Acts 5:1–11

5:1
Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of
property.
2
He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge;
he brought only part of it and placed 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 for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale
of the land?
4
Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was
the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your
heart? You have not lied to people but to God!”
5
When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear
gripped all who heard about it.
6
So the young men came, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7
After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, but she did not
know what had happened.
8
Peter said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you paid this amount for the
land?” Sapphira said, “Yes, that much.”
9
Peter then told her, “Why have you 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
At once she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in,
they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her
husband.
11
Great fear gripped the whole church and all who heard about these things.

One thought:

How dangerously tempting money is. Be wary – the devil prowls and the love of money is like blood in the water.

Three questions:

Do you think we should be afraid of this happening to us?

How is your heart going regarding the love of money? Have you been generous lately?

Have you ever promised money to God and not come through? Now might be a good time to sort that out.

Prayer:

Give thanks that God owns all the money in the world. Repent of ever loving money. Ask God to help you be view money the way he calls us to, leading to generosity.

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