Title: Don’t Play Smart With God
Memorize: Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Acts 5:1-11 (Nkjv)
[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.”
[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.
[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.
[11] So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Message:
Ananias and Sapphira were perhaps one of the couples who were most committed to God’s work in their days.
However, one act of deceit cost them their lives.
Their story is a pathetic one that all children of God must learn from.
I believe that they would not have died if they had just stated how much they were willing to give to God from the sale of their property.
After all, God knew how much they sold the property for.
My dear child, when you give God an offering, do it willingly, not grudgingly or to show off.
If you are paying less than your tithe, not giving your offerings, or if you are involved in internet fraud, God is watching you.
Likewise, pretending to be nice at home, while being notorious in your school, is an act of deception that has consequences before God.
The Bible says that he that is bad, let him be bad still (Revelation 22:11); I believe it is so that everyone will know that they need prayers.
If a person pretends to be good, God’s judgment of the person might be fatal. May you not perish, in Jesus’ name.
Key Point:
Ask God to forgive your sins now: mention them specifically.
HYMN 20 – CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE
1 Christian, seek not yet repose;
Hear thy guardian angel say,
“Thou art in the midst of foes:
Watch and pray!”
2 Principalities and powers ,
Mustering their unseen array,
Wait for thy unguarded hours:
“Watch and pray.”
3 Gird thy heavenly armour on;
Wear it every night and day
Ambush’d lies the evil one:
“Watch and pray.”
4 Hear the victors who o’ercame;
Still they mark each warrior’s way;
All with one sweet voice exclaim,
“Watch and pray!”
5 Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day;
Pray, that help may be sent down:
Watch and pray.
6 Hear, above all, hear thy Lord,
Him thou lovest to obey;
Hide within thy heart His word
“Watch and pray!”
Bible Reading In One Year: Genesis 48:1-49:33; Matthew 15:29-16:12
AUTHORS: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE
PASTOR MRS FOLU ADEBOYE