Acts 4:32 - 5:4

Through a Spirit of True Selflessness  4:32 –Manifestation:  Congregation of one heart and one soul–UNITY –As the Savior commanded – Matt. 22:37 –As the Savior prayed – John 17:20-21 –Preparation:  A heart that says, “All I have is not my own.” –“Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own”  “You are not your own” – 1 Cor. 6:19-20

Through a Spirit of True Stewardship  4:33 –Manifestation:  Message of the gospel (TRUTH) had great power through the lives of the messengers –As the Savior predicted – John 13:34-35 –As Christians extended great grace/favor to each other, God extended great grace/favor upon them, which gave them great grace/favor before others. –The IMAGE of the church & Christ was being shaped. –Preparation:  A heart that says, “All I have belongs to God” –“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness” (Ps. 24:1). –“All I have can be used for those in need.”

Through a Spirit of True Sacrifice  4:34-35 –Manifestation:  Not any Christian lacked basic life necessities  Distributed to each as anyone had need –Preparation & Action:  A willing (not coerced) heart –ALL who HAD –ALL who HAD, SOLD –ALL who HAD & SOLD, BROUGHT –ALL who HAD, SOLD & BROUGHT, LAID

Through a Spirit of True Sacrifice  4:34-35 –ALL who HAD – They had “things” (land, houses)  No one should lack: –necessities –proper attention –support or aid –trustworthy friends –faithful growth –encouragement –strength or joy –appreciation –confidence/certainty  Since we have: –treasures (Eph. 4:28) –time (Eph. 5:15-16) –talents (Ga. 5:13; 6:10) –trust (Pr. 17:17; 18:24) –truth (Jas. 5:19-20) –talk (Pr. 12:18; 31:26) –tenderness (Eph. 4:32) –thanks (Phil. 1:3) –target (Phil. 3:12-14)

Through a Spirit of True Sacrifice  4:34-35 –ALL who HAD  They had “things” (land, houses, possessions) –ALL who HAD, SOLD  Made up mind to help – it was still theirs –ALL who HAD & SOLD, BROUGHT  Went to deliver help – it was still theirs –ALL who HAD, SOLD & BROUGHT, LAID  Gave/delivered help – willingly and gladly “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

“For all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet…” “Barnabas…having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 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.”

–What happened?  Selfishness was stronger than selflessness  Wanted praise of men more than praise of God  Thought they could fool God (part vs. all)  Threatened the unity of the church, the truth that was being preached and the image of the Lord’s church and of the Lord Himself  Result: “Great fear came upon all.” – 5:5, 11 They KEPT BACK PART – 5:2-4 For the sake of your brethren, the Lord & His church, don’t keep anything back.

Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16:16 Repent of your sins – Acts 2:38 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:10 Be immersed in water – Galatians 3:27 –Sins are forgiven – Acts 22:16 –Added to His church – Acts 2:47 –Registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Always abound in the work of the Lord, for Him and for others – 1 Corinthians 15:58