Giving With Pure Intentions

Lying to the Holy Spirit

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 5

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” 5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. 6 The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.

7 About three hours later, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the land for this price?”

“Yes,” she said, “for that price.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

10 Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. 11 Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.

Looking at Acts chapter five, we need to remember what was happening in Acts chapter four.

In Acts 4 Peter and John were standing trail before the religious leaders to answer for how they were able to heal a lame man. Peter preached the Gospel without hesitation to the religious leaders even though they were the ones who killed Jesus. The religious leaders could not deny the testimony of the healed man, so they simply threatened Peter and John to stop and let them go. Once the two men had been set free, they left to tell the other Christians what happened. The Christians began praying and asking God to give them boldness to tell the Gospel even more which they did. Finally, all of the Christians were helping one another generously meeting each others needs. One man, Barnabas, was moved to sell a field that he owned and give the money to the Apostles in order for them to use it to meet the needs of other believers.

Review Questions:

1. How were Peter and John able to heal the lame man? Through the power of God and the name of Jesus.

2. Why were the religious leaders offended by the name of Jesus? They were the ones who crucified him.

3. When the disciples were threatened and told to stop sharing the Good news about Jesus, how did they respond? They asked God to help them share even more.

4. Why would the Christians be living with such generosity to one another? They are living with thankfulness for what God has given them and giving of God’s gift freely.

God’s gift of the gospel caused the Christians to live in a way that was full of thanksgiving and generosity. By sending Jesus to die on our behalf, God has given us the gift of eternal life. The disciples generously told others about this gift of love. In addition, their love for one another caused them to help meet each others needs. The first need being that of needing a relationship with Christ. The second being earthly needs.

Now lets look at Acts 5:1-11

Acts 5 starts off by showing us how not everyone involved had pure hearts. The chapter starts off by introducing us to Ananias and Sapphira. Like Barnabas, they also sell a piece of land that they own, but there is a key difference to how they handle the money.

What do they do differently than Barnabas? They decided they would keep a portion of the money for themselves, but not tell the apostles.

Why did God reject their offering? They lied about what they were giving. They promised the entire sum, but they only provide a portion.

Did they have to lie in order to keep some of the money or would God have been okay with them keeping a portion? Why? Yes, God desires for his people to give from goodness and to be honest with what they give.

Why do you think Ananias and Sapphira might have wanted to lie about their giving? While it is not expressly said, it is likely that they wanted to look like they were giving a larger amount they wanted to in order to look better.

Are their times when it is difficult to be honest with God?

What are some things that should motivate us to give?

How can knowing that God has given us all that we have motivate us to be generous and help those who are in need?

Does our attitude towards the things we own affect our ability to be generous?

How can knowing that God has given us all that we have motivate us to be thankful for the things we have?

Do you think having an attitude of thankfulness can help us give in an honest and generous way?

If God is the giver of all good things, can we trust him to take care of our needs as we help meet the needs of others?

Do we have to be dishonest with our giving in order to trick God and others for more status or favor?

What is the greatest gift that God has given you?

How does being thankful for our salvation help us to want to tell others about this gift?