Teach us to pray-22

I believe that this will be the last study on prayer. While we could continue for another two months, I think we should go on to another topic of importance. I will be working on it during this week. We will look at some of God’s warnings about prayer.

Acts 5:1  But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 5:2  and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. 

What was Ananias trying to do? Why was he doing this?

Acts 4:32  And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 4:33  And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 

4:34  For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 4:35  and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. 

True believers were giving all to help all. Once it became known that you had left the Temple to follow Jesus, families, friends, and even jobs were gone. This created an imbalance within the congregation in regards to even having enough to eat. So they sold property, laid the entire proceeds at the apostles’ feet, and let them distribute it according to need, not according to wants.

Ananias wanted to have this benevolent recognition without bearing all the cost.

5:3  But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 5:4  "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 

As we studied earlier, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we need help with our prayers. In this case, they lied to the Holy Spirit, which means they also lied to God. Peter reminded him that there was no expectation for anyone to to sell their land and give everything to the apostles.

5:5  And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 5:6  The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. 

God dealt with this sin immediately. But, He doesn’t always deal so visibly, quickly, or dramatically to our sin? Why now?

5:7  Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 5:8  And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." 

It is apparent, that she knows nothing of what happened to her husband just 3 hours earlier. Peter gave her the opportunity to tell the truth, but she lied instead.

5:9  Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." 5:10  And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 

Same lie, same results. Two deaths in broad daylight within 3 hours. All because they lied to Peter and to God.

5:11  And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things. 

What can we learn?

First, our plans should never get ahead to our prayers. If they would have come together to pray about selling their land, this may have been avoided.

Second, this wasn’t about money. This wasn’t about giving.It was about looking good to others, but at what cost?

Third, as the Church in Jerusalem was in its infancy, God did not want or tolerate blatant sin being ignored. God’s view of sin was put on display for all to see. That is indeed a rare occurrence. What would His Church look like today if this was practiced?

Finally, as mentioned before, we need clean hearts, hearts of confession and repentance, and a humble spirit to come before God in prayer. We need wisdom, conviction, and direction from God to live a life of honoring God.

More next Saturday.