Acts 4:34–5:14

The early church had 2 things going for them:

1- They were completely devoted to the message of the gospel

2- They were filled with the Holy Spirit

The stories in Acts are not just about the early church, they are about us, His church, today as well.

“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 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:34–35, ESV)

The early Christians had a sense that their community was more important than their stuff.

“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36–37, ESV)

“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?” (Acts 5:1–3, ESV)

“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.”” (Acts 5:4, ESV)

What was wrong with what Ananias and Sapphira did?

Ananias presented the gift as if it were the entire amount.

“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.” 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.” (Acts 5:5–11, ESV)

Why did Ananias and Sapphire do what they did?

They knew they could not receive the praise of people unless they gave away all of their money.

But they loved their money, so they lied about giving away all their money in order to receive the praise of the people.

When you see things like: lying, cheating, jealousy, and coveting, don’t just try to get rid of them. Find the source and get rid of the source. The source loves attention of people more than God.

What is God teaching us through this story?

1. In the church, there are two kinds of people and it is nearly impossible to

distinguish them from the outside.

What is hidden in your heart that no one can see?

Ask yourself, “When my mouth says ‘Jesus is Lord’ does my lifestyle (seen & unseen) back up that statement?”

If what your mouth says is different from what your life says, what your life says is a better testimony of what you believe than anything that comes from your mouth.

2. We cannot hide from God.

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13, ESV)

One day, it is not going to matter what people think about you because it will be revealed who you really are.

3. Fear is a part of worship.

“And great fear came upon all who heard of it.” (Acts 5:5b, ESV)

“And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” (Acts 5:11, ESV)

“And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,” (Acts 5:14, ESV)

The love of God grows out of the fear of God.

It is the fear of God that makes the love of God intense.

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” (Acts 9:31, ESV)

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace, my fears relieved!

4. Sin is a deadly serious matter to God.

Application Questions:

1. Are you pretending to be more spiritual than you really are?

2. What areas have you not surrendered to God?

3. Are you treating God flippantly?

Have you taken the salvation that was purchased for you by the death of Jesus on the cross and used it as a license to sin?

Do not take salvation and his grace as an excuse to not be focused on personal holiness and daily becoming more like Jesus.

4. Are you more concerned about your glory than God’s?

Bottom line: What’s underneath the surface?

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

If you expose your sin, He will forgive you.

If you hide your sin, He will condemn you.

The message of the gospel is this:

You are known fully…and you are loved completely.

“You are more sinful than you could dare imagine and more loved and accepted than you could ever dare hope.” -Tim Keller

We are all Ananias and Sapphira.

But Jesus died, he took our death, so if you confess your sin, if you embrace Jesus, His acceptance can be yours because your death was His.

Acts 4:23-35

1- What they prayed (vv. 23-28)

2- What they did NOT pray (vv. 29-31)

3- The Results (vv. 32-35)

1. What they prayed (vv. 23-28)

“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” (Acts 4:23–28, ESV)

For many of us, prayer is not our initial response to good news.

The primary theme of their prayer is God’s sovereignty and power.

The first Christians knew that God was in complete control.

Do we pray with this same confidence?

The early church used Scripture as a way to ignite their prayer life. Scripture guided and controlled their prayers.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)

2. What they did not pray (vv. 29-31)

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29–31, ESV)

As we pray for protection, we must also ask God to give us strength to endure the dangers that come with faithful gospel ministry.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)

How is the church to operate in a culture that is increasingly hostile to what we believe and embrace? Verse 29 gives us the answer.

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, ESV)

Two things happened in verse 31:

1. They prayed for boldness

2. They walked in boldness

The default position of most dying churches where the environment finds the Word of God and the claims of Jesus offensive, is for them to say, “Let’s soften the stances of the Bible in order to win people to Jesus.”

Every time, what ends up being discovered is it’s not just those issues which are offensive, it’s Jesus Himself.

To neglect people’s greatest need, to simply engage in their felt needs, does nothing in the long term to change their hearts, their situations, or the world around them.

We are to be bold, yet gracious people.

The message of the gospel:

The pardon is on the table for each and every person to accept or reject.

3. The Results (vv. 32-35)

“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. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 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 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” (Acts 4:32–35, ESV)

The people of God (the church) were a people marked by their generosity.

The local church should be the place where the most difficult people find a home, find grace, and where they find those willing to walk alongside them for the long haul.

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)

We are storytellers, and we have 1 thing to praise.

Boldness for Beginners (HEADER)

1. Say something when saying nothing would be easier.

2. Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

-Offer to pray for someone

-Ask someone if you can share your story with them

3. Create opportunities

-Invite your co-workers to lunch

-Include someone that you don’t normally include

-Take time to get to know your neighbors

4. Get involved in missions

5. Ask God for boldness

Acts 4:1-20

The rule in our society:

You can be sincere about your religion,

just don’t be so excited that you try to convert others

“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,” (Acts 4:1, ESV)

“greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 4:2, ESV)

“And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:3–4, ESV)

“On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:5–7, ESV)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.” (Acts 4:8–10, ESV)

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:11–13, ESV)

“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” (Acts 4:14, ESV)

“But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:15–18, ESV)

“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.” (Acts 4:19–21, ESV)

The miracle addressed 1 of the primary objections people have about Christianity—salvation is found only in Jesus.

The fundamental religious question throughout all human history:

Are there multiple ways to God?

Objection 1: Claiming that Jesus is the only way to God is arrogant.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, ESV)

Is it arrogant to believe that Jesus is who He says He is?

No. In fact it’s the opposite. It is humbling to admit that we aren’t smart enough to figure out truth, so God had to come down to reveal it to us.

If there is another way to God, other than trusting in what Jesus did on the cross, then why would God sacrifice His Son?

Scripture is consistent that Jesus is the only way to heaven (1 Timothy 2:5; John 10:9; Romans 10:13)

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:11, ESV)

Believing the gospel, making Jesus the cornerstone of your life, shapes who you are at your core.

Objection 2: Religion is a matter of personal preference.

God did for us what we could not do for ourselves:

1. He paid our sin debt by living the life we were supposed to live and dying the death we should’ve died.

2. He was raised from the dead.

3. We were healed by His stripes.

4. We were buried with Him in baptism into death and raised to walk in newness of life.

The most important question you have to answer:

Is what Jesus said, is what Jesus did….it is optional to believe?

If it is true, trusting Jesus is not about personal preference.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, ESV)

Salvation is at the heart of what Jesus accomplished for us.

He purchased our salvation and it is available to you if you respond in faith and repentance.

Two things about Acts 4:12

1. Salvation is given.

If it is given by God, it can only be found in the place where God has

provided it.

2. There is no other name (but the name of Jesus).

Salvation is found only in Jesus.

“Would that God make hell so real to the church that we cannot rest.” -Hudson Taylor

Acts 3:4–20

This man was broken.

He was humiliated.

He was hopeless.

“And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” (Acts 3:4)

“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”” (Acts 3:6, ESV)

“And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:7–8, ESV)

Why is it important that the lame man, after being healed, immediately goes to the temple? (HEADER)

1. He was disabled, he had never been able to go inside the temple.

2. Entering the temple during the hour of prayer reveals his recognition of God as healer

“And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” (Acts 3:9–10, ESV)

How the lame man is an illustration of salvation:

1. He was born lame

We are born sinners

2. He was poor

We are bankrupt before God

3. He was outside the temple

All sinners are separated from God

4. He was healed by the grace of God

Salvation comes from God alone

Those who reach the many, care about reaching the 1.

May we not miss those who feel lost in the crowd.

Peter is going to boldly proclaim to this audience that they need Jesus just as much as the lame man did, not for physical healing, but for spiritual healing.

“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:12–16, ESV)

Peter uses 3 titles for Jesus:

Servant Jesus, Holy and Righteous One, and Author of Life

Peter teaches his audience how to rightly respond to the gospel message —

faith alone in Jesus.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,” (Acts 3:19–20, ESV)

True repentance is admitting that what God says is true, and because it is true, you change your mind about your sin and the result is that you change course.

“Legalistic remorse says, ‘I broke God’s rules,’ while real repentance says, ‘I broke God’s heart.’” -Tim Keller

Unless we turn from our sins, we cannot place our complete trust in Jesus.

May we constantly have sensitive hearts to the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin, and as a result, we repent and turn back to God.

What happens if we repent and turn back to Jesus (HEADER)

1. Total forgiveness (v. 19)

“…your sins may be blotted out” (v. 19)

Sin must be punished by God. If not, He would not be just.

But when we turn to Jesus, God wipes out our sin and we no longer must bear its penalty.

Jesus has wiped out our wrongs.

We have no guilt

We are under no condemnation

Jesus has already wiped away our sins, and in the future, He promises to wipe away all of our tears.

2. Spiritual refreshment (v. 20)

“…that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (v. 20)

For those who turn to Jesus, we will find rest

3. Complete restoration (v. 20)

“…that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus” (v. 20)

The gospel gives us an unshakable hope that our best days are yet to come. This earth is not our home!

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Theme of 1st Peter: Hope in the midst of persecution

Theme of 2nd Peter: The grace of God transforms and empowers Christians to live for Him, even in the face of opposition.

Throughout the gospels, we see Peter:

-rushing ahead when he should have waited

-sleeping when he should have been praying

-talking when he should have listened

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV)

2 things about this privilege they have:

1. It was freely given to them

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV)

2. It was given to them by God and Jesus

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1, ESV)

“Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 1:1a, ESV)

Servant: a title many of the great leaders in the Bible took as a title of honor

Great Biblical Leaders referred to as servants:

Moses, the great leader & law giver

“So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab” (Deuteronomy 34:5a, ESV)

Joshua, the great commender

“After these things Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being 110 years old.” (Joshua 24:29, ESV)

David, the greatest king

“He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds;” (Psalm 78:70)

Paul, writer of more books in the New Testament than any other author

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” (Romans 1:1, ESV)

James, brother of Jesus

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1a, ESV)

Significance of being called a servant of Christ:

-we belong to God wholeheartedly

-we are committed to obeying Him

-we are constantly in His service

If you are a servant of God, it means every moment of your time is spent in the service of God.

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” (2 Peter 1:2, ESV)

3 possessions that we have been given through Jesus:

righteousness, grace, and peace

Righteousness

He gives you a right standing before God. In fact, His righteousness becomes yours

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Grace

Grace is God’s favor to those who do not deserve it.

Peace

1. Peace WITH God

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, ESV)

2. Peace OF God

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, ESV)

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV)

The Christian life begins w/ saving faith in person of Jesus Christ (v. 1).

But when you know Jesus personally, you also experience God’s power, and this power produces “life and godliness” (v. 3)

“So you also are complete through your union with Christ” (Colossians 2:10a, NLT)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

If love for God isn’t present in our heart, then genuine obedience will be absent in our life.

Jesus’ incredible promise:

Love will motivate behavior.

As our love for Jesus grows, our obedience will grow too.

Jesus says, “Love Me and your obedience will flow naturally from that love.”

How do I cultivate/grow love for God:

Focus more intently on His love for you than your love for Him

Focus more on His obedience than yours

Focus more on His strength than yours

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, ESV)

If we focus on how God loves us without merit, if we rest in that fact that our obedience or disobedience does not change His love for us, what happens?

Your heart naturally desires to obey.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12, ESV)

God’s love is eternal and based on Jesus’ obedience, not yours.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–25

We look at the map Paul writes to the believers in Thessalonica and how they can make the most impact in the world for the kingdom of God.