah would have never touched the arch. Our biggest issue as Christians come when we try to help God. God not only is more than capable to help himself he is also more than capabale to supply for our every need.

Annias and Saphira lacked fear of Lord because they, like Satan, desired to be praised. They desired to take the place of God, which ultimately is the same sin Uzzah commited.

Anytime we trust ourselves more than we trust God we are ultimately saying that we are placed greater than God.

In Both instances the proper Fear of the Lord could have stopped all parties from dying. For time Sake we aren’t going to crack each one of these open, but I do want to draw your attention to the benefits of fearing God.

Positions our hearts to receive answers-Hebrews 5:7, Assures that God’s great goodness abounds-Psalm 31:19, Promises angelic protection-Psalm 34:7, Secures God’s continual attention-Psalm33:18, Supplies his provision-Psalm 34:9, Contains great mercy-Psalm 103:11, Promises protection-Psalm 115:11, fulfills our desires and delivers us from harm-Psalm 145:19, Provides wisdom, understanding, and time management-Proverbs 9:10-11, Is our confidence and protection in the face of death-Proverbs 14:26-27, Provides peace of Mind-Proverbs 15:16, results in complete satisfaction-Proverbs 19:23, Will keep us on the right path-Jeremiah 32:40, Produces a secure household , Provides clarity and direction-Psalm 25:12, and Results in enjoyment of our labor and full, rewarding lives , Produces successful Leadership-Exodus 18:21

And I’m sure this list isn’t a full list.

But ultimately the greatest blessing that the fear of the Lord produces comes from this quote

Without a proper fear of the God and his justified anger and judgement against sin, God’s people will soon conform to the ungodly ways of the World. As a result, they will cease to experience the power and benefits of the Holy Spirit and God’s miraculous presence.

The reality is many of us cling to a Savior when God truly wants to be Lord of our lives.

Salvation happens once-When we repent of our sins and turn to him. We must then mature into his Lordship over us and allow him full control.

The danger Christianity faces today isn’t the end times it’s the message that states that God wants to do our will and not for us to do his. It’s the message that rings across pulpits that God is here to makes sure you have no cares or worries rather than his desire to transform you into who he wants you to be.

Matthew 24:24 ESV

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.