Exposed

Exposed has been a popular word for 2020. Millions of people been exposed to a new and potentially dangerous virus and billions of people have had their lives turned upside down because of the threat of being exposed. Our current arrangement, albeit unusual, has exposed us for who we are. Scripture encourages us to not look out for our own interests but also the interests of others. We are a testimony of this as our actions thus far have not been motivated by fear, but out of love for one another. Throughout 2020 we have denied ourselves of familiar comforts so our vulnerable members can worship and serve God safely. Nothing we’ve done has been through selfish motives, but from a mindset that counts others more significant than ourselves. May God continue to bless us as we serve Him and share His love with others.

In our text, three different people or groups of people who were exposed. Each one tells a different story and each one deserves our attention. We have a positive example of giving, a negative example, and then we have some young people who witnessed both.

EXPOSED FOR GENEROSITY (Ac. 4:36-37)

The early church had needs and God’s people stepped in big time to help (cp. 2:42-44; 6:1-7; Gal. 2:10). We are not aware of any command to do what they did; it was voluntary.

Barnabas was exposed for his generosity. His generosity exposed him as a son of encouragement (cp. 9:26-27).

We need to find more ways to be generous. In the end, what we did to help and encourage others will be brought into Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46).

EXPOSED FOR HYPOCRISY (Ac. 5:1-11)

Chapter five begins with, “but.” But is a contrasting word and here contrasts the actions of Barnabas with Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11).

This is the first sin in the church mentioned in the Bible and is here for a reason. They lied. They died. Don’t do it (Rev. 21:8). Be like Barnabas!

God despises hypocrisy. Ananias and his wife conspired to make them look like something they were not. They were exposed for their hypocrisy (Rom. 2:1-8).

EXPOSED TO BOTH (Ac. 4:32; 5:6, 10-11)

Imagine seeing a man drop a bag of money at the apostles’ feet and drop dead shortly thereafter. No wonder fear came upon all who heard these things (5:5, 11).

In verses six and ten, who carried the lifeless bodies away and buried them? The YOUNG men. Do you think they learned a great lesson on hypocrisy and lying?

Our children are watching. Generosity and consistency play a major part in the example we set before them (Eph. 4:25-32; 2 Tim. 2:1-7).