Fear God & Keep His Commandments, Acts 5:1-11
August 4, 2023

SERMON NOTES

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Acts 5:1-11

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

I. The Church’s Offerings.

II. The Church’s Power.

III. The Church’s Discipline.

GROUP STUDY

READ

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REVIEW

What happenend at the end of chapter 4 that probably led Ananias and Sapphira to develop their plan?

What did Ananias and Sapphira do?

What was the problem with what they did?

What happened to them?

REFLECT

Why do you think the Lord was so harsh towards Ananias and Sapphira?

What role does formative discipline play in the church?

What role does corrective discipline play in the church?

How does this story strengthen your belief in the divine personality of the Holy Spirit and His place within the Trinity?

Is there a particular part of this story that blesses you or troubles you? Discuss.

RESPOND

Privately confess any lie you may have told to someone or the Lord and make ammends or restitution as necessary.