Unity, Integrity, and the Call to Authenticity

Summary

Today’s gathering was a beautiful reminder of the unity and diversity God is building among us. We celebrated the blessing of family—both our own and the family of God—as we welcomed Francisco and Alfredo, who are launching a Hispanic church in partnership with us. Their journey, marked by faithfulness and courage, is a testimony to God’s ongoing mission to reach every nation and language. As we open our doors to new communities, we are reminded that the gospel is for everyone, and our calling is to love, embrace, and serve those around us with the heart of Christ.

Turning to the book of Acts, we reflected on the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira in chapter 5. This account is not easy to read or teach, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. The early church was marked by radical generosity and unity, as seen in the example of Barnabas, who gave selflessly and encouraged others. In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira’s deception revealed the dangers of hypocrisy, pride, and a desire for recognition. Their actions were not just a lie to people, but a lie to God Himself—a reminder that God sees the heart and values truth above all.

This story challenges us to examine our own motives and integrity. God’s holiness is not something to be taken lightly. While we are not called to live in fear of sudden judgment, we are called to a deep reverence for God—a respect that shapes our actions, our honesty, and our relationships with others. The discipline God showed in the early church was not arbitrary; it was a call to purity and authenticity as the foundation of a new community shaped by the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

We are invited to respond with repentance, humility, and a renewed commitment to truth. God’s grace is abundant, but it is not a license for careless living. Instead, it is an invitation to transformation—a life marked by honesty, accountability, and a desire to honor Christ in all we do. As we worship and pray, let us seek God’s help to align our hearts with His, to be people of integrity, and to encourage one another in the journey of faith.

Key Takeaways

- Authenticity in Community: The story of Barnabas and the early church highlights the power of genuine generosity and encouragement. When we give and serve with pure motives, we reflect the heart of Christ and build up the body in love. Authenticity is not about perfection, but about a willingness to be real and sacrificial for the sake of others. [37:21]

- The Danger of Spiritual Pretense: Ananias and Sapphira’s downfall was rooted in their desire for recognition without true surrender. Spiritual posing—seeking the appearance of holiness while hiding deceit—grieves the Holy Spirit and undermines the witness of the church. God calls us to examine our hearts and reject the temptation to impress others at the expense of truth. [46:42]

- The Weight of Integrity: God’s response to dishonesty in the early church underscores the seriousness of integrity in the life of faith. Our actions, especially those done in secret, matter deeply to God. Integrity is not just about avoiding public scandal, but about living transparently before God, knowing that He sees and values truth in the inward parts. [50:15]

- The Role of Reverence and Repentance: The fear that seized the church was not a paralyzing terror, but a reverent awe of God’s holiness. This reverence should lead us to regular self-examination and repentance, not out of dread, but out of love and respect for the One who gave everything for us. Repentance is the pathway to restored fellowship and renewed purpose. [58:56]

- Accountability and Encouragement: Peter’s confrontation with Ananias and Sapphira was not about condemnation, but about upholding the integrity of the community. We are called to hold one another accountable in love, encouraging each other to pursue holiness and truth. Like Barnabas, we can be agents of encouragement and accountability, helping each other grow in Christlikeness. [01:02:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:27] - Children’s Worship & Family Introductions
[27:00] - Welcoming Francisco and Alfredo
[29:10] - The Story of the Hispanic Church Plant
[32:25] - Calling and Heart for Ministry
[34:43] - Prayer for New Ministry Partnership
[37:21] - Representing Christ and Family
[41:48] - The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
[43:25] - Wrestling with God’s Sovereignty
[44:47] - The Call to Reverence and Truth
[45:40] - Spiritual Posers and Motives
[46:42] - The Temptation of Recognition
[48:56] - Lessons from Achan and Old Testament Parallels
[50:15] - The Heart of the Sin: Lying to God
[51:23] - The Subtlety of Pride and Self-Deception
[54:54] - Grieving the Holy Spirit
[57:21] - The Newness of the Church and God’s Discipline
[58:56] - Responding with Reverence and Repentance
[01:02:06] - Accountability and the Call to Holiness
[01:03:49] - Invitation to Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Acts 4:32–5:11 and the Call to Authentic Community

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 4:32–5:11 (The generosity of Barnabas and the story of Ananias and Sapphira)
- Ephesians 4:22–32 (Putting off falsehood, living in truth, and not grieving the Holy Spirit)
- Romans 12:1–2 (Offering ourselves as living sacrifices and being transformed by renewing our minds)

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### Observation Questions

1. What actions did Barnabas take that set him apart in the early church community? (Acts 4:36–37)
2. According to Acts 5:1–11, what exactly did Ananias and Sapphira do that was wrong?
3. How did Peter confront Ananias and Sapphira about their actions, and what was the result? [41:48]
4. In Ephesians 4:25–32, what are some specific instructions Paul gives about how believers should treat one another?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Luke (the author of Acts) chose to highlight both Barnabas’s generosity and the deception of Ananias and Sapphira side by side? What is the contrast meant to teach us? [37:21]
2. The sermon described Ananias and Sapphira as “spiritual posers” who wanted recognition without true surrender. Why is spiritual pretense so dangerous for a church community? [45:40]
3. The story says “great fear seized the whole church.” What kind of fear is this, and how is it different from being simply afraid of God? [58:56]
4. According to Ephesians 4, what does it mean to “not grieve the Holy Spirit,” and how does this relate to the story of Ananias and Sapphira? [54:54]

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### Application Questions

1. The early church was marked by radical generosity and unity. In what ways can you practice authentic generosity in your own life or in our church community? Is there a specific need you feel called to meet? [37:21]
2. Ananias and Sapphira’s main issue was not the amount they gave, but their dishonesty and desire for recognition. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to appear more spiritual or generous than you really are? How can you bring those areas into the light? [46:42]
3. The sermon challenged us to examine our motives and integrity. What is one area where you struggle with being completely honest—with God, with others, or even with yourself? What would it look like to take a step toward greater transparency this week? [50:15]
4. The “fear of the Lord” in this story is about reverence and respect, not terror. How can you cultivate a healthy reverence for God in your daily routines? Are there practices (like confession, prayer, or worship) that help you remember God’s holiness? [58:56]
5. Repentance was described as the pathway to restored fellowship and renewed purpose. Is there something you need to repent of right now? What would it look like to take that step, and who could support you in it? [59:43]
6. The sermon emphasized accountability and encouragement in the church. Who in your life helps you stay accountable in your walk with Christ? How can you be a Barnabas—an encourager and truth-teller—for someone else this week? [01:02:06]
7. God’s grace is abundant, but it’s not a license for careless living. How does knowing God’s grace motivate you to pursue a life of integrity and transformation, rather than just “getting by”? [01:01:18]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are honest, generous, and reverent before God. Ask for courage to confess, for grace to change, and for the Spirit’s help to encourage one another in truth and love.

Devotional

Day 1: Representing Christ with Integrity and Generosity
Barnabas is highlighted as an example of someone whose heart was in the right place—he loved God, loved others, and gave generously without seeking recognition. His actions were motivated by genuine care and encouragement, not by a desire for praise or status. In contrast to others who might give for show, Barnabas’s integrity and selfless spirit set a standard for how believers are called to represent Jesus in their daily lives. We are reminded that our actions, especially in how we give and serve, should reflect Christ’s love and not be motivated by pride or the approval of others. [37:21]

Acts 4:34-37 (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."

Reflection: In what area of your life can you practice generosity or encouragement today, not for recognition, but simply to reflect Christ’s love to someone in need?


Day 2: The Danger of Deception and Spiritual Pride
The story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us about the dangers of hypocrisy, deception, and spiritual pride. They sought recognition for their giving while secretly holding back, deceiving not just the community but attempting to deceive God Himself. Their actions remind us that God desires honesty and authenticity from His people, and that spiritual pride can lead us to justify actions that are not pleasing to Him. This account calls us to examine our motives and to ensure that our outward actions align with a sincere heart before God. [41:48]

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: Is there any area in your life where you are tempted to present yourself as more spiritual or generous than you truly are? What would it look like to bring that into the light before God today?


Day 3: God’s Justice and the Call to Reverence
God’s response to Ananias and Sapphira’s deception reminds us of His perfect justice and the importance of reverence. While we may struggle to understand why God acted so decisively, Scripture assures us that His ways are always just and right. This story is not meant to make us live in fear, but to cultivate a healthy respect and awe for God’s holiness. It calls us to self-examination, to recognize the seriousness of sin, and to seek a heart that honors God in truth and humility. [43:25]

Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)
"The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to consider God’s holiness and justice? How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your prayers and actions today?


Day 4: The Influence of Temptation and the Need for Repentance
The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows how easily pride and temptation can lead us astray, even as believers. Satan seeks to influence our hearts, tempting us to rationalize sin and deceive ourselves. Yet, God calls us to put off falsehood, to be renewed in our minds, and to walk in truth. When we recognize areas where we have grieved the Holy Spirit, the path forward is repentance—honestly confessing our sins and seeking God’s transforming grace. [54:54]

Ephesians 4:22-25, 30 (ESV)
"…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another… And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Reflection: What is one area where you have been tempted to rationalize or hide sin? Will you take time today to honestly confess it to God and ask for His renewing grace?


Day 5: Living in Community with Accountability and Obedience
The early church’s response to this difficult event was to come together in reverence, holding one another accountable and committing to follow God with sincerity. True community is not about perfection, but about encouraging each other, being honest, and helping one another pursue holiness. We are called to be like Barnabas—encouraging, generous, and supportive—while also being willing to speak truth and hold each other accountable in love. This is how the church grows strong and honors Christ together. [01:02:56]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your church or community can you encourage or gently hold accountable this week? How can you take a step toward deeper, Christ-centered community today?

Quotes

We're in this series on Acts right now, and one of the subtitles of that is that we're on the same mission, and we are all doing the exact same things that they were doing back then. And I love when we get to those parts of Acts where it says they reached 5,000, they reached 3,000. They were just reaching everybody around them. And one of the other things that I love was that the gospel was opened up to everyone at that point in time. And the same is true today, and God has blessed this church. [00:27:12] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

This is all a part of what we were talking about a couple of weeks ago, the sovereignty of God. And that God has a choice to act and to pick and choose what he wants to do because he is God, but he's always going to do it correctly. And he disciplines in each and every situation how he sees best fit. In Deuteronomy 32.4, it says, he is the rock. His works are perfect and all his ways are just, okay? And that's something that we need to keep in mind today. [00:43:08] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

I think as we look at it, we shouldn't be walking around in fear. I think that's another question. If you're a younger believer here today and you're hearing this story maybe for the first time, and you're going, gosh, maybe I should just walk around and constantly be afraid of God. Is that what he wants? That's not what he wants. But we're going to learn what he desires as we walk through this together. And I would say that ultimately, I think it's a reverence for him that we should hold. It should cause us to evaluate. It should cause us to think about our own self. It should drive us to a place of seeking his holiness and who he is. [00:44:28] (00:00:40 seconds) Edit Clip

Because one of the things that we're going to note out of this, and if you go back to the Old Testament and you even go through the Ten Commandments, you see the character qualities of God. And one of the big ones that you see about God is that he doesn't lie. He can't lie. He's God. God. And in him, lying does not exist. Dishonesty does not exist. It is who he is. And so likewise, that is what we are supposed to seek is that exact same thing. Truth. And we are supposed to be just like they are. [00:45:08] (00:00:34 seconds) Edit Clip

Peter asks all the right questions. But then he lets him know really where he messed up. All right. You have not lied to men, though he did. And Peter is acknowledging that there's a lie that exists here. But he says, he lied to the Spirit of God. Okay. You deceived. [00:50:40] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

Just like God can't lie, Satan can't go without lying, and so he tries to deceive us, and he tries to draw us in. 1 John 1.8 says, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. Isn't that an interesting choice of words? If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, and that's exactly what is happening in this moment because Ananias and Sapphira, they grieve the spirit of God at this point, all right? [00:54:00] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit is a person. Have you ever grieved someone? You've caused someone some pain? You've hurt somebody? We don't intentionally mean to do that, but it can happen sometimes, and maybe sometimes we do intend it. But when we grieve someone, we cause them pain and sorrow on the inside. And so when we sin, not only are we being irreverent towards the Holy God and who he is, not only are we kind of like pulling away from the very gift of salvation and the things that Jesus did for us on the cross, but we also begin to grieve the Holy Spirit who is a person. [00:55:47] (00:00:43 seconds) Edit Clip

Why did God step in so strongly in this example with this couple? I believe the reason why he did that was because there had been a completely new start with mankind. Jesus had died on the cross and he rose again. Before we see story after story after story in the Old Testament, God's people mess up, they come, they seek forgiveness, they make sacrifices, God forgives them, restores them, and they start again. And then what do they do? They mess up again. It's happening over and over. The story is still the same. You and I still do the same things. But this instance, it was a new church. It was a new time. It was a fresh start. Jesus had died on the cross. He rose again. And this was brand new. And I think in God's heart, he wanted to see this move forward without these kinds of things happening. [00:56:47] (00:01:02 seconds) Edit Clip

Peter didn't kill these two. He held them accountable. And I think that that's part of what we need to do as believers is hold each other accountable, encourage each other. Be like Barnabas. That was the other thing that Barnabas did. He didn't just give to the church. He came alongside people. [01:02:07] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip