Living Authentically: Embracing Truth in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today's message emphasizes the importance of authenticity and truthfulness in our walk with God. We are called to shout the name of Jesus in the darkness over every enemy, recognizing that our strength and victory come from Him. The sermon highlights the necessity of repentance and the daily struggle against our carnal nature. It underscores that our actions and thoughts must align with God's word, which is the highest authority.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira from the book of Acts serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of deceit. Their attempt to lie to the Holy Spirit resulted in immediate judgment, illustrating that God values integrity and truth. This narrative teaches us that sin is serious, and we must uphold holiness and integrity in our lives. The fear of God should lead us to genuine repentance and a commitment to live authentically.
The message also touches on the broader implications of deceit, both in the church and in the marketplace. Examples like the Enron scandal and personal anecdotes illustrate how lies can lead to broken trust and severe consequences. The call to authenticity is not just for personal holiness but also for the unity and purity of the church. We are reminded that God sees our hearts and that our actions should reflect our faith genuinely.
In conclusion, the call to live an authentic life is a call to align our actions, words, and thoughts with the truth of God's word. This authenticity will attract God's anointing and favor, leading to a deeper connection with Him and with others. The message ends with a call to repentance and a prayer for divine favor and authenticity in all aspects of life.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Jesus' Name: Shouting the name of Jesus in the darkness over every enemy signifies our reliance on His power and authority. It is a declaration of faith that Jesus is our protector and deliverer, capable of overcoming any adversary we face. This act of faith is a reminder that our battles are not fought with human strength but with divine power. [28:28]
2. The Necessity of Repentance: Repentance is not just a one-time act but a daily practice. It involves acknowledging our sins, both seen and unseen, and seeking God's forgiveness. This process keeps us humble and aligned with God's will, reminding us that our carnal nature must be continually subdued by the Holy Spirit. [30:34]
3. The Seriousness of Sin: The story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of deceit and hypocrisy. Their immediate judgment serves as a warning that God takes sin seriously, and we must strive to live lives of integrity and truth. This narrative calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions align with our professed faith. [41:08]
4. Authenticity in the Marketplace: Deceit in business, like the Enron scandal, shows that lies can lead to catastrophic consequences. Authenticity and transparency are crucial, not just in our personal lives but also in our professional dealings. This integrity builds trust and reflects our commitment to living out our faith in all areas of life. [48:41]
5. Walking in Truth: Living an authentic life means being true to who we are in Christ, without seeking the approval of others. It involves a commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency in all our interactions. This authenticity attracts God's favor and creates a community where people feel genuinely loved and accepted. [01:00:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:28] - Shout Jesus in the Darkness
[29:51] - The Necessity of Repentance
[31:29] - The Corruptible Nature of Man
[33:04] - The Deception of White Lies
[35:06] - God's Lie Detector Test
[36:14] - The Fall of Adam and Eve
[38:32] - Gehazi's Greed and Lies
[39:46] - The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
[41:08] - Consequences of Deceit
[46:04] - The Nature of Satan
[47:16] - The Truth Will Be Exposed
[48:41] - The Enron Scandal
[50:19] - Divine Integrity
[52:02] - Authentic Sermons
[54:13] - Maintaining Deliverance
[55:27] - Consequences of Deceit
[57:17] - Unity in the Church
[58:07] - False Promises in Advertising
[59:08] - The Ponzi Scheme
[01:00:52] - Walking in Truth
[01:06:40] - Seven Core Lessons from Ananias and Sapphira
[01:10:06] - Setting a Precedent for Accountability
[01:18:13] - Call to Authenticity
[01:24:59] - Prayer for Authenticity and Favor
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 5:1-11 (The story of Ananias and Sapphira)
2. Proverbs 19:9 (A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.)
3. John 8:32 (Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the consequence of Ananias and Sapphira's deceit in Acts 5:1-11?
2. According to Proverbs 19:9, what happens to a false witness and those who lie?
3. How does John 8:32 describe the impact of knowing the truth?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the broader implications of deceit in the marketplace? ([48:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the story of Ananias and Sapphira was included in the book of Acts? What lesson does it teach about the seriousness of sin and integrity? ([41:08])
2. How does the call to shout the name of Jesus in the darkness over every enemy relate to our daily struggles and reliance on divine power? ([28:28])
3. What does the necessity of daily repentance reveal about our human nature and our relationship with God? ([30:34])
4. How can the example of the Enron scandal help us understand the importance of authenticity and transparency in our professional lives? ([48:41])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were not completely honest. How did it affect your relationships and trust with others? What steps can you take to ensure greater integrity in your actions moving forward? ([41:08])
2. How can you incorporate the practice of daily repentance into your routine? What specific actions or prayers can help you stay aligned with God's will? ([30:34])
3. In what ways can you shout the name of Jesus in the darkness over your personal struggles or challenges? How can this act of faith change your perspective and approach to these issues? ([28:28])
4. Think about your professional life. Are there areas where you might be tempted to compromise your integrity? How can you commit to authenticity and transparency in your work? ([48:41])
5. How can you foster a culture of authenticity and truthfulness within your small group or church community? What practical steps can you take to encourage others to live authentically? ([01:00:52])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with seeking the approval of others. How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead? ([01:00:52])
7. How can you apply the principle of walking in truth in your daily interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? What changes can you make to ensure your actions and words reflect your faith genuinely? ([01:00:52])
Devotional
Day 1: Declaring Jesus' Power in Darkness
Description: Shouting the name of Jesus in the darkness over every enemy signifies our reliance on His power and authority. It is a declaration of faith that Jesus is our protector and deliverer, capable of overcoming any adversary we face. This act of faith is a reminder that our battles are not fought with human strength but with divine power. When we call upon Jesus, we acknowledge that He is the source of our strength and victory. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful testimony to others about the supremacy of Christ in our lives. [28:28]
Bible Passage: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or challenge you are facing. How can you actively declare the name of Jesus over this situation today?
Day 2: Embracing Daily Repentance
Description: Repentance is not just a one-time act but a daily practice. It involves acknowledging our sins, both seen and unseen, and seeking God's forgiveness. This process keeps us humble and aligned with God's will, reminding us that our carnal nature must be continually subdued by the Holy Spirit. Daily repentance is a way to maintain a close relationship with God, ensuring that our hearts remain pure and our actions reflect His love and truth. By making repentance a regular part of our spiritual routine, we open ourselves to God's transformative power and grace. [30:34]
Bible Passage: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness today? How can you make daily repentance a habit?
Day 3: Understanding the Seriousness of Sin
Description: The story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of deceit and hypocrisy. Their immediate judgment serves as a warning that God takes sin seriously, and we must strive to live lives of integrity and truth. This narrative calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions align with our professed faith. Sin is not something to be taken lightly; it disrupts our relationship with God and others. By recognizing the gravity of sin, we are motivated to pursue holiness and integrity in all aspects of our lives. [41:08]
Bible Passage: "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?'" (Acts 5:3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were tempted to be deceitful. How can you commit to living a life of integrity and truth starting today?
Day 4: Practicing Authenticity in the Marketplace
Description: Deceit in business, like the Enron scandal, shows that lies can lead to catastrophic consequences. Authenticity and transparency are crucial, not just in our personal lives but also in our professional dealings. This integrity builds trust and reflects our commitment to living out our faith in all areas of life. By being honest and transparent in our work, we honor God and set a positive example for others. Authenticity in the marketplace fosters a culture of trust and respect, which is essential for healthy relationships and successful endeavors. [48:41]
Bible Passage: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." (Proverbs 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate authenticity and transparency in your workplace or business dealings today?
Day 5: Walking in Truth
Description: Living an authentic life means being true to who we are in Christ, without seeking the approval of others. It involves a commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency in all our interactions. This authenticity attracts God's favor and creates a community where people feel genuinely loved and accepted. By walking in truth, we build deeper connections with God and others, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect. Authenticity in our daily lives is a powerful witness to the transformative power of Christ. [01:00:52]
Bible Passage: "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice honesty and integrity in your relationships today? What steps can you take to ensure that your actions align with your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When Christ comes, this mortal shall put on immortality. In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, this body, corruptible, will put on incorruption. Right now, it's corrupt. Every day, every human being, somehow or the other, will allow this carnal nature to dominate and to rule. And sometimes it becomes accepted by the majority, even of believers. Because you know why? The flesh in us wants to be loved by everybody. So when something is wrong, we don't look at the scripture to validate, to evaluate, but we rather look to who's saying yes. And if the crowd is big enough, even though we know the Bible says no, we sometimes say yes." [31:29] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word of God is the highest court of appeal. God honors His word above His name. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will never pass away. Him and His word are one. And so in Proverbs 19, 9, it says, a false witness will not go unpunished. And whoever pours out lies, will perish. Yup. This is the Bible. Smith. God's lie detector test." [35:06] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is not human. That He should lie. It's amazing. One of the ways of defining that God is not a human being is by firstly saying that He does not lie. It's amazing how God is defined by not lying. That means this Adamic nature is prone to lies. You are prone to lie. I'm prone to lie. Every moment of every day we prone to lie. It says, not a human being that He should change his mind. We change. We shift like shadows. knows. We say one thing and we do another. Our yay is not our yay. Our yes is not our yes." [50:19] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "John 8, 32. Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. If we claim we have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness and we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Christ his son purifies us from all sin. Philippians 4, verse 8. Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things." [01:02:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus was called a winebibber. He was called a friend of harlots. Jesus? Yeah Jesus. Which Jesus? The same Jesus we're talking about who saved us. He was called a friend of harlots. He was authentic. He was genuine. He went to Zacchaeus' house. What's the son of God doing by a thief at tax collector's house? When he was finished with Zacchaeus he gave the people back four times what he took from them. Zacchaeus' salvation has come to your house today." [01:04:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God always speaks to the house. God is a specific God. He speaks generally to the body of Christ, but he also speaks to a local church. He speaks to a local house where you planted. We believe this word today is for the house, and it's because it impacts the kingdom. So in preparing, I said to the Lord, Lord, what would you have of me in preparation? And the Lord said, repent. So I said, okay, Jesus, forgive me for the things that I have done in my journey that sometimes are not physical. They're internal. No one can see. They are thoughts, they can be expressed verbally. And I said, well, Jesus said, I must repent because every human being, every day, Why? It's simply because the common nature of man," [30:34] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The world is full of high links everybody wants to sell whatever they do in actual fact some places if you invite the person they have a price tag how much you most pay for them to come and minister hailing'saban Qoran He followed afterwards, and you know what happened? Because of the lies he told, Elisha spoke the leprosy of the battle of Ai, Achan's sin? I want you to destroy everything, and the key things must be taken to the treasury. Achan secretly took some of the forbidden items, and he hid them in the tent. And because of that lie, the whole of the nation of Israel suffered at the battle of Ai. One man's lie." [38:32] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe that the anointing is absent from many churches because of lies. Because of make-belief. We are pretending. You know we have categories in society. You're an A grader, you're a B grader. Who gave you a right to classify people? In actual fact, when God looks at us, He sees us the same. There's no black, there's no white, there's no green, there's no orange. He sees us the same. Whether you've got millions in the bank or you don't have anything, you are a prized possession. You are a precious soul in the economy of God. We must walk in authenticity." [01:00:52] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to leave you with seven core things from this lesson of Ananias and Sapphira, God's lie detector test. Number one, it establishes the seriousness of sin. God is saying sin is still sin. Don't blink an eye to sin. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. Number two, uphold integrity and holiness. He that is holy, let him be holier still. The high priest's description on his mitre was holiness unto the Lord. We've got to be holy, we've got to come in and repent. This house should be a house of mercieship and of worship. Where people come in and they just prostrate before God when they've done something wrong." [01:06:40] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Setting a precedent for accountability. This event sets a precedent for accountability within the church. It taught the early Christians that their actions were seen and judged by God. Fostering a culture of accountability. People just want to do as they please. I'm not in school. You're not a principal pastor. Hey, we're accountable to one another in the kingdom. So brothers and sisters, what is the lesson here? Let us trust God. Let us be authentic. Let us be real. Watch God. Watch the presence of God come upon this house. Watch the things that you touch become fruitful. Watch the connections that you have become deeper. Watch when people look at you and you speak, they receive what you're saying. Because why? They see integrity in those eyes. They feel the integrity of your heart. They are genuine." [01:10:38] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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