Teaching Text

Acts 5:1-11

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 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. 3 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? 4 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.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 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 bur uh ied your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 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. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Sermon Synopsis

In Acts 5, the story of Ananias and Sapphira reveals a sobering truth: the holiness of God cannot be manipulated or performed. Amid a Spirit-filled community marked by generosity and integrity, their deceit exposed a dangerous drift, valuing image over integrity, self-fixation over self-giving.

Yet God’s judgment was not to paralyze His church but to purify it. His holiness protects what His love creates. The “fear of the Lord” that follows is not terror but trembling awe, the kind that awakens reverence, honesty, and freedom. When we fear God rightly, we are freed from fearing people, freed from self-preoccupation, and freed to love others rightly.

Key Takeaway: The fear of the Lord does not imprison us, it liberates us. His holiness exposes falsehood, His love restores integrity, and His presence sets us free from ourselves.

Sharing Prompts

  1.  Where in your life are you tempted to appear spiritual rather than to be sincere before God? What “small compromises” have we justified that might be shaping our heart?

  2. In what ways do you notice yourself turning inward, seeking control, validation, or recognition, rather than pouring yourself out for others? In what ways has self-fixation robbed you of joy or freedom?

  3. How do you understand the “fear of the Lord”? What would change in your worship, relationships, or work if you truly lived aware that the Holy God is in your midst?

Practice

  1. Ask the Lord to renew a healthy “fear of Him” to remind you of His holiness and love this week.

  2. Choose one practical way to turn outward this week by serving at church, encouraging someone at work, or giving to someone in need.

  3. If/When you encounter moments of self-centeredness, pause and pray: “Lord, help me fix my eyes on You so You can fix my eyes for others.”