Acts Chapter 5 - Reverence and Power: Truth, Discipline, and Bold Witness

Today we are studying Acts Chapter 5. In this chapter, we see both the holiness of God and the power of the early church on full display. Ananias and Sapphira deceive the apostles and face immediate judgment, reminding us that God takes truth seriously. At the same time, the apostles continue performing miracles, preaching boldly, and standing firm even under persecution. Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than men.” This chapter reminds us that following Christ requires integrity, reverence, and courage.

Transcript

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It's encouraging to see how God's word is taking root in hearts everywhere. I'm reminded of this encouragement in Colossians chapter 3, verse 16. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you. Praise God that his word is moving, reaching hearts, and being shared in 44 countries around the world. We want to take a moment to say hello to our listeners in Maracaibo-Zulia, Venezuela, Soshore, Mississippi, United States, Ilo Ilo City, Province of Iloilo, Philippines, Manassas, Virginia, United States, and Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan. We're so thankful you're here today. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry. We truly appreciate you.

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Welcome to Giving God Praise. This is a podcast where we walk through the entire Bible, book by book and chapter by chapter. Our desire is to discover not only what God's Word says, but what it means to praise God in our daily life. In each episode, we explore a promise to claim, a response to make, an attitude to change, an instruction to obey, a sin to confess, and an example to follow. So let's go ahead and grab our Bibles and dive into today's teaching. Today we are studying Acts chapter 5. In this chapter, we see both the holiness of God and the power of the early church on full display. Ananias and Sapphira deceive the apostles and face immediate judgment, reminding us that God takes truth seriously. At the same time, the apostles continue performing miracles, preaching boldly, and standing firm even under persecution. Acts 5.29 says we must obey God rather than men. This chapter reminds us that following Christ requires integrity, reverence, and courage. Let's begin reading Acts chapter 5. But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostle's feet. Then Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Wasn't it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold? Wasn't it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him. There was an interval of about three hours, then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Tell me, Peter asked her, did you sell the field for this price? Yes, she said, for that price. Then Peter said to her, Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things. Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. By common consent they would all meet in Solomon's colonnade. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly. Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers, crowds of both men and women. As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats, so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. In addition, a large group came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy, so they arrested the apostles and put them in the city jail. But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said, Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life. In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach. When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the jail to have them brought. But when the temple police got there, they did not find them in the jail. So they returned and reported, We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors. But when we opened them, we found no one inside. As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this. Someone came and reported to them, Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people. Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, Didn't we strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are determined to bring this man's blood on us. But Peter and the apostles replied, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and savior, to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. He said to them, Men of Israel, be careful about what you're going to do to these men. Not long ago Tudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. And now I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God. So they were persuaded by him. After. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. They ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name. Every day in the temple complex and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Let's take a moment to settle our hearts and reflect on the holiness and presence of God. Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of Acts chapter 5 and the reminder of your holiness and power. Thank you that you are a God of truth who sees our hearts fully. Lord, help us to walk in integrity and sincerity before you. Guard us from deception and pride and teach us to live with reverence. Give us boldness to obey you no matter the cost. Strengthen our faith so that we remain faithful in every circumstance. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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Now that we've read God's word and prepared our hearts in prayer, let's begin our praise study and listen to what God wants to say to our hearts today. In Acts chapter 5, we see a powerful promise to claim in the truth that God is both holy and active among his people. We also see the promise that nothing can stop the work of God. Even when the apostles were arrested, God made a way for them to continue. This reminds us that when God is at work, no opposition can ultimately stand against him. His plans will prevail. This promise gives us confidence that God is in control. It also assures us that he empowers his people to carry out his mission. We can trust that he is working in ways we cannot always see. The response to make in this chapter is to obey God above all else. Peter's statement is clear. This is a defining response for every believer. We will face moments where we must choose between following God or giving in to pressure. Our response must be obedience. We are also called to respond with integrity. Ananias and Sapphira remind us of the danger of pretending to be something we are not. Our response must be honesty and sincerity before God. This chapter calls us to respond with obedience, truthfulness, and courage. We are called to change our attitude from casual faith to reverent fear of God. The early church experienced a deep sense of awe. They understood that God is holy. We must shift from treating our faith lightly to taking it seriously. Another attitude to change is from fear of people to fear of God. The apostles were not intimidated by threats because they were focused on God. We also need to change from seeking approval to seeking faithfulness. A changed attitude values God's opinion above all else. The instruction to obey in this chapter is to live truthfully, obey boldly, and continue sharing the gospel. We are instructed to be honest in our walk with God. We are also instructed to obey Him even when it is difficult. Another instruction is to continue proclaiming Jesus. The apostles did not stop even after being threatened and punished. Obedience means living with integrity and sharing the truth consistently. The sin to confess in this chapter is hypocrisy. Ananias and Sapphira tried to appear more devoted than they were. We must confess when we try to present a false image. Another sin to confess is fear of others. We may hold back from obeying God because of what people think. We must also confess disobedience. When we know what God is calling us to do and we don't act, that is sin. Confession brings us back to a place of honesty and obedience. The example to follow in this chapter is the apostles. They remained faithful, bold, and obedient in the face of opposition. They did not stop sharing the gospel. They even rejoiced in suffering for the name of Jesus. This shows a deep level of commitment and faith. Following their example means standing firm, speaking truth, and trusting God fully. Acts chapter 5 reminds us that God calls us to live with integrity and boldness. It challenges us to obey Him above all else and to remain faithful no matter the cost. Take time today to reflect on your walk with God. Are you living with integrity before Him? Are you obeying Him fully or holding back? Are you willing to stand firm even when it is difficult? If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded to stay faithful in their walk with Christ. Let's close today by bringing our hearts before the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that our listeners chose to spend their time with us in your word today. Thank you for the truth of Acts chapter 5 and the reminder of your holiness and power. Lord, help us to live with integrity and to walk in obedience. Give us boldness to stand firm and to speak truth in every situation. Strengthen our faith so that we remain faithful no matter what we face. We pray that this message would encourage every listener and draw them closer to you. May God bless you and keep you in his grace. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

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