Living with Integrity

Message on 13th April - by Ps Jeremy

Text Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God."
5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."
9Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."
10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

1. Key points
It was not a crime but a sin
Many similar examples of God’s judgement – Eg Exodus 4:24; Joshua 7 ; 1 Chronicle 20
Peter asked “why” in Act 5:3 & 5;9

2. The symptoms

The problem here is not just lying, but lying when the Holy Spirit’s presence was so real
An attempt at defying authority, gaining recognition and significance
Live up to your name – what does Barnabas, Ananias & Sapphira mean?

3. We do not know when is the trigger point of “NO RETURN”

There is a pattern – strict holiness is often demanded on the embryonic stage of a new community
God cares about the motive
Watch Out for “trigger point” for a personal & spiritual disaster

4. Holiness is NOT an option
Holiness and repentance is not an option if you want to see the earth shakes and great things happens
But God has promised us that we will go places and achieve great things