Acts 5:1-16 WARNINGS Some people today present God in the Old Testament scriptures differently than God in the New Testament. But this is wrong. Warnings about the holiness of God came in many different ways to those believers of the Old Testament times. Moses was told to take his shoes off because "the ground on which thou standest is holy ground." The children of Israel were warned to stay away from the "holy mount" lest they die. Joshua had to put one shoe off when he was in the presence of God. Strangely today many think God has changed and we do not need to worry if we dishonor Him, disobey Him or neglect Him and His Word. Some will say, He is a God of love. He would not punish His children." This indicates an opinion of God that He is not much more than a kindly grandfather who is very sentimental when it comes to His family, and they can get away with whatever they want to do. God has not changed. God is the same in the New Testament as He was in the Old, but "his mercy endured for ever."
Right near the beginning of the church age when the foundation of the apostles and prophets were still the authoritative voices among the early church, a warning is clearly given lest we think the holiness of God no longer counts among His people. The generosity of Barnabas and the respect he had among the people is contrasted by the deception of Ananias and Sapphira. They didn't have to sell their possession and give the money to the apostles. They didn't have to turn their money over to the apostles to use for the common good. But to pretend to give all the proceeds so they might be more highly thought of, while at the same holding back the rest, was dishonesty with covetousness at the root. Covetousness in any form is a moral sin that can easily and quickly affect a whole assembly of God's people. "He did it so why can't I?" "They got away with that so we will do the same." Covetousness is like an infectious, communicable disease and the potential evil that comes to the whole assembly of saints can quickly get out of control destroying the testimony. Spiritual discipline is the only way such a sin can be dealt with. Perhaps more than any other moral sin, covetousness can quickly change the whole character of a local church of God.
To deceive God's people is bad enough, but to seek to deceive God by lying to the Holy Spirit at the same time, quickly destroys our testimony to the saving grace of God. That first church learned in a hurry that our God has not changed nor will He ever change. His holiness is not compromised in any way by His love, grace and mercy. Sin is still sin and God has not changed His attitude toward it. He hates sin because it is contrary to all that He is and all that He expects of His children. Even though God's grace saves us when we put our faith in Christ alone for salvation, His holiness and righteousness remain fully intact. Others died in Corinth because they did not recognize the importance of holiness when they partook of the Lord's Supper. Righteous judgment on His own children seems unfair to those who only have the name of being a Christian. In this day of so much counterfeit Christianity, "easy believeism" and the desire to "feel good" about everything, people seem to think they can escape the consequences of their sin as they go on doing unscriptural practices in the name of God. We all need to remember "Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth." Many think God has gone soft on sin because they get away with things that seem much worse than what Ananias and Sapphira did. Either they are not saved at all, or God in mercy is giving them time "to repent and do the first works" that are motivated by love for God and for His people.
With such a warning having been given to people concerning dishonesty, why are people attracted to the Gospel and the truth of God? When the Holy Spirit is not grieved nor quenched by God's people, there is an attractiveness to the truth that is way beyond the outward trappings of religious activity. We need to remember the value of sincerity, honesty, unity and generosity that is seen in the lives of believers who love the Lord and obey His Word. Many things are being done today to attract people to attend church services. Music is louder and longer, programs for people of every age and social group are initiated to "meet the need of the individual." Many forget the church is the dwelling place of the living God. Instead of the emphasis being place on what pleases people and makes them comfortable "where they are," we need to be reminded that obeying God, and doing things His way for His glory, is our responsibility. When the focus is on people rather than God, a local congregation becomes a social service, with the building the assembly uses becoming a social center, to meet social needs. We do need to "do good unto all men," but we also need to realize the local church is "the house of God" and we are responsible to "behave ourselves in the house of God."
God's power was working through His people in the early church and signs were obvious to the Jews that affirmed what the apostles preached publicly and taught privately. Miracles were done that showed the power of God that was seen in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, was continuing through the lives and ministry of those who followed Him. Now it is our turn to demonstrate the holiness, grace, mercy and love of God so that the people of our place and generation will be saved.
It is quite possible to forget how holy our God is When we look around and see all that is being done. For some reason He continues extending His grace Towards those who even deny His Son. But let me never forget God is eternally the same, In Him there is no shadow caused by turning. There are things people do when they dishonor His name That are written down for our warning and learning.
Dishonesty is so common people seem not to think That it is very important or even so bad. With not much more than a thought, they are on the brink Of righteous judgment, and will soon earnestly wish they had Paid attention to conscience and simple morality That is in place so that we do what is right. When it is too late, they will then face the reality That every act we do is done in God's sight.
These warnings are given that we will not do Those things that are designed to deceive. Our commitment should be that to God we are true So that other people will on Him believe. Warnings are for us, but also that through us Others will learn the Holy God sees every action. Perhaps it will lead them to with their heart trust In Him who gives to us eternal satisfaction.
"Holy God, my Father, Thy Word has given serious warnings to me to never pretend one thing and the reality be something else. May I have a willing heart and mind to be led and guided to speak the truth from a good and honest heart, that others also might experience the benefits of Thy grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."