Famous People

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We learn to follow Jesus one step at a time

Ac. 5:1–2

‍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.

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‍Ac. 5:3-6

‍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.” (proof that the Bible teaches the HS is 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.

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Ananias and Sapphira didn't want to become generous as much as they wanted to be known as generous

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Spiritual development is not a contest

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Ac. 5:7-8

‍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.” 

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Ac. 5:9-11

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.” 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. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.‍

God grants us moments of clarity in taking two steps:

- Own Up

- Give Up

Practice the discipline of secrecy

Matt. 6:1

‍Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.