Before we read from the book of Acts, I want to remind you of a scripture from Hebrews chapter 4.

Hebrews 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

You can fool a lot of people. You can fool your parents, your teachers, your boss, your co-workers, your boyfriend or girlfriend, you husband your wife, and for the record your pastor is really easy to fool, because he always believes the best about you. But just for the record, you will never be able to fool God.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We have been learning a lot about the Holy Spirit in our study in the Book of Acts. In the verses we are about to read we will see that the Holy Spirit’s discerning ability.

Acts 4

32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

God loves unity, and the Holy Spirit is always creating and encouraging its growth. When we look at the third chapter of Genesis, it seems like the first result of the fall was self-consciousness. For Adam and Eve there was the recognition that they were naked, and they were ashamed, tried to cover their nakedness, and then did their best to transfer blame from themselves to someone else. The characteristic of the church at this time was they were not living for themselves…they were not living a self-centered life, but a God centered life.

In the verses that follow every time we read the word “great” it is the Greek word “mega”

33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

Mega-power! Mega-grace!

34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

Don’t miss two amazing things going on right now.

-Incredible generosity and incredible trust!

-The people were generous, and they trusted their leadership with those resources!

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

What a wonderful man Barnabus was. We are going to hear so much about him in our journey through the Book of Acts. This is the first mention of him, and we will see that he will always be one who is giving encouragement. He will be instrumental in the church at Antioch, getting Paul into ministry, founding churches, clarifying doctrine, getting a young man named Mark into ministry. Barnabus was the real deal. He was genuine. There were wonderful things happening in the church at this time, but not everyone in the church was the real deal. Next we learn about a couple who saw the acclaim that Barnabus received and they wanted that same kind of acclaim.

Acts 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

2 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.

3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

I don’t want you to miss a truth that we were just taught:

“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?”

“You have not lied to men but to God.”

That is important because that is one of the scriptures that teach us that the Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity.

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 

After her three hour shopping spree, guess who shows up?

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8 And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much."

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, and they will carry you out."

10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

One theologian noted that if God continued to deal with believers the way he dealt with Ananias and Sapphira there would need to be a morgue in every church basement.

Imagine if you were killed every time you pretended to be something you are not… I’m thinking none of us would still be here!

11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Mega-fear. Don’t you think there would have been some self-examination going on before church? Oh yeah!

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.

13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.

The disciples were held in great respect from those in the community. The events surrounding Ananias and Sapphira had obviously made its way into the community and so people did not want to take a chance on going to church and not making it out alive!

Before we read the last verses, I need to tie this together with something that happened just a little while before this.

Acts 4

29 “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,

30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

In chapter 5 God answers that prayer that was prayed in chapter 4.

14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

15 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.

16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

They were all healed. Only Jesus had ever done things on this scale before!

Matthew 8:16 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,

Matthew 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

Jesus had made an incredible promise to the disciples:

John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

How is it possible that we can do those same works and even greater works than Jesus did? Jesus answered that questions:

John 16:7 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” 

In the Book of Acts we are seeing that statement in action. The only way that is possible is by the Holy Spirit is empowering us. Let me remind you of a few basic truths:

Power Promised

Joel 2

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.”

You remember is chapter 2 that Peter told the people that what they were witnessing was a fulfillment of that prophecy.

Power Received

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The power the disciples received enabled them to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus and to declare the message of the gospel.

Endued with Power

Luke 24:49 “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Jesus said they would be clothed with power. As we learned last week it was not a one time experience. 

The same Spirit

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

That very same Spirit that empowered Jesus when He was here on earth…that same Spirit that raised Him from the dead…that same Spirit that was at work in the Book of Acts…that same Spirit now lives and empowers you!

Raise your hand and let me pray that powerful prayer from Acts 4 over you:

Lord, grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.

Go forth in the power of His Spirit!