Authenticity and Integrity: A Call to True Faith

Devotional

Day 1: You Cannot Hide Your Sin from God

God sees beyond our outward actions and into the true state of our hearts, no matter how well we may fool others. Like Ananias and Sapphira, we may be tempted to present ourselves as more generous, holy, or committed than we really are, but God is not interested in the show—He desires integrity and authenticity. Just as a parent knows to look under the bed for hidden messes, God knows what we try to keep out of sight. Instead of pretending, we are called to be honest with ourselves, with each other, and most importantly, with God, trusting that He values our genuine hearts over any image we try to project. [52:48]

Acts 5:1-11 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been pretending before others or before God? What would it look like to bring that hidden part into the light today?

Day 2: God Desires Hearts, Not Just Outward Worship

It is possible to honor God with our lips and actions while our hearts remain far from Him, but God is not fooled by empty rituals or religious appearances. True worship is not about following traditions or impressing others, but about a heart that is genuinely surrendered to God. When we teach or live out faith as a set of rules or performances, we miss the point and risk becoming the very hypocrites Jesus warned about. God wants our hearts to be close to Him, not just our words or our Sunday best. [01:09:11]

Matthew 15:7-9 (ESV)
You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself going through the motions of faith without truly engaging your heart? How can you intentionally draw near to God in sincerity today?

Day 3: Our Actions Reveal Our True Belief

It is not enough to claim to know God; our lives must reflect that relationship. When our actions contradict our profession of faith, we deny Him by our works and become unfit for the good God desires to do through us. God takes seriously the damage that hypocrisy does to His church and to our witness in the world. Instead of striving for a reputation, we are called to let our lives be transformed so that our deeds match our confession, living out the purity and authenticity that God desires. [01:09:11]

Titus 1:15-16 (ESV)
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Reflection: Is there a place in your life where your actions are not lining up with what you say you believe? What is one step you can take today to bring your actions and your faith into alignment?

Day 4: The Struggle Against Sin Is a Mark of Genuine Faith

Even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin, doing what he hated and failing to do what he desired, but the key is that he struggled—he did not make peace with his sin. The Christian life is not about perfection, but about a continual striving to become more like Christ, feeling genuine sorrow when we fall short and relying on God’s grace to keep moving forward. If we are comfortable with our sin or expect God and others to simply accept it, we miss the heart of discipleship. The struggle itself is evidence that God is at work in us, shaping us into His image. [01:09:11]

Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Reflection: When you fall short or struggle with sin, does it break your heart and drive you to God, or have you become numb to it? What is one way you can invite God into your struggle today?

Day 5: God’s Holiness Demands Our Reverence and Authenticity

God’s holiness is not to be taken lightly or played with; He is not interested in outward appearances or empty gestures, but in a church that is marked by awe, authenticity, and holy living. The fear of the Lord is not about terror, but about a deep recognition that God is God and we are not, and that He has the right and authority to shape our lives as He sees fit. When we respect God’s presence and sovereignty, we become a set-apart people who reflect His glory to the world, trusting His goodness even when we do not understand His ways. [01:30:30]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV)
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Reflection: Where in your life have you lost a sense of awe and reverence for God’s holiness? What is one practical way you can honor His presence and sovereignty today?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered as a family—both in person and online—to reflect on one of the most sobering stories in the New Testament: the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. Their story is a powerful reminder that God sees beyond our outward actions and into the true condition of our hearts. While the early church was marked by radical generosity and authenticity, Ananias and Sapphira sought the appearance of sacrifice without the reality, attempting to deceive not just their community, but God Himself. Their tragic end is not about God’s need for money or perfection, but about the seriousness with which He regards integrity, honesty, and the purity of His church.

We explored how easy it is to fall into the trap of “playing church”—putting on a show of faith while hiding sin or brokenness. God is not interested in our image or reputation; He desires our hearts, our honesty, and our willingness to be transformed. The story challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we living authentically before God and others, or are we hiding behind a mask of religiosity? Are we striving to follow Christ, even as we struggle and fall, or have we become comfortable with a lukewarm faith?

We also considered the nature of God’s holiness and sovereignty. God’s ways are higher than ours, and sometimes His actions are beyond our understanding. Yet, we are called to a deep reverence—a “fear of the Lord” that is not terror, but awe and respect. This reverence should lead us to honest self-examination, repentance, and a renewed commitment to live out our faith with integrity.

Finally, the invitation was extended to all—whether you’ve been pretending, struggling, or have never truly put your faith in Jesus—to come honestly before God. He offers forgiveness, transformation, and relationship, not because we are perfect, but because of His grace through Christ. Today is the day to lay down pretense, to seek authenticity, and to step into the fullness of life that God offers.

Key Takeaways

1. God Sees Beyond the Surface No matter how well we present ourselves to others, God knows the true state of our hearts. We may fool people with outward acts of generosity or piety, but God is not deceived by appearances. He desires integrity and authenticity, not just religious performance. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a warning that hidden sin cannot remain hidden from God. [52:48]
2. The Danger of Hypocrisy in Community Hypocrisy damages not only our relationship with God but also the witness and health of the church. When we seek the approval of others more than the approval of God, we risk becoming like Ananias and Sapphira—valuing reputation over reality. True Christian community is built on honesty, vulnerability, and mutual support, not on pretending to have it all together. [69:11]
3. Struggle is Part of the Christian Life Even the Apostle Paul confessed to struggling with sin and falling short of his own ideals. The mark of genuine faith is not perfection, but a continual striving after Christ and a brokenness over our failures. If our sin no longer grieves us, we must ask whether we are truly pursuing God or simply going through the motions. [76:58]
4. God’s Holiness Demands Reverence God’s presence among His people is not to be taken lightly. The fear of the Lord is not about being terrified, but about having a deep awe and respect for His holiness and authority. Sometimes, God’s actions may seem severe or mysterious, but we are called to trust His wisdom and sovereignty, even when we do not understand. [90:30]
5. Authenticity Invites Transformation God is not looking for perfect people, but for honest ones. When we bring our real selves—our struggles, doubts, and failures—before Him, He meets us with grace and the power to change. Today is always the right day to stop pretending, to confess, and to step into a genuine relationship with Jesus, trusting that His forgiveness and love are enough. [93:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:56] - Online Greetings & Announcements
[12:02] - Sunday Funday & Youth Ministry Updates
[18:30] - Introduction to Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira
[24:45] - The Danger of Hidden Sin
[32:10] - Outward Appearances vs. Inward Reality
[38:55] - Personal Stories of Hypocrisy and Authenticity
[45:20] - God’s Response to Deceit in the Church
[52:48] - The Heart of the Issue: Integrity Before God
[61:00] - The Struggle with Sin: Paul’s Confession
[69:11] - The Damage of Hypocrisy in the Church
[76:58] - Are We Truly Striving After Christ?
[83:00] - God’s Holiness and Our Reverence
[90:30] - Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Suffering
[93:45] - A Call to Authenticity and Response
[96:15] - Closing Worship & Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 5:1-11 (ESV) — 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.

Observation Questions

What did Ananias and Sapphira do with the money from the sale of their property, and what was their motivation for doing it?
How did Peter confront Ananias and Sapphira about their actions? What was the main issue Peter pointed out?
What was the response of the church and those who heard about what happened to Ananias and Sapphira?
According to the sermon, what was God’s real concern in this story—was it about the money, or something deeper?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God responded so severely to Ananias and Sapphira’s deception? What does this say about how God views integrity and honesty in the church?
The sermon talked about the danger of “playing church” and putting on a show of faith. Why is this kind of hypocrisy so damaging to both individuals and the church community?
The pastor mentioned that even Paul struggled with sin and falling short (Romans 7). What does it mean to “strive after Christ” even when we fail? How is this different from just going through the motions?
The “fear of the Lord” is described as awe and respect, not terror. How does this kind of reverence affect the way we live out our faith?

Application Questions

The story of Ananias and Sapphira challenges us to examine our own hearts. Is there any area of your life where you are tempted to hide sin or put on a mask for others? What would it look like to bring that into the light?
The sermon warned against valuing reputation over reality. Are there ways you find yourself seeking approval from people more than from God? How can you shift your focus this week?
The pastor shared about his own struggles and the importance of not pretending to have it all together. What would it look like for our group to be a place of honesty and vulnerability, rather than pretense?
When you fail or fall short, does it grieve you and lead you back to God, or do you find yourself becoming numb or comfortable with “lukewarm” faith? What steps can you take to keep your heart soft toward God?
The “fear of the Lord” means having a deep respect for God’s holiness and authority. Is there an area of your life where you need to grow in reverence for God? How might that change your decisions or attitudes this week?
The invitation at the end of the sermon was to come honestly before God, whether you’ve been pretending, struggling, or have never truly put your faith in Jesus. What would it look like for you to respond to that invitation today?
Think about your online presence or the way you act outside of church. Does your life reflect authenticity and faith in Jesus, or is there a gap between your Sunday self and your everyday self? What’s one practical change you could make this week?

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