June 24
Bible Reading: Acts 5:1-11
Acts 4:36-37, “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Acts 5:1-2, “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
A pastor, who had been emphasizing the importance of daily Bible reading, received an invitation to visit the home of one of his parishioners. While at their home, the Pastor’s wife noticed these words scribbled on the calendar: “Pastor/Wife visit—dust off all Bibles.”
Though all too common, hypocrisy is something that works against the spiritual well-being of the church and its members. The word hypocrisy comes from the Greek theater and referred to the practice of putting on a mask, conveying the idea of playing a part on stage. Spiritually speaking, it involves creating a public impression that is at odds with one’s character and motives.
Satan attempted to hinder the church’s progress through the threats of the religious council (Acts 4). Having limited success with persecution, he introduced a strategy of corruption, seeking to undermine the integrity of the church.
It is as Warren Wiersbe has noted: “We must face the fact that Satan is a clever foe. If he does not succeed as the ‘devouring lion’ (1 Peter 5:8), then he attacks again as the ‘deceiving serpent’ or an ‘angel of light’ (2 Cor. 11:3, 13-14). Satan is both a murderer and a liar (John 8:44), and the church must be prepared for both attacks.”
Barnabas, a spiritual man, was motivated by love to sell all his property for the benefit of others. Ananias and Sapphira, seeking the applause of men without paying the price, sold their land but hid the fact that they had held back some of the profit. Their lie to the Holy Spirit proved costly, as both dropped dead after being exposed for their sin. Barnabas, aka “the son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36) lived on, proving himself to be a tremendous encouragement to lots of folks in lots of ways. Hypocrisy is no small sin. God hates it. Satan loves it. And it is hazardous to our spiritual health. Barnabas left us with a wonderful example to follow. All that Ananias and Sapphira left to us was a warning.
We lose the approval of God when we seek the applause of men.
PURE AND HOLY
Pure and holy I would be
Worthy of your love for me
Teach me while Your light in clear;
Change me while my heart is near.
Holy, holy, holy Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord
You are great and I am small,
You are King and God of all.
You are wise in all You do,
Lord I put my trust in You.
Holy, holy, holy Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord
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