Sharing All Things

Sunday, September 13, 2015
Acts 4:34-5:10 NIV 

34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. 

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God." 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price." 9 Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why were there "no needy persons" among the members of the early Church? (v. 34-35)
2) What did Barnabus do to contribute to the needs of the early church? (v.36-37)
3) Who else gave to the early church and how was their sacrifice different than Barnabus' sacrifice? (v.1-2)
4) How did the Apostle Peter respond to the sacrifice of these two people? Why? (v.3-10)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever lied to those in spiritual authority over you concerning your sacrifices to the church?
6) If so, why did you do it?

LIFE LESSONS
7) When we make a vow to those in spiritual authority over us and lie to them about that vow, we have not only lied to our spiritual leaders, but to the Holy Spirit.
8) The consequences of disobedience to the the Holy Spirit may include physical death, unless we repent and are truthful with Him.