Sermons

Balancing Power and Pain (Acts 4:32-5:11)

Gearl Spicer Gearl Spicer, October 2, 2022
Part of the Heart of Our Story series, preached at a Sunday Online service

Acts 4:32–5:11 (Listen)

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.

5:1 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.” 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.

(ESV)

Sermon Notes

Heart of Our Story
Balancing Power and Pain
Acts 4:32-5:11
10/2/22

Do you feel His Grace in your heart?

*A church that lives in continual prayer and obedience will experience miraculous impact through His grace!

*The quickest path to diminish the effective power of God is willful disobedience!

*And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33

*But a man named Ananias, with his wife and Sapphire, sold a piece of property, and kept back some the price himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 5:1-2

I. Effectiveness of living as one - Acts 4:32-33
*The church was equipped by grace and empowered to live boldly for Jesus!
A. Sharing and giving had become a way of life - GIVING
B. Power was linked to the resurrection - LIVING
C. Grace was evident to all - IMPACTING

II. Power of encouragement in our lives - Acts 4:34-37
*We are made for these moments to demonstrate our hearts and commitments!
A. Spontaneous generosity was a way of life
B. Needs are met by obedient believers

III. Pain of a simple choice - Acts 5:1-11
*We are tested by possessions to determine Lordship!
A. Deception endangers the heart
B. Disobedience risks the future
C. Stewardship is a tangible test of obedience

Are you experiencing His power in your life?

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