Prayer for Boldness

• Change of Perspective…
  • As soon as the SANHEDRIN let Peter and John go they went back to the CHURCH…
  • They gave them the report [ἀπαγγέλλω] the THREATS of HIGH priests [plural]
  • The CHURCH immediately went to PRAYER – to change their PERSPECTIVE…
  • Rather than see the PROBLEM – they saw the Lord [δεσπότης] who made EVERYTHING…
  • And they REMEMBERED His WORD – why the nations so ARROGANT – Psalm 2:1-4
  • They were NOT fighting against the DISCIPLES – they were against God and His CHRIST…
  • Yet in SPITE of being OPPOSED to Him – they STILL did His will – Ephesians 1:11
  • Therefore – their prayer was to be BOLD – and keep speaking about Jesus [λόγος]
  • Do MORE miracles [like the lame man] – so they could get into MORE trouble!
• Great power and Grace…
  • Rather than being SHAKEN by the threats of the Sanhedrin…
  • The world SHOOK because of what God was about to do through His SERVANTS…
  • Full of the POWER of the Holy Spirit – they BOLDLY spoke the WORD…
  • And the church had UNITY – one heart and one mind [selfless]
  • They SOLD all their possessions – and gave the money to the Apostles…
  • So that NO one lacked – they had ALL things in common [did not turn out well]
  • But GREAT [μέγας] power and GREAT [μέγας] grace was upon them all!

• 1^st – Giving to God… vs. 1-2
  • 1^st – Giving Freely… vs. 1
    • Ananias and Sapphira…
      • But a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife!
      • As a result of the healing of the Lame Man – the church had GREAT power and grace…
      • FULL of the Holy Spirit – they were of ONE heart and mind – Acts 4:32
      • And they began to SELL their possession and give the money to the APOSTLES…
      • BUT [δέ] there was ONE couple who had a DIFFERENT heart [selfish]
      • ANANIAS [חֲנַנְיָה] – whose name means God [יָהּ] is GRACIOUS [חָנַן]
      • SAPHIRA [סַפִּיר] – meaning sapphire – from the root word [סָפַר] – to COUNT!
      • Their names put together set up the whole STORY…
      • God is GRACIOUS – He does NOT demand anything from us – Luke 12:32
      • But so often we COUNT – we are looking for what we can GET…
      • Our focus is divided between TWO masters – this LIFE and eternal LIFE – Matthew 6:24
      • And at some point one those MASTERS ends up winning out!
    • Their possession…
      • [They] sold a possession!
      • ANANIAS and SAPHIRA owned some land [κτῆμα]
      • Likely caught up in the euphoria of what the Spirit was doing in the church…
      • But they did NOT have to sell their property – it was theirs to do with as they choose…
      • And even if they did sell it – they could do ANYTHING they wanted with the money!
      • I have heard of churches who require COMMITMENTS from people…
      • They SIGN a contract on how much they are REQUIRED to give…
      • And if they cannot meet their OBLIGATION – then they NEED to sell their possessions…
      • Making people feel like they NEED to give to God – it becomes a BURDEN…
      • Even teaching that NOT giving is ROBBING God – Malachi 3:10
      • Our God does NOT need anything – He created everything – Colossians 1:16
      • God says to give whatever we want – as little or as much as is on our HEART…
      • Yet whatever we give – we are to do it CHEERFULLY – II Corinthians 9:7
      • If we give out of OBLIGATION – it counts for nothing – God does NOT want it!
  • 2^nd – Giving Partially… vs. 2
    • How much…
      • And he kept back part of the proceeds – his wife also being aware of it.
      • And brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles feet!
      • ANANIAS kept PART [νοσφίζω] – the word carries the idea of having a DEVIOUS motive…
      • SAPHIRA knew what ANANIAS had done [was not opposed to it]
      • AND [καί] he brough the money and laid it at the APOSTLES feet [acting as if he gave it all]
      • But there was NO requirement to give ALL of the money [τιμή]!
      • Churches often teach about TITHING – from Hebrew word for a tenth [עֶשֶׂר]
      • But according to the LAW there were THREE different TITHES…
      • The LEVITICAL tithe – to provide for those who served the Lord – Numbers 18:21-24
      • The HARVEST tithe – to be given to the Lord – Deuteronomy 14:22-26
      • The POOR tithe – which was only once every THREE years – Deuteronomy 14:28-29
      • People take TITHING from the OT and teach it like it belongs in the NT…
      • But the Law is NOT a buffet line – we CANNOT pick and choose what laws we like…
      • If we were required the OT tithe – it would be over THIRTY percent!
    • The Heart…
      • SEVEN of the TEN times the word TITHE [δεκάτην] is found in NT – Hebrews 7:1-10
      • When Abraham gave a TENTH to Melchizedek – Genesis 14:20
      • Abraham gave because he realized God was GREATER than he was…
      • The other THREE times TITHE occurs – address the HYPOCRISY of the Pharisees!
      • Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you scribes and Pharisees – hypocrites! For you pay TITHE… [but] have neglected… justice and mercy and faith.” – also Luke 11:42 / 18:12
      • Pharisees would give LARGE sums of money to be SEEN by men…
      • They would blow a TRUMPET while they were giving – Matthew 6:2
      • Meaning TITHING in the New Testament is NOT about the AMOUNT…
      • It is focused on the MOTIVE – why are we giving to God…
      • Because wherever we put our treasure – is where our HEART will also be – Matthew 6:21
      • And what God is after – what He WANTS – is our HEARTS!

• 2^nd – Lying to God… vs. 3-11
  • 1^st – The Source… vs. 3
    • But Peter said: Ananias why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit.
    • ANANIAS came and presented the money [τιμή] to Peter…
    • He came pretending to give EVERYTHING to God – but he kept part [νοσφίζω] for himself…
    • Peter questioned him: why had SATAN filled his HEART to LIE to the Holy Spirit…
    • Putting things into perspective – ANANIAS thought he could DECEIVE God…
    • Because of SATAN [שָׂטָן] – the word means the ENEMY or ADVERSARY…
    • FIRST of TWO times he in mentioned in this book – also Acts 26:18
    • With GREAT power and grace – the church had begun to EXPAND…
    • The ENEMY had tried to silence the disciples by THREATENING them [Sanhedrin]
    • But when that did NOT work – he chose to instead try and COMPROMISE them…
    • Stir the HEARTS of ANANIAS and SAPHIRA to GIVE with a FALSE motive!
      
  • 2^nd – The motive… vs. 3-4
    • The Facts… vs. 3-4
      • [You kept] back part of the price of the land for yourself.
      • While it remained was it not your own? And after it was sold was it not in your own control?
      • The LIE was revealed through the ACTIONS of ANANIAS…
      • He was KEEPING [infinitive] part of the price [τιμή] of the LAND for himself…
      • God could have revealed this to Peter supernaturally – I Corinthians 12:10
      • Or it could have been quite practical – everyone was selling their LAND…
      • So no doubt Peter was aware of how much properties were selling for…
      • But Peter EMPHASIZED – there was NO obligation to give…
      • When ANANIAS [μένω] had [imperfect] the LAND – it was his to do as he pleased…
      • When he sold the LAND – the MONEY was [imperfect] his to give what he wanted!
    • Love of money… vs. 4
      • Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?
      • Therefore – Peter asked WHY did he set in his HEART to do this [three possibilities]
      • Maybe ANANIAS intended to give ALL the money to God…
      • But once he had the CASH in his hands – he just could NOT let it all go!
      • The love of money [and things] can ONLY get us into trouble – I Timothy 6:9-10
      • We cannot dedicate our lives to money and possessions – and to loving Jesus…
      • We waste our life chasing things that do not last – rather than on eternal rewards!
      • Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
    • Obligation…
      • ANANIAS may have gotten caught up in the crowd…
      • Everyone else was giving – so he blurted out he would give his land too!
      • Too often we speak – then we stop to think about what we said…
      • It is easy to say something – it is almost impossible to take our words back…
      • Better to think first what we are going to say – the consequence of our words…
      • God does not treat our promises lightly – He expects us to fulfill our vows…
      • If we do not follow through with our promise – then it is sin!
      • Deuteronomy 23:21 – “When you make a vow to the LORD your God – be prompt in doing whatever you promised… If you do not you will be guilty of sin.”
    • Pride…
      • Perhaps because of Pride – ANANIAS wanted to be important…
      • He wanted to be recognized – admired for his great faith!
      • Politicians who GIVE to the community [tax money] – plastered with their name…
      • GIFTS to a church – with the name of the GIVER posted for all to see…
      • They are NOT giving to God – they are giving for the recognition of other men!
      • Jesus said they have their reward – the temporary praises of others…
      • We are NOT to give for self-exaltation – we are to give out of LOVE for God…
      • NO one else should know about our gift – it is between the us and the Lord!
      • Matthew 6:3 – “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
  • 2^nd – Great Fear… vs. 4-6
    • Immediate judgement… vs. 4-5
      • You have not lied to men but to God.
      • Then Ananias hearing these words – fell down and breathed his last!
        
      • Whatever the MOTIVE – inspired by SATAN…
      • ANANIAS had NOT lied to a men – he had LIED [indicative] to God…
      • The moment ANANIAS heard these words – he breathed his last breath [ἐκψύχω]
      • God struck ANANIAS dead right there on the spot!
      • Part of me wants to be THANKFUL God does NOT do this TODAY…
      • I imagine the church might be a little less full if God was killing people for LYING!
      • The problem is we end thinking we get away with SIN – because we do NOT drop dead…
      • We mistake the PATIENCE of God – for His ACCEPTANCE…
      • Just because God has NOT judged yet – does NOT mean God will NOT judge…
      • God is PATIENT – to give time to REPENT and turn back to Him – II Peter 3:9
      • But if we HARDEN our hearts – our sin will NOT remain hidden!
      • Numbers 32:23 – “Be sure your sin will find you out!”
    • Protection… vs. 5-6
      • So great fear came upon all those who heard these things!
      • And the young men arose and wrapped him up – carried him out – and buried him!
      • The young men wrapped up ANANIAS body – and buried him…
      • And GREAT [μέγας] fear [φόβος] came on EVERYONE [πᾶς] who heard what happened…
      • God dealt severely with Ananias and Sapphira – so their example would not spread!
      • I Corinthians 5:6 – “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
      • Just as it only takes a LITTLE dirt to make a cup unclean…
      • Or it only takes a LITTLE cancer before a life is in peril!
      • LITTLE sin in the church – can quickly grow to be a HUGE problem…
      • Because when SIN goes unchecked it encourages others to SIN…
      • The longer the SIN goes untreated – the more dangerous it becomes…
      • The only solution – cut out the CANCER – remove the problem!
  • 3^rd – Not alone… vs. 7-11
    • The Test… vs. 7-8
      • Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in not knowing what had happened!
      • Peter answered her: Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?
      • She said: Yes for so much!
      • THREE hours later SAPHIRA came into the church…
      • She had NOT seen [εἴδω] what had happened to ANANIAS…
      • And Peter did NOT know if she was a part of the plot to LIE about their PROPERTY…
      • He did NOT want to assume she was GUILTY [conspiracy]
      • So he gave her a simple TEST – he demanded [imperative] how much the land was sold for…
      • SAPHIRA gave Peter the SAME price ANANIAS had LIED about!
    • Symphony… vs. 9
      • Then Peter said to her: How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?
      • Look the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door. They will carry you out!
      • That was all the evidence that Peter needed…
      • HOW was it that she had AGREED [συμφωνέω] – symphony – to have one voice…
      • With her HUSBAND – to TEST [πειράζω] the Holy Spirit…
      • The same men who had BURIED her husband – would now BURRY her!
    • Same result… vs. 10-11
      • Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last.
      • And the young men came in and found her dead – carrying her out buried her by her husband.
      • So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things!
      • IMMEDIATELY [παραχρῆμα] – with [παρα] money [χρῆμα]
      • Do NOT miss the irony of this word – their MONEY could do NOTHING to save them…
      • Just like her husband – she fell DEAD at the feet of Peter – and breathed her last [ἐκψύχω]
      • The young men came in from burying ANANIAS – and found her body – and buried her…
      • GREAT [μέγας] fear [φόβος] came upon the CHURCH [ἐκκλησία]
      • And upon EVERYONE [πᾶς] who heard what happened to both ANANIAS and SAPHIRA…
      • God dealt with them severely – because they were a DANGER to His kids…
      • His solution was swift – God killed them both – to keep the church safe!
      • Mark 9:42 – “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble – it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck – and he were thrown into the sea.”
      • When I was in Bible college – Pastor Chuck was teaching this passage…
      • Several of the students fell asleep while he was teaching – distracting Chuck…
      • He told them if they needed to SLEEP – they could go back to their rooms…
      • When he gave the closing prayer – he asked for God to PURIFY the church…
      • If God needed to KILL some people to do it – so be it…
      • They kids who had fallen asleep were WIDE eyed because of his PRAYER!
      • God does not play around when it comes to stumbling His children…
      • He is a VERY protective Father – will deal with anyone who threatens the church…
      • A sobering thought – something to keep in mind next time we want to TEST the SPRIT!

• 3^rd – Purified by God… vs. 12-16
  • 1^st – Easy burden… vs. 12, 15-16
    • Signs and wonders… vs. 12
      • And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people!
      • There were THREE results of God PURIFYING His church…
      • FIRST – there were SIGNS and WONDERS done by the hands of the [ὁ] APOSTLES [ἀπόστολος]
      • God did a LOT [πολύς] of MIRACLES through them!
    • Shadow of Peter… vs. 15-16
      • So that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches.
      • That at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
      • Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem.
      • Bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits – they were all healed!
      • The people brough their WEAK [ἀσθενής] on beds and couches [could not walk]
      • Hoping that even the SHADOW [σκιά] of Peter might [subjuntive] pass over them…
      • People came from all the surrounding CITIES into Jerusalem…
      • Brining their WEAK [ἀσθενής] – and those troubled by EVIL [ἀκάθαρτος] spirits…
      • And they were ALL [πᾶς] continually [imperfect] healed [θεραπεύω]!
    • No effort…
      • Why would God use the SHADOW of Peter to heal…
      • Peter was just going about his daily business – serving the Lord…
      • Peter did NOT have to put forth any effort to HEAL those who were sick…
      • Because the church was focus on the Jesus – God did all the work!
      • When God does the work – it takes no effort from us…
      • It comes as naturally as walking down the street – just serving Jesus!
      • Matthew 11:29-30 – “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me – for I am gentle and lowly in heart – and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
        
  • 2^nd – Harmony… vs. 12
    • One accord…
      • And they were all with one accord in Solomons Porch!
      • SECOND – there was UNITY within the church [at Solomons porch in the Temple]
      • ANANIAS and SAPHIRA only thought of themselves – causing DIVISION…
      • But when the evil influence [satan] of ANANIAS and SAPHIRA had been removed…
      • Harmony [ὁμοθυμαδόν] – was restored to the church!
      • A unique word used TWELVE times in the NT – ELEVEN of them in the Book of Acts…
      • Describing a great orchestra with many instruments – different sounds…
      • And as they follow the CONDUCTOR – then they blend together in beautiful harmony…
      • But much like a band – every instrument must be kept in TUNE…
      • When one of the instruments goes out of TUNE – there is a problem…
      • Any out of TUNE instrument draws attention to itself – away from Jesus!
    • In Tune…
      • I have met people who come to church – but they are NOT here to grow in Jesus…
      • They come with selfish motives – and inevitably they cause PROBLEMS…
      • Because they are NOT listening to the Holy Spirit – they are like ANANIAS and SAPHIRA…
      • And if there is NO repentance – then the Lord often takes them away…
      • So the church can again be in TUNE to the Holy Spirit – so there is HARMONY and UNITY!
  • 3^rd – Respect… vs. 13-14
    • Highly esteemed… vs. 13
      • Yet none of the rest dared join them – but the people esteemed them highly!
      • THIRD – some people stayed away – they were terrified…
      • Those who had WRONG motives – did NOT dare to join [κολλάω] the church…
      • The report about ANANIAS and SAPHIRA spread quickly…
      • You did NOT show up to church unless you were really SERIOUS about Jesus…
      • So those who did go to church wholeheartedly followed after God…
      • As a result everyone had [imperfect] MEGA [μέγας] respect for the church and the believers!
      • When the church is PURE – focused on Jesus instead of SELFISH motives…
      • The church SHINES for the Lord – and the whole world takes notice!
    • Growing… vs. 14
      • And believers were increasingly added to the Lord – multitudes of both men and women!
      • Therefore – the church began to really GROW [μᾶλλον]
      • Because the Lord [τῷ κυρίῳ] – was the one [instrumental] who added to it…
      • Both MEN and WOMEN were coming to the FAITH [πιστεύω]!
      • Because if a church is divided – full of half-hearted believers – uninspiring leaders…
      • Why would God want to send His people there – why would God FILL that church…
      • But a church that is focused on Jesus – is a church that God will FILL…
      • Because God knows that those who go there will learn and grow in Him!