Message: Ananias and Sapphira
Speaker: Ben Horseman & Chris Nation
DAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
Read Acts 5:1-10
To understand this passage, back up and read Acts 4:32-37
Did you notice? These Believers were "one in heart and mind"...this is a figure of speech that means they shared a united purpose or goal or vision as a community, and this purpose was all about Jesus.
DISCUSSION
-What does it look like today for us to be "one in heart and mind"? What is our united purpose, goal or vison practically speaking?
Jesus himself told us how to live in community:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
Than John echoed these command:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 1 John 3:16
DISCUSSION
-How does this play out for us as a church or a small group or community? How does this play out in your live individually?
-What are ways that we can be more intentional to love one another as we have been loved? Is there a certain tug on your heart?
DISCUSSION
-In Acts 5 we see the story of Ananias and Sapphira. How did they miss this message?
-What was missing? They were giving, but something about their heart posture and integrity was off.
-How can we get off track? We can be doing the right things with the wrong heart posture. How does that play out in our context?
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
DISCUSSION
-We tend to seek the approval of people. How does that play out in your live?
-What changes do you need to make to seek the approval of God above all others?
Looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira: Abraham Haschel says:
“His wrath is not regarded as an emotional outburst, as an irrational fit, but rather as a part of His continual care.”
DISCUSSION
-How is God's intervention a protection in our lives?
-How have you seen this protection in your own life?
The truth is, we have all, like Ananias and Sapphira, have sinned and deserve death instead of life. But the Good News is this:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5
DISCUSSION
-How is this great news for your live?
-Who in your life needs this great news? How can you pray for them?
This is a story of ungodly and selfish motives? How can you guard your heart to keep Jesus at the center of all you do and where you point the attention?