Corruption From Within (Acts 5) Series

INTRODUCTION:

Bruce Olsen, a single American, (his fine book is Bruchko), has in effect become a Motilone Indian, of South America. He was taken hostage by communist Guerillas in the late 1980s. He taught the communists to read with the beautitudes. The recognized that the kingdom of God was like their idealist dream vaguely communicated in communism. We see the kingdom in this world in the fellowship events of Acts . . .

Acts 5 is a Vivid Historical Illustration of Two Kinds of Trouble which arise as the Kingdom of God advances; We are Challenged to Obey God Rather Than Men in the internal struggle of not seeking our own glory in good deeds and being honest in our dealings; we are taught to obey God and not men in the external adversity that unbelievers cause toward the kingdom.

In this sermon we will look at only the first one: Corruption from Within

THESIS VERSES - If you know these two verses you know trajectory of the kingdom and the dynamics of the kingdom.

ACTS 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

ACTS 2:42: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

TEXT: 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,

37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

NKJ Acts 5:1 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.

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.

13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.

14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,

15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.

16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

1. The Challenge of Internal Corruption

Ananias and Sapphira - Fear, Signs and Wonders

a. Contextually - Barnabas son of encouragement, acts to encourage others in his gift brought for the apostolic service.