Sunday, July 17, 2022
“Authenticity (Don’t Get Carried Away)”
Acts 5:1-11
Memory Verse: “You have not lied to men but to God.” – Acts 5:4d
Big Idea: Authenticity (not pretending to be something you’re not) is crucial to our witness as ambassadors of Christ to the world.
1. Character v. Appearances
“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 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.” – Acts 4:36 – 5:2 (ESV)
“The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” – Luke 18:11-13
2. Punishment v. Protection
“When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.” – Acts 5:5
“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. 12 That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.’” – Josh. 7:10-12
3. Your Glory v. God’s Glory
“Then 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? 4 Didn’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.” – Acts 5:3-4
Reflection Questions
Take two minutes in silence to reflect on the message and think about the following questions. This is between you and God – you will not be asked to share your responses.
1. What am I expecting to get out of what I do in giving/service?
2. In what ways does my motivation build the kingdom or bring glory to God? In what ways does my motivation center more on me?
3. What might need to change for my thoughts, motivation and/or actions to be more authentic?
Discussion Questions
Take ten minutes to discuss the following questions at your table:
1. What do we observe about God in this passage, particularly in light of His character?
2. If we believe as Paul did that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21), why do we consider death the ultimate punishment? What else is possible if we view life, death and eternity differently?
3. What does this passage (and others) tell us about God’s view of authenticity vs hypocrisy, character vs appearances?
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, July 20 City Prayer
7:00-7:45am at steps of HB City Hall
2000 Main St., Huntington Beach
Friday, July 22 & Summer Harvest
Saturday, July 23 Food packing from 1-3pm Friday – King Elementary, Cypress
Food distribution Saturday – various times and locations
Sign up at: www.summerharvest.us/event
Thursday, July 28 – Baja Love Outreach
Monday, August 1 Christmas in July Trip
Donate at https://www.bajaloveoutreach.com/donate-here