Giving for Gain
Opening Prayer
As you begin this time with God, take a moment to praise God for his many good gifts to you.
Read Acts 5:1-11
[1] Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. [2] With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. [3] Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? [4] Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” [5] When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. [6] Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. [7] About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” [9] Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” [10] At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. [11] Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why do you think they were punished so severely?This passage seems a bit extreme, doesn’t it? Ananias and Sapphira are freely giving the church some of the proceeds from the sale of their own land and God strikes them dead for a mere lie. Lying would hardly top our list of serious sins. Let’s look at the context: in 4:36,37 we hear about Barnabas, whom everyone praises for his generosity. It seems that Ananias and Sapphira were not seeking the welfare of the poor, but rather to be praised, honored and respected like Barnabas. As Peter tells Ananias, he was not required to sell the land nor to give all the money to the church should he choose to sell (4). The issue was not that they kept back some of the money for themselves, but that they wanted people to believe they had given it all. They were more interested in being praised by people than in being right before God. Their attitude was the opposite of that taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:1-4 where he warns us not to announce our giving with trumpets, but to give secretly so that only our heavenly Father will see. God is interested in the attitudes of our hearts, not just our good works.
Apply
Think of a way you can give this week (money, time, encouragement, etc.), and do it without anyone knowing.
Closing prayer
Lord, when I give, keep the attitude of my heart right before You. May my giving please You and serve others.
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