The Spirit of Grace and Fear!

Introduction – Grace & Fear

Acts 4:33 ESV

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

The apostles continued to powerfully preach the resurrection and the grace of God permeated the church.

1. Grace from God in the great power the apostles exercised to preach the resurrection of the Lord Jesus

Acts 4:34 ESV

34 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

2. Grace toward one another in caring for the needs of the disciples.

Acts 4:35 ESV

35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

3. Grace from the congregation toward the apostles in respect of their leadership.

Members, who could afford to do so, relinquished stewardship of the value of the properties they sold to the discretion of the apostles for the common good (cf. Acts 2:44)

Acts 4:36–37 ESV

36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

2 examples of responses to grace.

Example #1 – Joseph Barnabas

Names means “son of encouragement”

A Levite

A native of Cyprus

Mentioned 28 times in the New Testament!

Barnabas’ response to grace

sold a field he owned

brought the money to the assembly

laid it at the apostles’ feet

Acts 5:1–2 ESV

1 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.

Example #2 – Ananias & Sapphira

Husband and wife

Ananias’ and Sapphira’s response to grace (5:1-2)

sold a piece of property (v. 1)

Ananias (with Sapphira’s knowledge) kept back for himself some of the proceeds (v. 2)

Ananias brought only a part of it to the assembly (v. 2)

Ananias laid it at the apostles’ feet (v. 2)

The Holy Spirit’s response to the members’ responses to His grace

Response to Barnabas (Silence but…)

Barnabas is used by God throughout the rest of the book of Acts and the New Testament

Barnabas is mentioned 27 times in the NT!

Barnabas becomes companion with the apostle Paul

Barnabas is himself “called” an apostle (Acts 14:14)

Acts 5:3–10 ESV

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.

Response to Ananias & Sapphira (5:3-10)

Ananias died immediately after being confronted (v. 3-5)

Ananias is buried by unknown young men (6)

Sapphira died immediately (3 hours later in fear) (v. 10)

Sapphira is buried by the same unknown young men (v. 10)

Neither of them keep the money!

Neither of them are heard from again in Scripture!

Outcome of the Spirit’s response

1. Fear of the Lord by the members of the church (v. 11)

2. Fear of the Lord by everyone else who heard (v. 11)

What does the Lord want us to know, feel, and do?

Know that the Holy Spirit is fully God – omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent

Know that the Spirit of the Lord is not to be tested nor lied to. He really knows our hearts! (v. 5:3-4, 9)

Fear Him–rightly respond to His grace and His person (v. 11)