Boldness, Prayer, and Integrity in the Early Church
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Acts 4 and 5, continuing from where we left off in Acts 3 and 4. We revisited the miraculous healing of the lame man by Peter and John, which led to their arrest not for the miracle, but for their bold proclamation of Jesus as the only way to salvation. Despite the threats from the Sanhedrin, Peter and John stood firm, declaring that they could not help but speak about what they had seen and heard. This boldness was fueled by their unwavering belief in Jesus and their commitment to His mission.
When Peter and John returned to the believers, the first thing they did was pray, setting an example for us to always turn to God first in times of trouble. They prayed for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel despite the threats they faced. Their prayer was answered as the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak the word of God boldly.
We also examined the early church's communal living, where believers shared everything they had, ensuring no one was in need. This was not just an act of survival but a profound demonstration of their understanding that everything they had belonged to God. This led us to the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their giving and faced severe consequences. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationship with God.
The overarching theme is the call to live holy lives, filled with boldness and integrity, driven by a healthy fear of the Lord. This fear is not about being terrified but about having a deep respect and reverence for God's holiness, which compels us to live in a way that honors Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel: Peter and John’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming Jesus as the only way to salvation, despite threats and persecution, serves as a powerful example for us. Their boldness was rooted in their deep conviction and personal experience with Jesus. We too are called to pray for and exhibit such boldness in our witness, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to speak the truth without fear. [02:46]
2. The Power of Prayer: The first response of Peter and John upon facing threats was to pray. This highlights the importance of turning to God first in times of trouble. Their prayer was not just for protection but for boldness to continue their mission. This teaches us to prioritize prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation, and to incorporate Scripture into our prayers, grounding them in God’s promises. [05:23]
3. Living in Community and Generosity: The early church’s practice of sharing everything they had ensured that no one was in need. This was a profound demonstration of their understanding that everything belongs to God. It challenges us to view our possessions as God’s and to be generous, not out of excess but out of a heart that recognizes God’s grace and provision. [14:20]
4. The Seriousness of Sin and Deception: The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder of how seriously God takes sin, especially deception. Their attempt to lie about their giving resulted in severe consequences, underscoring the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationship with God. It calls us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are living transparently before God and others. [29:43]
5. A Healthy Fear of the Lord: A healthy fear of God, which includes both reverence for His holiness and appreciation for His grace, is essential for living a holy life. This fear compels us to turn from sin and strive for purity, knowing that God is both a loving Father and a righteous Judge. Balancing this fear with an understanding of God’s love helps us to draw near to Him and live in a way that honors Him. [36:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Peter and John’s Boldness
[03:34] - Response to Threats
[05:23] - The Power of Prayer
[07:05] - Filled with the Holy Spirit
[08:35] - Praying for Boldness
[10:01] - Spiritual Warfare
[11:29] - Early Church Generosity
[13:01] - Survival and Generosity
[14:20] - Understanding Stewardship
[17:55] - Focus on God’s Grace
[19:10] - Changing Desires
[20:37] - Financial Stewardship
[22:32] - Ananias and Sapphira’s Deception
[24:32] - Consequences of Deception
[27:29] - Teaching Integrity
[30:22] - The Sin of Deception
[32:17] - God’s Message on Holiness
[34:01] - Unique Judgment
[36:18] - Balancing Fear and Love
[37:43] - Respect for Authority
[39:04] - Call to Holiness
[40:02] - Immersing in God’s Word
[41:18] - Healthy Fear of God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:12-31
- Acts 4:32-37
- Acts 5:1-11
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of Peter and John when they were threatened by the Sanhedrin? How did they respond to the threats? ([02:46])
2. What was the first action Peter and John took after being released from the Sanhedrin? ([05:23])
3. How did the early church demonstrate their understanding that everything they had belonged to God? ([14:20])
4. What was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira, and what were the consequences of their actions? ([29:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter and John were able to stand firm and speak boldly despite the threats from the Sanhedrin? ([03:34])
2. How does the early church's practice of communal living challenge our modern views on possessions and generosity? ([14:20])
3. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach us about the seriousness of sin and deception in the eyes of God? ([29:43])
4. How can a healthy fear of the Lord influence our daily lives and decisions? ([36:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Peter and John prayed for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel despite threats. How can you incorporate prayer for boldness in your daily life? ([05:23])
2. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. Did you turn to God first in prayer? How can you make prayer your first response in future challenges? ([05:23])
3. The early church shared everything they had to ensure no one was in need. How can you practice generosity in your community or church? ([14:20])
4. Ananias and Sapphira's story highlights the importance of honesty and integrity. Are there areas in your life where you need to be more transparent with God and others? ([29:43])
5. How can you cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord that balances reverence for His holiness with appreciation for His grace? ([36:18])
6. Think about your current financial habits. Do they reflect a belief that everything you have belongs to God? What changes can you make to align your financial stewardship with biblical principles? ([14:20])
7. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions honor God and reflect a life of holiness? ([36:18])
Devotional
### Day 1: Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel
Peter and John’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming Jesus as the only way to salvation, despite threats and persecution, serves as a powerful example for us. Their boldness was rooted in their deep conviction and personal experience with Jesus. We too are called to pray for and exhibit such boldness in our witness, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to speak the truth without fear. [02:46]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you pray for boldness and trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in that situation today?
### Day 2: The Power of Prayer
The first response of Peter and John upon facing threats was to pray. This highlights the importance of turning to God first in times of trouble. Their prayer was not just for protection but for boldness to continue their mission. This teaches us to prioritize prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation, and to incorporate Scripture into our prayers, grounding them in God’s promises. [05:23]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: When faced with challenges, do you turn to prayer first? How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, especially in times of trouble?
### Day 3: Living in Community and Generosity
The early church’s practice of sharing everything they had ensured that no one was in need. This was a profound demonstration of their understanding that everything belongs to God. It challenges us to view our possessions as God’s and to be generous, not out of excess but out of a heart that recognizes God’s grace and provision. [14:20]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your attitude towards your possessions. How can you practice generosity in a way that reflects your understanding that everything you have belongs to God?
### Day 4: The Seriousness of Sin and Deception
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder of how seriously God takes sin, especially deception. Their attempt to lie about their giving resulted in severe consequences, underscoring the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationship with God. It calls us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are living transparently before God and others. [29:43]
Proverbs 12:22 (ESV): "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are not being completely honest with God or others? What steps can you take today to live with greater integrity and transparency?
### Day 5: A Healthy Fear of the Lord
A healthy fear of God, which includes both reverence for His holiness and appreciation for His grace, is essential for living a holy life. This fear compels us to turn from sin and strive for purity, knowing that God is both a loving Father and a righteous Judge. Balancing this fear with an understanding of God’s love helps us to draw near to Him and live in a way that honors Him. [36:18]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: How does your understanding of God’s holiness and love influence your daily actions? What changes can you make to live in a way that honors God more fully?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The first thing they do is pray. It's an incredible model for us today. They just immediately go to God in prayer. And this should always be our first go-to. And if we think about it, when we are in times of trouble, when something goes wrong in our day, when a moment comes up, I don't know that all of us can say that the very first thing that we do or we are called to, we know that we stop and we just pray and we go to the Lord." [05:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We should take our concerns, our pain, our confusion, our questions, our fears, and even our praises should always start with God. Go to Him first. Talk with God first. Lay it out before Him. And notice it. They even quote Scripture in their prayer. I want you to see that because I think that's also another point. I won't go deep into that, but you can't include Scripture in your prayer if you don't know Scripture. You've got to have this in your heart and in your mind and when you go before the Lord to draw from it." [06:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We still today, we need to be praying for the Holy Spirit to fill us with boldness as we continue to carry the torch of spreading the gospel message to the world. That doesn't stop with the apostles. The apostles and the early church, this is still, we're supposed to be doing the same thing. We're called to it just as much as they were called to it, to continue to spread the gospel message. And we should be praying for this boldness." [07:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are in a war. And you can't fight this kind of war successfully with just some pep talks and a few good sermons and some therapy. We have to get on our knees and pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us with boldness and courage to speak up and to stand for what we believe in no matter the cost. We need to pray that God will fill us with the same compassion he has for lost people." [10:38] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's healthy to have a healthy fear of the Lord because a healthy fear of God will push us towards living a more holy life. When we repent and place our faith and trust in the perfect work of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven once and for all. But it doesn't mean that we will never sin again. And it also doesn't mean that we can or should live whatever way that we want to live. We are called, you and I are called to live holy lives." [35:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But when Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, they refused to back down. Even though this had to be somewhat scary for them, they saw what they just did to Jesus. Same group of people are brought before, but we saw in Acts 4, verse 12, it said, this is them talking to them. It says, So they lay out the truth without any fear, because they know what they are saying is the truth. There is no other name which we can be saved but through Jesus Christ. And of course, we know that's the same today as well." [01:40] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We know who he is, and if we really believe he is who he says he is, why would we ever want to listen to you over him? He trumps you. And so this is who we're going to follow. This is who we're going to represent. And we're going to do exactly what he called us to do. And so we're going to pick up the story here in verses 23 through 30 of Acts chapter 4." [03:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We should, we know the gospel message. We know what has happened, or if you don't know, read scripture, and you will find it. You will find out. It's not complicated. And if we know that message, we have been called then to spread that message. But so many times we cower in fear because of what somebody may think of, or what somebody may say if we speak up and share the gospel message. So what ends up happening so many times is we say nothing. We cower in fear. We step back." [09:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "They understood a basic lesson. A lesson that I believe so many believers today just don't understand. Or at least they don't believe based on the way they manage their finances. We can say all day, this is what I believe. We know our actions, James, right? Read James. Our actions prove what we believe. It shows we believe. They go together. The early church got it. Nothing they had was truly theirs. And they understood that everything comes from God. That he gives us even the ability to do everything we do." [14:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We start being reminded or even learning for the first time about those things because we're in the word of God. So our focus will change and we will begin to understand that not everything, get this, that not everything we receive is meant to be consumed by us. That is a lesson. I don't think many Christians understand. Not everything that we receive is meant to be consumed by us. Our focus is, is to be God. Here's what I received from you every single week or God, this is what I received from you every two weeks or some of us with what we do for a living." [19:53] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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