An Answered Prayer

Introduction

Coming to this passage of Scripture it is important to note that many attempt to use Scripture to their own agenda. Charles Darwin utilized John 8:32 [and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free] to propagate his theory of evolution.

This passage [verse 32 specifically] was used by Karl Marx to justify socialism. It is of the greatest import that we note this passage does not promote socialism!

“Here, all of the people are born again and are one in a Body which formed without their knowledge. Here, all of the people believe the Old Testament promises literally and apply them to the Second Coming of Christ. Here, the leaders are Spirit-filled men who believe in private ownership of property (see Acts 5:4)! Here, the pooling of goods is entirely VOLUNTARY, and there is no government “agency” directing distribution, nor is there any police force to see that distribution is made. But further! every last one of the believers here is awaiting the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, and they are looking forward to His return in a matter of days (Acts 1:6, 3:19–20).” Dr. Peter Ruckman

There is a stark difference between socialism and what is occurring in this passage of scripture. Let us break down the verses and see the true principle that is being taught.

Unity of Faith

Acts 4:32–33 AV 1873

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

They were unified in two main areas:

Their material

Because of the promise of Christ’s return, and their understanding of His provision, these followers knew what they had was unnecessary to keep.

Example: if you knew Christ was coming tomorrow would you worry much about whether or not your budget was followed? Would you focus on retirement? Or would you be more willing to help a fellow servant of Christ if they had an immediate need?

This changes the perspective. The unity in material was not commanded by God or the Apsotle, but rather an outpouring of their charity (sacrificial love) for each other.

Their message

Acts 4:33 witness of the resurrection…

Great Power- Eph. 6:10-12

Great Grace- power and grace are tied together in this passage. Grace is the heavenly help in time of need, and is only available by God’s power. Eph. 2:5-9; 2 Cor. 12:9; 2 Timothy 2:1

Courageous Giving

“Courageous giving makes happy living. Courageous giving is a testimony to obedience, an evidence of concern for the ministry, a challenge to go on to higher ground. It shows an understanding of the natural, physical, moral, and spiritual laws of the universe. The atheist lives in God’s building and thinks he owns it. The pantheist lives in God’s building and mistakes it for the Builder. The deist lives in God’s building and thinks the landlord is absent, and the agnostic thinks the building is vacant with no title deed to it. Mary and Judas are in the same chapter in the Gospel (John 12), but what a difference in charity! Mary’s watchword was “give” and Judas’ was “get.” If the Christian does what he CAN, God will do for him what he can NOT. The early Christians were great GIVERS. They realized that you could not get the title to anything down here permanently and that death would come to everyone of them (if the Lord tarried) and say, “Get out of that house and go to the cemetery.” So they just sold the house (Acts 4:34) and got a head start!” - Dr. Peter Ruckman

Matthew 6:19-21 Reminds us why most Christians are not ready to die. It is not because they are not going to Heaven, for no non-Christian shall enter into that wonderful city. But it is because the treasure we posses is carnal and not Christ.

If He were preeminent we would not have fear the loss of property, possessions, or life. But sadly the state of most Christians is not one where treasure has been stored in Heaven.

Luke 12:22-34 Reminds us that provision comes from God. If we truly trusted in Him we would want for nothing. His provision would grant us contentment.

Number one: It was based on a belief in God. Number two: It wasn’t state-controlled; it was church-controlled. Number three: Dear friend, it wasn’t forced; it was voluntary. It didn’t come about by revolution; it came about by people being born and saved. And also this thing of having all things in common was only temporary—because of the emergency situation that they were in. But it shows me this: Everything they owned was at God’s disposal whenever it was needed. Is everything that you own at His disposal? -Dr. Adrian Rodgers

“Cheerful givers (2 Cor. 9:7), like those found here, deepen their own spiritual lives, they find it easy to meet other obligations, they get great joy in the giving, and they find it easy to go above and beyond the tithe, regularly.” -Dr. Peter Ruckman

Son of Consolation

By way of example of the courageous giving, Scripture identifies Barnabas.

A familiar name to any student of the Word, for it was Barnabas that stood up for Saul when the disciples were afraid (Acts 9:26-27). The man that encouraged the new believers at Antioch (Acts 11:22-24).

A few weeks ago we looked at Mark and his profitability to ministry. Today we look at Barnabas and consider his passionate desire. Consolation means comfort, and Barnabas was a man that would be used to comfort other because of his unity of faith, and courageous giving based on his focus of Heaven.