Integrity and Unity in the Early Church

Summary

### Summary

On this Labor Day weekend, we gathered to delve into the book of Acts, particularly focusing on the early church's dynamics and the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 4:34-5:11. The early church, often referred to as the first church, was a remarkable community where believers shared everything in common, ensuring no one was in need. This was a time of great unity and generosity, exemplified by individuals like Barnabas, who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles without seeking recognition or reward.

However, the story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a stark contrast. They sold a piece of property but deceitfully kept back part of the proceeds while pretending to donate the entire amount. This act of hypocrisy and lying to the Holy Spirit resulted in their immediate deaths, instilling great fear among the believers. This narrative underscores the seriousness of sin, especially within the church, and the importance of integrity and honesty before God.

The early church faced many challenges, including persecution and internal sin. Yet, it thrived because of the Holy Spirit's guidance and the believers' commitment to each other and to God. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder that God is holy and just, and that deceit and hypocrisy have severe consequences. It also highlights the need for reverence and respect when approaching God, recognizing that He sees and knows all.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of genuine repentance and the need to conform our lives to Christ's standards. The early church's example of generosity and commitment challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are living with integrity and honesty before God and others.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Early Church's Unity and Generosity: The early church was marked by a profound sense of unity and generosity, where believers shared everything in common to ensure no one was in need. This selfless community spirit is a powerful example for us today, reminding us of the importance of caring for one another and being generous with our resources. [30:05]

2. The Seriousness of Sin: The story of Ananias and Sapphira highlights the seriousness of sin, especially within the church. Their deceit and hypocrisy in lying about their donation led to their immediate deaths, demonstrating that God takes sin seriously and that there are severe consequences for dishonesty and hypocrisy. [38:13]

3. Integrity Before God: Ananias and Sapphira's story underscores the importance of integrity and honesty before God. They sought recognition without genuine sacrifice, and their actions were exposed by the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that God sees and knows all, and we must live with integrity, being honest in our dealings and sincere in our commitments. [41:11]

4. Reverence and Respect for God: The fear that came upon the early church after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a reminder of the need for reverence and respect when approaching God. We must recognize His holiness and approach Him with a heart of repentance, understanding that He is both loving and just. [53:18]

5. The Call to Conformity: To experience revival and spiritual growth, we must conform our lives to Christ's standards. This involves daily repentance, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and striving to live in a way that honors God. Justification is a process, and we must continually seek to align our lives with God's will. [01:23:06]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [28:46] - Introduction to Acts
3. [30:05] - Establishment of the First Church
4. [31:19] - Challenges of the Early Church
5. [32:37] - Unity and Generosity in the Early Church
6. [33:44] - The Reality of Sin in the Church
7. [35:02] - Hypocrisy and Integrity
8. [36:25] - Justification and Daily Repentance
9. [38:13] - The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
10. [41:11] - Consequences of Deceit
11. [42:37] - Satan's Schemes Against the Church
12. [43:52] - Generosity and Judgment
13. [45:08] - Community of Commitment
14. [47:18] - Misinterpretations of Scripture
15. [53:18] - Reverence and Respect for God
16. [01:23:06] - Call to Conformity
17. [01:28:22] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:34-5:11 (ESV)
> "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. 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
1. What was the practice of the early church regarding their possessions and resources? (Acts 4:34-35)
2. How did Barnabas demonstrate his commitment to the early church community? (Acts 4:36-37)
3. What was the specific sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira, and what were the immediate consequences? (Acts 5:1-5) [38:13]
4. How did the early church react to the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira? (Acts 5:11) [53:18]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church placed such a high value on unity and generosity? How does this reflect their understanding of community and faith? [30:05]
2. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach us about the seriousness of sin and the importance of integrity within the church? [38:13]
3. How does the reaction of the early church to the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira highlight the need for reverence and respect for God? [53:18]
4. In what ways does the call to conform our lives to Christ's standards challenge our daily actions and decisions? [01:23:06]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the unity and generosity of the early church. How can you contribute to fostering a similar spirit of community and support within our church today? [30:05]
2. The story of Ananias and Sapphira underscores the importance of honesty and integrity. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with honesty? How can you seek to improve in these areas? [38:13]
3. Consider the fear and reverence that came upon the early church after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God in our personal and communal worship? [53:18]
4. The sermon emphasized the need for genuine repentance. Is there a specific sin or area of your life that you need to repent of and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take steps towards genuine repentance this week? [01:23:06]
5. How can you ensure that your actions and commitments are aligned with Christ's standards, especially in areas where you might be seeking recognition or reward? [41:11]
6. Reflect on the importance of daily repentance and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your spiritual routine? [36:25]
7. The early church faced many challenges but thrived due to their commitment to each other and to God. How can you strengthen your commitment to our church community and to God in the face of personal challenges? [31:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity and Generosity in the Early Church
The early church was a remarkable community characterized by profound unity and generosity. Believers shared everything in common, ensuring that no one was in need. This selfless community spirit is a powerful example for us today, reminding us of the importance of caring for one another and being generous with our resources. The story of Barnabas, who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles without seeking recognition or reward, exemplifies this spirit of generosity. In a world often driven by individualism and materialism, the early church's example challenges us to live differently, prioritizing the well-being of others and fostering a sense of community.

This unity and generosity were not just about material possessions but also about a shared commitment to the mission of the church and to each other. The believers were united in their purpose and their love for one another, which allowed them to face challenges and persecution with resilience. As we reflect on this, we are called to examine our own lives and communities, asking ourselves how we can better embody this spirit of unity and generosity in our daily interactions and relationships. [30:05]

Acts 4:32-33 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."

Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your community this week, not just with your resources but also with your time and attention?

Day 2: The Seriousness of Sin
The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 highlights the seriousness of sin, especially within the church. Their deceit and hypocrisy in lying about their donation led to their immediate deaths, demonstrating that God takes sin seriously and that there are severe consequences for dishonesty and hypocrisy. This narrative serves as a sobering reminder that sin is not to be taken lightly, and that integrity and honesty are crucial in our relationship with God and with others.

Sin, particularly within the church, can have devastating effects on the community. It undermines trust, damages relationships, and hinders the work of the Holy Spirit. The early church thrived because of the believers' commitment to each other and to God, and their willingness to address sin and maintain purity within the community. As we reflect on this story, we are reminded of the importance of genuine repentance and the need to conform our lives to Christ's standards. [38:13]

James 4:17 (ESV): "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been dishonest or hypocritical? How can you seek God's forgiveness and make amends today?

Day 3: Integrity Before God
Ananias and Sapphira's story underscores the importance of integrity and honesty before God. They sought recognition without genuine sacrifice, and their actions were exposed by the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that God sees and knows all, and we must live with integrity, being honest in our dealings and sincere in our commitments. Integrity is not just about outward actions but also about the condition of our hearts and our motives.

Living with integrity means being consistent in our actions, words, and thoughts, aligning them with God's truth and standards. It involves being truthful even when it is difficult or inconvenient and being faithful in our commitments to God and others. As we reflect on this, we are challenged to examine our own lives and ask ourselves whether we are living with integrity and honesty before God. [41:11]

Proverbs 10:9 (ESV): "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking recognition without genuine sacrifice? How can you realign your motives and actions to reflect true integrity before God?

Day 4: Reverence and Respect for God
The fear that came upon the early church after the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a reminder of the need for reverence and respect when approaching God. We must recognize His holiness and approach Him with a heart of repentance, understanding that He is both loving and just. Reverence for God involves acknowledging His greatness, His authority, and His righteousness, and responding with awe, worship, and obedience.

Reverence and respect for God also mean taking sin seriously and striving to live in a way that honors Him. It involves a deep awareness of His presence and a commitment to living according to His will. As we reflect on this, we are called to cultivate a heart of reverence and respect for God, recognizing that He is worthy of our highest honor and devotion. [53:18]

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: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and respect for God in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect His holiness?

Day 5: The Call to Conformity
To experience revival and spiritual growth, we must conform our lives to Christ's standards. This involves daily repentance, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and striving to live in a way that honors God. Justification is a process, and we must continually seek to align our lives with God's will. Conformity to Christ means allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, shaping our character, our desires, and our actions to reflect His image.

This process of conformity requires intentionality and commitment. It involves regular self-examination, confession of sin, and a willingness to be molded by God's Word and Spirit. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead and guide us in every aspect of our lives. [01:23:06]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting conformity to Christ's standards? How can you take a step today to surrender that area to Him and seek His transformation?

Quotes

1. "I love the book of Acts because we get a glimpse in time of what the early church was doing and why it worked so well. And you see a whole bunch of things that the church is doing. And, and you really got to be careful not to, make some, some things in the Bible there, there's a pattern of things that people do, but it's not necessarily a practice." [28:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus comes, he fulfills his ministry and he goes back to heaven. And so then what does, what do the disciples do? They go back and pray. They pray for a few days. The Holy Spirit comes upon them. They start speaking in tongues at Pentecost. All these people see Jerusalem. And again, this is God's holy ordained. He knows everything from the moment the earth was created. He knew that this would happen." [30:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The incredible thing about the church is that Christ will take all of us, all of us in this room and he can do something with all of us so that we can all do. If we were to just, if we were to go down the road and try to start a restaurant as this church, everybody's involved and we're starting a restaurant. I don't even know that we could decide on a menu or a building with as many people as are in this room. But when we come together under the banner of Jesus Christ, there's powerful things that we can do as a church and we're all sinners." [35:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Justification through Jesus Christ is not all of a sudden, I'm better, right? It's a, it's a daily waking up. Let the Holy Spirit change me today. Let the Holy Spirit change me the next day. And if it doesn't happen, Hey, the next day, do it the next day. Do it. There's, there's, there's things in me that Christ has been working on for years. And there's things that he's going to continue to work on. And the new Testament says that at that day, he will bring it to completion. We're not going to be perfect on this side of heaven. We're just not, that's not going to happen." [36:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you are a true believer of Jesus' Christ, yes, you can step out and do stupid things. And I've seen it happen over and over again. You can easily step out and be tempted, but it does not mean that you're going to hell. So I want to preface this that that's the perspective that I'm coming at this from, and how I'm going to be interpreting it this morning, just so you know, just so you understand." [41:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Satan has thought he's got Jesus, and he thinks he's one at the cross. But instead, obviously, like we know, Jesus rose from the dead, and he went back to heaven. So now what does Satan do? Just like he did at the very beginning, he turns his attack from focusing on Jesus while he was here. Now he's going after God's people. He's going to scheme after the church because he couldn't get Jesus. So now he's like, well, if Jesus has to establish this church, so if he's going to establish it, that's what I'm going to go after." [42:37] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you have lands today that you want to sell, notice it says lands, houses, plural. If you have multiple and you want to sell it and you want to give it all to the church, please do. Find somebody, find Shelly, find somebody after church and let us know that's your intention, because we're glad we take it. But I think it was a practice that fit within this time period." [45:08] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I think a lot of times we just skip we step over Jesus and what he did at the cross to walk into the throne room to say hey Jeannie can I get my three wishes this morning my family's sick my finances are struggling and we're doing that thank you and we turn and we walk right back out." [01:16:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The sun will burn your eyes at 92 million miles away and you expect to repair your future through faith always casually stroll into the presence of its creator you expect to look at something that can burn your eyes blind from 92 million miles away yet the creator of that you just think we just think we can just stroll into his presence however we want." [01:17:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If we will conform our actions and our thoughts to Christ we won't fall into what Ananias and Sapphira have done you'll stay out of the deep ditch you'll stay out of the lane there that they fell into and of course like I said at the very beginning you'll always be a child of God just because you step into sin doesn't mean you're too far gone because if you think you're too far gone what you're saying what Jesus did at the cross wasn't enough that I've gone further than what Jesus can do and that's wrong it's a lie you are never too far gone." [01:24:35] (31 seconds) ( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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