Radical Generosity and the Call to Authenticity

In the early days of the church, we see a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, marked by unity, generosity, and a deep sense of God’s presence. The believers were not only proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus with boldness, but they were also living out the gospel in practical ways—caring for one another, meeting needs, and demonstrating radical obedience. There was a spirit of great grace among them, a lavish outpouring of God’s favor that brought peace, joy, and wisdom. No one in the community lacked anything, because those who had more than they needed freely gave, selling extra properties and possessions to provide for the needs of others. This wasn’t coerced or manipulated giving, but a genuine response to God’s love and the prompting of the Spirit.

Barnabas stands out as an example of encouragement and generosity, giving selflessly and humbly. His life reminds us that some are uniquely gifted to give, and that God blesses those who steward their resources for the good of others. The early church’s generosity was not about forced poverty, but about forsaking anything that would become an idol, whether wealth, comfort, or even reputation. Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom, trusting that God will provide all we need.

Yet, even in this vibrant community, sin found its way in. Ananias and Sapphira’s story is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of hypocrisy and deceit, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. Their attempt to appear more spiritual than they were, lying about their generosity, was not just a deception of people, but a lie to the Holy Spirit Himself. God’s response was swift and severe, bringing great fear and reverence upon the church. This event teaches us that the Holy Spirit is not to be taken lightly—He is fully God, holy and deserving of our utmost respect.

We are reminded that the church is not a building or a denomination, but the community of those who are truly born again by the Spirit. Hypocrisy will always try to infiltrate, but God alone knows the heart. Our call is to walk in truth, humility, and dependence on God’s grace, knowing that salvation is a gift, not something we earn or pretend to have. No matter our past, there is room for us in God’s kingdom if we come honestly, seeking His mercy and new life in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The early church was marked by radical generosity and unity, not because of external pressure, but because the Holy Spirit moved hearts to love and provide for one another. True Christian community is built on selfless giving, where the needs of others are seen as our own, and where stewardship is guided by love and wisdom, not by compulsion or show. [09:26]
• 2. God’s grace is abundant and transformative, lavished upon us beyond what we could ever exhaust. This grace is not just a theological concept, but a lived reality that brings peace, joy, and the power to overcome old patterns and traps. Reflecting on where God has brought us from, we see His grace at work in our lives, shaping us into people who are no longer led by the world but by the Spirit. [02:33]
• 3. Hypocrisy and deceit are not just social issues—they are spiritual dangers that grieve the Holy Spirit and undermine the integrity of the church. The story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us that God sees beyond appearances and desires truth in our innermost being. Our motives matter deeply to God, and pretending to be more spiritual than we are is a form of lying to Him, not just to people. [28:23]
• 4. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but the third person of the Trinity—fully God, holy, and worthy of reverence. To lie to the Spirit is to lie to God Himself. The fear of God, in the sense of deep respect and awe, is the beginning of wisdom and keeps us from treating His presence lightly or casually. [55:04]
• 5. Salvation is not about joining a church, following rules, or having the right label; it is about being born again by the Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. No denomination or good work can save us—only the grace of God received honestly and humbly. There is room in God’s kingdom for anyone who comes in truth, no matter how broken or lost, because Jesus came to save sinners and give new life. [49:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:33] - The Power and Grace of the Early Church
• [09:26] - Radical Generosity and Provision
• [12:36] - Stewardship and Compassion in Action
• [21:29] - The Gift of Giving and Barnabas’ Example
• [25:13] - The Hope of the Coming Kingdom
• [28:23] - The Sin of Hypocrisy: Ananias and Sapphira
• [32:49] - The Danger of Spiritual Pretending
• [33:57] - Jesus’ Warning Against Hypocrisy
• [41:06] - Real-Life Example of Deceit in the Church
• [43:34] - The Gift of Knowledge and Spiritual Discernment
• [46:57] - The True Nature of the Church: Born Again Believers
• [49:40] - Salvation by Grace Alone
• [52:34] - The Consequences of Lying to the Holy Spirit
• [55:04] - The Fear of God and the Unpardonable Sin
• [59:04] - There’s Room for Sinners in God’s Kingdom
• [60:44] - Prayer for New Life in Christ
• [61:56] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

Acts 4:32–5:11 (ESV) —
> 32 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. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 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 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 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.

> 1 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. 3 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? 4 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.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

> 7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 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.” 10 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. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 4:32–35, what were some practical ways the early church showed unity and generosity?
2. What was unique about Barnabas’s example, and how did the church respond to his generosity? ([21:29])
3. In Acts 5:1–11, what did Ananias and Sapphira do that was different from the other believers?
4. How did Peter describe the sin of Ananias and Sapphira, and what was the immediate result? ([44:32])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the early church’s generosity was so radical and voluntary, rather than forced or pressured? ([09:26])
2. What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach about the seriousness of hypocrisy and deceit in the church? ([28:23])
3. The sermon says the Holy Spirit is not just a force, but fully God. Why is it important to understand the Holy Spirit this way, especially in light of this story? ([44:32])
4. The pastor mentioned that the church is not a building or a denomination, but a community of people born again by the Spirit. How does this change the way we think about church membership and belonging? ([48:12])

Application Questions

1. The early church saw the needs of others as their own and gave sacrificially. Is there a need in your church or community that you feel God is prompting you to help meet? What would it look like to respond? ([09:26])
2. Barnabas was known for encouragement and generosity. Who in your life has been a “Barnabas” to you, and how can you be that kind of encourager or giver to someone else this week? ([21:29])
3. The sermon warns against giving or serving just to look spiritual. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “look good” rather than be honest about where you are? What would it look like to walk in truth and humility? ([28:23])
4. The story of Ananias and Sapphira brought a sense of “great fear” or reverence for God. Do you think the modern church has lost a sense of awe and respect for God’s holiness? How can we recover it? ([55:04])
5. The pastor said salvation is not about joining a church or following rules, but about being born again by the Spirit. Have you ever tried to “earn” God’s favor or pretend to be more spiritual than you are? What would it look like to come to God honestly, as you are? ([49:40])
6. The early church practiced wise stewardship, not just giving for the sake of giving. How can you be both generous and wise with what God has given you? ([12:36])
7. The sermon ended with an invitation to receive new life in Christ, no matter your past. Is there something in your past that makes you feel unworthy of God’s grace? How does the gospel speak to that? ([59:04])