Sunday Morning Service

Acts 4:32-Acts 5:16 (Click title for audio access)

"The Hypocrisy Cleanse"  •  6.26.11  •  Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service

Intro

- The newborn church in Jerusalem has heard the reports of the persecution that had arisen against two of it's main leaders, Peter and John.

- The devil has attempted to attack the church from the outside, through the vehicle of religion. To this point, that strategy has failed.

- The Apostles instead of falling under the pressure of persecution have prayed that God would increase their strength and give them greater boldness to speak. If only Satan would take a hint!

- Unfortunately, our enemy is relentless and when one tactic fails, there is always another one following right behind it! Notice with me, the three movements of our section today.

I. Inspiration (v.32-35)

II. Illustration (v.36,37)

III. Imitation (5v.1-11)

Text

I. Inspiration (v.32-35)

•  Acts 4:32-35  :  "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.'"  : I mention that this section is an inspiration, because it very much is. This is an Edenic look at the early function of the church, who are marked positively for the wonderful life they shared.

- Luke paints a beautiful picture of the church for us.  They were marked first with unity. They shared the same heart and soul. A few of your translations will read, "heart and mind."

- They shared the same passion and thought along the same lines in agreement.

- Their passion was for the things that made them a church: The Apostle's doctrine, prayers, fellowship and the breaking of bread.

- Their theology was centered around sharing the gospel of the risen Christ.

- Biblically, in the mind of God, this is what church is all about! These are the essentials.

- It was essential to their spiritual lives and each of them lived for those tenets. If we are to be a church that God blesses, this must be our heartbeat as well!

- The second mark was their commonality. This may have been a form of communal living, but it's just as likely that the people did what we have seen happen several times here in our body.

- A need arises and someone or the entire group steps into the gap to meet that need. It's not necessary to believe that they sold everything and gave it to the Apostles to distribute.

- What is necessary to believe is that if that was what was necessary, then this group would have done it!

- The attitude was one that saw things or possessions, as instruments of blessing each other.

- There was a selflessness to the church and a desire to see each person's resource as a way to meet each other's needs.

- One man has remarked that when you have been forgiven of an eternal debt, the things of this earth become lighter in your hands! They belong to the Lord and are available to Him.

- The third mark of the church was great power in sharing the message of the person of Jesus.

- Literally, the church was endued with "mega power!" More than enough, an ample supply. I would suggest to you today that because God's agenda has not changed, that same power is yours!

- The Apostles were able to proclaim with great effectiveness the message of Christ's resurrection. Wherever they went, there was powerful effect.

- Remember that the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as subsequent fillings are primarily for the sake of clearly proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

- I pray that you might not just know that the Apostles and the early church had this power. I pray that you would experience it!

- The fourth mark was great grace, again, the literal rendering would be "mega grace."

- Favor from God was upon them all. There was a congenial atmosphere. The people were attractive and likable, not for their looks, but for their disposition toward one another.

 This was a real community of believers, going so far as to sell off additional properties for the needs of the church.

- When a need arose, there was an announcement and an almost simultaneous, practical response from the body.

- You can almost feel a sense of people trying to out bless other people! It feels as though there was a race to make sure that none of the people in the body had any lack.

- This cannot be worked up or manipulated, so what I say now should be taken with the knowledge that I want God's very best for you: Does this sound familiar to you?

- Are you experiencing these things? I would ask the Lord to change something in my life if something is missing!

II. Illustration (v.36,37)

•  Acts 4:36,37  :  "And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."  :  One illustrative example that was in the church at that time was a man named Joses.

- His name means "exalted" and in a way, it was his action that lifted him up, not because of the value, but because the genuine nature that was displayed by the action.

- Joses was given a nickname by the Apostles who called him "Barnabas." It pointed to what he meant to the church. He had been an encourager.

- I would encourage you to take a concordance and do a word study on what is happening around him whenever he is mentioned. He is a consistent encourager.

- His name in Greek is in the same family as the word for the Holy Spirit. One could say that he was a comforter of God's people.

- I love that we really don't ever hear his real name again in scripture. We always just know him as Barnabas, the son of encouragement.

- Barnabas was a Levite, meaning that he came from the priestly line. He had been living in Cyprus, a small island off of modern day Turkey's mainland.

- He had likely been one of the converts from Peter's first sermon during the feast of Pentecost. But, there was something about Barnabas that was not right at that time.

- Barnabas was a land owner. As a Levite, he was set apart by God for priestly service and was thus not allowed to own land. Land was to be shared with them among all of the tribes.

- God was to be their inheritance, the place of worship was to be their main concern. This leaves us with two possible scenarios.

- First, because of the New Covenant, Barnabas the Levite found himself out of a job! Jesus had fulfilled the law and the prophets and now the temple and it's services were obsolete.

- That is a possibility, but I might lean in another direction. Owning land for a Levite was a variation on a theme. Matthew was a Levite who decided to work for the government!

- I wonder if Barnabas was a lukewarm Levite, who had turned in his priestly gig for a more lucrative position in life. That would not be outside of the realm of possibility.

- Perhaps Barnabas had concerned himself with land and the things of this earth, until God met him! I cannot prove it, but I believe that is why he sold it. It was a recommitment to him.

- God had genuinely moved upon his heart to do this and to bring what he had sold as a gift unto the Lord and the church. He brought all of the proceeds from this sale to the church leadership.

- This was a recommitment and a response to the need that was presented among the body. I wonder if that is how Joses actually got the name Barnabas!

- I imagine that the Apostles had given him the name and it stuck as people learned of the story. This was a beautiful example of a man that was genuinely touched by God.

III. Imitation (5v.1-11)

•  Acts 5:1,2  :  "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet."  : Things are going well, but unfortunately, there is always a "but!" In this case, two of them!

- On the heels of the genuine article comes the genuine imitation!

- The name "Ananias" means "God has graciously given." God had generously blessed this man and his wife Sapphira, whose name means "beautiful."

- This was ultimate power couple. They are the Brad and Angelina of their day!

- Understand the scene. Barnabas, a reforming priest, is given some amount of attention for this generous and charitable action that God prompted him to take.

- Here comes "Rich" and "Beautiful" and they assume that there is some prestige to be gained!

- Barnabas had gained prominence because of his spiritual gifting. These two wanted to work their financial gifting!

- Ananias came up with the plan, Sapphira went with it, to sell a possession, which seems to have been an estate. Barnabas, it seems, sold undeveloped property. This was a full estate.

- Barnabas had given all of the proceeds. Ananias and Sapphira had kept some of it back, but laid out an amount that they agreed to give to the Apostles, which was presented as the full price.

- The issue here is not with the amount that was given, but with the appearance. They were bringing what would have seemed to be the full amount, but left a certain amount out.

- The part that they brought to the Apostle's feet was what they were willing to part with.

•  Acts 5:3-6  :  "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.' Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him."  :  Peter saw right through this. Ananias had come alone to bring this to the Apostles.

- He presented it and instead of receiving an accolade, received a strange, quizzicle look from Peter. He calls him by name and reveals what he knows.

- Peter recognizes Satan's part in this activity. Satan had filled Ananias' heart full. This idea came straight from the pit, from Satan's heart.

- He could not intimidate the Apostles, but he could infiltrate from the rear ranks! This is an important spiritual lesson.

- Pray against attack that would come against me and the board of directors of this church, but never neglect to pray for those in our fellowship who are less visible!

- Satan may not be able to get at the shepherd, but certain sheep are vulnerable to attack! Ananias and Sapphira were willing participants.

- When Israel first came out of Egypt, the Amalkites came out against them, but did not attack the strong and healthy ones. They attacked from the rear, where the old and tired ones were!

- Ultimately, the idea was to lie to the Holy Spirit. Ananias and Sapphira would never have said that explicitly, but this was what they were trying to get away with practically.

- He was not lying to the church or the Apostles. He was attempting to deceive the Holy Spirit by making people believe that their generosity was in full.

- This gift was not required of them. God did not put it on their hearts. The entire thing was for show. Peter tells him that he has lied to God.

- The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are each specifically referred to as God in scripture. You'll want to note that especially with those who only recognize one or two of the trinity.

- When Ananias heard this, immediately he died. Right on the spot. God killed Ananias. One might chalk it up to a heart attack that might have been triggered from Peter's words.

- Whatever the bodily dysfunction, it was God who made it happen. Why? So that the church would fear His holiness and that's what happened!

- The young men, likely apprentices or interns, took care of the body.

•  Acts 5:7-11  :  "Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, 'Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?' She said, 'Yes, for so much.' Then Peter said to her, 'How is it that you have agreed together 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.' Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things."  :  Let's think about this from the standpoint of the young men. It's hot in Jerusalem, much like it is here. They are digging, moving the body into place, covering it, wiping the sweat off.

- They come back into the place and Peter says, "We've got another one for you!"

- Sapphira came in from her tanning treatment, completely oblivious to what had taken place. There were no cell phones and there were no clues.

- Peter answered her, meaning that she was just beginning to wonder about what had happened with the transaction. Why were they not lauding her? Where's Ananias?

- Here is the final moment of mercy. Wherever she had been, it had been three more hours of merciful restraint on God's part. She had three hours left to decide how to answer this question.

- Should she tell the truth? I wonder if there was any moment where she thought about caving?

- Whatever had happened in that period of time, it went out the window in this moment.

- When Peter asked her to confirm the story, she defaulted to her fleshly response.

- I'm sure that Peter's tone was not one of accusation, but one of great hope. "Please tell me the truth! Please don't say what I think you will!" As the words left her mouth, Peter sighed.

- Sin is a horrible thing. There is never a joy in a believer's heart in being right!

- When Peter exposed her lied, he used the phrase, "How is that you agreed to test the Spirit."

- She was complicit in her involvement and now shares in her husband's judgement.

- The rich and the beautiful have garnered no favor with God because of their status. Both offended and both received their due penalty.

- God's response to their hypocrisy was swift and it brought a fresh sense of reverence to the church when they heard these things.

- This leaves us with so many questions. Did this ever happen in any other place? Paul told the Corinthians that their hypocrisy around the communion table was the cause of sickness and death.

- Does this mean that sickness comes to a believer because of sin? It may not always be the case, but it's wrong to assume that it is never the case!

- Let's go further: Were Ananias and Sapphira believers? I'm going to say yes. AH, but the word says that Satan filled their hearts! How can that be?

- Satan, the organization, is always trying to influence. A believer who does not run from sin opens the door to that influence. A believer who lives in sin allows that sin to run it's course.

- Sin, when it is fully grown can have only one affect upon a person. Sin brings death! The lesson is the same here: Hypocrisy brings death! But physical death? Maybe.

- In many ways, this death was even more gracious! The church could not further be infected by their hypocrisy. In fact, they were purified as a result.

- Additionally, the Lord acted graciously toward these believers who would not refuse that which was most dangerous to them. They kept walking toward fire and God said, "No more!"

- Acting as though you are something when you are really not will not work at all for you. God will not kill you, per se, but the work that He intends to do in, through and for you, will die!

- As a result, there will be an emptiness that you live with as you will feel as though nobody knows or cares about you.

- Annanias and Sapphira likely went through all of this to earn the favor of God's people, but neglected to understand that God's favor was enough for them!

Conclusion

- As we close today, I want to draw your attention to what can be yours. True fellowship with God, which results in true fellowship with His people. That necessitates an authentic life.

- Don't be a hypocrite! Be what God wants you to be. Live and give in the way that He has intended you to.

- If your living in some form of hypocrisy, end your stay in sin today! Consider this message a warning, not from me and not regarding life or death. Consider it a loving invitation to life from God!