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Sharing With Humility And Sincerity
ers must be entrusted to dis- tribute to those in need that which is given with humility and sincerity. The key is “trust”.
Verses 36, 37 - Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. The writer records the act of one of the members of the church named Joseph. Because of his actions the apostles nicknamed him Barn- abas. This man had to go through some things in order to sell his land. It was not easy or convenient; but he did it. Regardless of what he had to go through to sell it or regard- less of the dollar amount he gave it. He gave it with the same humility as everyone else. No matter how much you give, or no matter what you have to go through to get it, the expectation is for it to be given with humility.
Acts 5:1-10 captures the ac- tions of a husband and wife team; Ananias and Sapphira. The text tells us that Ana-
nias sold a piece of land and his wife Sapphira knew all about it (vs. 1). Also with her knowledge he kept part of the money for himself and gave the rest to the apostles (vs. 2). They willingly conspired to de- ceive. Many will think that be- cause it was their land they should be able to do what they wanted to do with their money. What has to be under- stood is they sold the land in the name of pleasing God. They purposed to do what was asked of the people to help and share with those in need. If you are going to act on the word of God you must do it with honesty and integrity.
The apostle informed Ana- nias that his act of withholding part of the sell of the land for himself was an act of dishon- esty and lying against the Holy Ghost. When you make a vow ordoaworkinthenameof God and you do not perform the vow you lie to God. Many people practice this by writing tithe on their offering enve- lope when they know it is less.
As a response to their act of dishonesty in worship the Bible says Ananias fell dead
(vs. 5). Disobedience and de- ceit are sure ways to die. The death one may experience may not be a physical death but a spiritual death. Acting in such a manner is consid- ered sin to God. You are not lying to the apostle, the priest, or the pastor. Your sin is to- wards God.
They gave Sapphira an op- portunity to tell the truth. They asked her is this the price you got for the sell of the land? She said, “Yes, that is the price” (vs. 8). Since they were co-own- ers of the land she had an equal opportunity to do the right thing. She did not have to conspire to do evil towards God. The Holy Ghost knows what others do not. Because she conspired with her hus- band she received the same punishment.
When you give you must give with humility and sincer- ity. If you are going to per- form and act in the name of the Lord you must do it whole- heartedly. When you practice deceit in your giving you are lying to the Holy Ghost. Avoid this practice by doing what is right so God will be pleased.
The church is a body of be- lievers who come together with a common cause; to wor- ship, praise, and serve the liv- ing God. Our service of God is often times displayed through the service of human kind, es- pecially fellow members of the body of Christ. This text se- lected for this week’s lesson from Acts 4:34-37; 5:1-10 shows the early church’s acts of service through sharing. The writer highlights several people, Joseph, Ananias, and Sapphira.
Verse 34 – There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales. This was one of the methods used to provide aid to those who were
in need. Being saved and a member of the church does not exempt a person from being in need. Being a part of the body of Christ means you can have some support or help. The people gave from their own treasures and as- sets. They were willing to sell their land asset to ensure their fellow brothers and sisters had their needs met. The modern day church must continuously evaluate what it has as a pos- session that can be used to help others.
Verse35-Andputitat the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. In humility they gave the proceeds from the sell to the apostles. The apostles acted as stewards to make sure everything was dis- tributed. Today’s church lead-
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 5-B