Spiritual Hypocrisy — A Sermon on Acts 5

Date: 2019-10-06
Title: Spiritual Hypocrisy
Speaker: Lead pastor
Scripture: Acts 5

(Summary by Hilda)

Acts 4 tells of Peter and John being arrested, warned not to preach in Jesus’s name, and the believers beginning to hold all things in common. Christians were persecuted; even today, some countries forbid church gatherings. Christians are also human — afraid of pain, weak — what made them persevere?

Character Formation of the Believer

The establishment of the early church depended critically on the character of its believers. God is jealous; God commanded believers not to worship idols, to be of one heart and one mind: “Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” (Acts 4:32)

Our devotional life requires “presence” — heart-here, mind-here — because devotion is about building a relationship with God, which requires being whole-hearted. Modern people feel pressure because we cannot meet targets — but who sets these targets? Do they come from the Spirit or from the flesh? We must discern carefully.

All Things in Common

Acts 4:32 continues: “No one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.” Everything we have is given to us by the Lord, so we should use and share with gratitude.

The Ananias-Sapphira Story (Acts 5)

Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but secretly kept back part of the proceeds. 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? While it remained, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, did it not still remain in your control? Why have you contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to humans but to God.” Ananias fell down and died.

The lesson: deceiving God is the death of the heart. In the church, when we conceal injustice toward others, we similarly deceive God.

Closing Reflections

The Spirit’s work begins from drawing near to God — we must be of one heart with God.
When we walk into the dark world, many will hate us. (Acts 5:17)
“We must obey God rather than humans.” (Acts 5:29) is right.
As long as what we do comes from God and not from humans, our lives will be built up; they will not perish.

In Christianity, “eternal life” often refers to a static concept. But really, “eternal life” is our life continuously transforming and being renewed. Today, let us draw near to God without fear, and cooperate with God in building life.