Connect
What was the strangest or most unexpected thing you have encountered at church (or elsewhere)?
(Careful to not let it be a gossip-fest, please!)

View The After Party Video https://youtu.be/D1VjGSD7sKw
Feel free to share this link with your Life Group to watch ahead of time or watch together as a group.

Engage
Read Acts 4:32-37.
What is the early church like at this time? How are our lives similar to this?

Then read Acts 5:1-11.
What are your initial thoughts after reading this passage? Does it feel unfair? Why do you think such a strong punishment was applied to a seemingly small set of lies?

This passage reminds us of how CS Lewis describes Aslan (the great lion who is a Christ-like figure in the Chronicles of Narnia series) as he says, “He is not a tame lion”. How does God’s commitment to authenticity challenge you? Does it make you want to adjust your earlier answer to how you live similarly to the early church?

Read Matthew 6:21.
Where do you find yourself tempted to pretend? How does this reveal your treasure to you?

Apply
When have you found yourself acting similar to Ananias and Sapphira and made yourself look better? Consider what prompted you to act that way.

Comparison can be especially dangerous for Christians, as each of us is given unique gifts and passions with which we can serve God and others, but it’s easy to compare ourselves to other Christians who seem to have more “valuable” talents. Have you heard the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy”, and do you think it applies in this case?

How has comparison held you back from using your God-given gifts?

What do you think God might be calling you to do that is uniquely you?

Prayer
Lord, we admit that our aim is often to impress or gain status in front of our peers, when instead we should seek your heart first. Remind us that we are blessed to be blessing others and that status and earthly gains are nothing in the shadow of a relationship with you. Help us to look inward and upward when we feel the urge to compare ourselves or when feelings of inadequacy creep in. Show us where we can use our individual gifts to let your kingdom come, your will be done through us. Amen

Bonus
God’s commitment to authenticity is seen throughout the Bible and in our lives today. Take a look at how Joshua 7:19-21 parallels the story in Acts (based on God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 7:1-2). God holds the Israelites to the same standard of purity as He established the Promised Land just like as He established the new church and wants the same from us today.