Caught Cheating.avi

I want to begin this morning by
I want to begin this morning by
doing a little quiz with you if you're
doing a little quiz with you if you're
game for that.
game for that.
Back in the Old Testament
Back in the Old Testament
when Israel first comes into the
when Israel first comes into the
promised land under the leadership of
promised land under the leadership of
Joshua,
what is the first major sin that happens
what is the first major sin that happens
that brings forth the vigorous judgment
that brings forth the vigorous judgment
of God? Anybody tell me
of God? Anybody tell me
the story of Achen?
the story of Achen?
The story of Achen is recorded for us in
The story of Achen is recorded for us in
Joshua chapter 6 if you want to read it
Joshua chapter 6 if you want to read it
at some point. It takes place in the
at some point. It takes place in the
context of the capture of Jericho.
context of the capture of Jericho.
Jericho is the first city of the
Jericho is the first city of the
promised land that falls to God's
promised land that falls to God's
people. And because it is the first
people. And because it is the first
city, God demands the first fruits of
city, God demands the first fruits of
Jericho. Very interesting principle. And
Jericho. Very interesting principle. And
so God says, "Destroy the whole city.
so God says, "Destroy the whole city.
Don't take any of the plunder for
Don't take any of the plunder for
yourself and take the silver and the
yourself and take the silver and the
gold and put it in my treasury. Well, if
gold and put it in my treasury. Well, if
you know the story, Achen couldn't
you know the story, Achen couldn't
resist the temptation. The Bible says uh
resist the temptation. The Bible says uh
that he came across a beautiful
that he came across a beautiful
Babylonian garment. The Bible says he
Babylonian garment. The Bible says he
found a pile of silver about five and a
found a pile of silver about five and a
half pounds worth. And then he found a
half pounds worth. And then he found a
wedge of gold about a pound and a
wedge of gold about a pound and a
quarter I believe it was.
quarter I believe it was.
And he said, 'It's a shame to give this
And he said, 'It's a shame to give this
to God and it's a shame to burn this
to God and it's a shame to burn this
beautiful garment. And he took it home
beautiful garment. And he took it home
and he buried it under the floor of his
and he buried it under the floor of his
tent, saying to himself, "Nobody will
tent, saying to himself, "Nobody will
ever know and this will be a good
ever know and this will be a good
retirement package for me." Well, if you
retirement package for me." Well, if you
know the story, you know what happened.
know the story, you know what happened.
God's judgment fell on the whole nation
God's judgment fell on the whole nation
of Israel. The next time they went out
of Israel. The next time they went out
to battle, which was to a small city
to battle, which was to a small city
called Ai, they were defeated by the
called Ai, they were defeated by the
enemy, 36 of their number died. And God
enemy, 36 of their number died. And God
said, "You got a problem. You got to
said, "You got a problem. You got to
deal with it." And so, as they began to
deal with it." And so, as they began to
seek out what the problem was. Then
seek out what the problem was. Then
Achen was identified as the thief who
Achen was identified as the thief who
had broken covenant with God. And
had broken covenant with God. And
ultimately that led to his death, the
ultimately that led to his death, the
death of his family and the destruction
death of his family and the destruction
of everything that he had. That's the
of everything that he had. That's the
Old Testament when Israel first comes
Old Testament when Israel first comes
into the promised land. Now roll forward
into the promised land. Now roll forward
to the New Testament from this scripture
to the New Testament from this scripture
reading, the New Testament church. What
reading, the New Testament church. What
is the first area? What is the first sin
is the first area? What is the first sin
that is committed that calls forth the
that is committed that calls forth the
vigorous judgment of God?
vigorous judgment of God?
It's a story of Ananas and Safh. And
It's a story of Ananas and Safh. And
we'll talk about that in a few moments.
we'll talk about that in a few moments.
But now roll the clock forward even a
But now roll the clock forward even a
little further, bring it closer to home.
little further, bring it closer to home.
What is the first major event that
What is the first major event that
occurred three years ago after we moved
occurred three years ago after we moved
into this building and we had our uh
into this building and we had our uh
grand opening service?
grand opening service?
We got hit by a $950,000
We got hit by a $950,000
lawsuit. You will remember a lawsuit
lawsuit. You will remember a lawsuit
that has since been settled or dropped.
that has since been settled or dropped.
But if you put these three stories
But if you put these three stories
together,
what two lessons do you think one could
what two lessons do you think one could
safely draw from this? I'll spell them
safely draw from this? I'll spell them
out for you. Number one, as scripture
out for you. Number one, as scripture
says in the New Testament, the love of
says in the New Testament, the love of
money is what?
money is what?
the root of all evil. It's often misqued
the root of all evil. It's often misqued
as if money is the root of all evil. No,
as if money is the root of all evil. No,
no. Money itself is neutral. Can be used
no. Money itself is neutral. Can be used
for good, can be used for bad. It's the
for good, can be used for bad. It's the
love of money that is the root of all
love of money that is the root of all
evil.
Secondly,
even when you are anointed by the Holy
even when you are anointed by the Holy
Spirit,
as is the early church and caught up in
as is the early church and caught up in
the purposes of God, as was both Old
the purposes of God, as was both Old
Testament Israel and the New Testament
Testament Israel and the New Testament
church,
there is no guarantee
there is no guarantee
that you are immune to the power of
that you are immune to the power of
greed.
And so that is the major theme that
And so that is the major theme that
comes to expression in this story of
comes to expression in this story of
Ananas and Safh.
Ananas and Safh.
And as we look at it together this
And as we look at it together this
morning, allow me to make some
morning, allow me to make some
observations about how the story
observations about how the story
unfolds. And then if we have time, a
unfolds. And then if we have time, a
couple of practical lessons that I want
couple of practical lessons that I want
to draw uh from it. Uh my monitor Ustred
to draw uh from it. Uh my monitor Ustred
is not working here, so you may have to
is not working here, so you may have to
help me to make sure that I get the
help me to make sure that I get the
right slide up. The first thing I want
right slide up. The first thing I want
us to note in this particular story is
us to note in this particular story is
that it begins with a collusion
that it begins with a collusion
or an agreement
or an agreement
between Ananas and his wife Safh.
between Ananas and his wife Safh.
Listen again to verses 1 and two. A man
Listen again to verses 1 and two. A man
named Ananas together with his wife Safh
named Ananas together with his wife Safh
also sold a piece of property. With his
also sold a piece of property. With his
wife's full knowledge, he kept back part
wife's full knowledge, he kept back part
of the money for himself, but brought
of the money for himself, but brought
the rest and put it at the apostles
the rest and put it at the apostles
feet. Now, the backstory here, of
feet. Now, the backstory here, of
course, is what we looked at last week
course, is what we looked at last week
in the previous chapter. How the early
in the previous chapter. How the early
church filled with the Holy Spirit found
church filled with the Holy Spirit found
themselves one in heart and mind. And
themselves one in heart and mind. And
they were so one in heart and mind that
they were so one in heart and mind that
nobody said, "My property is my own."
nobody said, "My property is my own."
Instead, they shared it freely with each
Instead, they shared it freely with each
other as there was need.
other as there was need.
And this came to expression then in the
And this came to expression then in the
realization that some people sold their
realization that some people sold their
houses and their lands in order to
houses and their lands in order to
provide for those who are uh less
provide for those who are uh less
wealthy or less well off. And the
wealthy or less well off. And the
chapter ends with this remarkable
chapter ends with this remarkable
example of Barnabas
example of Barnabas
uh which means son of encouragement who
uh which means son of encouragement who
later becomes uh Paul's assistant in
later becomes uh Paul's assistant in
ministry until they have a big fight and
ministry until they have a big fight and
they split up uh selling a piece of his
they split up uh selling a piece of his
uh what is it a field he owned and he
uh what is it a field he owned and he
brought the money the Bible says and he
brought the money the Bible says and he
put it at the apostles feet. Well,
put it at the apostles feet. Well,
clearly now Ananas and Safh either get
clearly now Ananas and Safh either get
caught up in the excitement of the
caught up in the excitement of the
moment or perhaps more likely they see
moment or perhaps more likely they see
an opportunity
an opportunity
to get some praise and attention for
to get some praise and attention for
themselves. And so they have some
themselves. And so they have some
property and they sell it with the idea
property and they sell it with the idea
of giving the proceeds to the church.
of giving the proceeds to the church.
Everybody will take note of how generous
Everybody will take note of how generous
and how kind we are. But as they've made
and how kind we are. But as they've made
the transaction and they're looking at
the transaction and they're looking at
the money in hand,
the money in hand,
they're having second thoughts and
they're having second thoughts and
they're saying to themselves, you know,
they're saying to themselves, you know,
this is an awful lot of money and uh we
this is an awful lot of money and uh we
could buy a new refrigerator with this.
could buy a new refrigerator with this.
Uh we could buy a new chariot. Uh we
Uh we could buy a new chariot. Uh we
could upgrade our house a little bit
could upgrade our house a little bit
maybe. Uh why don't we have our cake and
maybe. Uh why don't we have our cake and
eat it too? We'll give a little bit to
eat it too? We'll give a little bit to
the church. We'll hold some back.
the church. We'll hold some back.
But we won't tell them
But we won't tell them
that it's not the full amount. In fact,
that it's not the full amount. In fact,
we will tell them this is what we
we will tell them this is what we
received for the land. Now, please
received for the land. Now, please
understand with me, there is nothing
understand with me, there is nothing
wrong with their holding back part of
wrong with their holding back part of
the property. Peter addresses that in
the property. Peter addresses that in
verse four. Didn't it belong to you
verse four. Didn't it belong to you
before it was sold? And after it was
before it was sold? And after it was
sold, wasn't the money at your disposal?
sold, wasn't the money at your disposal?
I shared last week. This generosity,
I shared last week. This generosity,
this sharing of goods in the early
this sharing of goods in the early
church was completely and strictly
church was completely and strictly
voluntary.
This was not communism where it's
This was not communism where it's
legislated from the top down. No, no.
legislated from the top down. No, no.
This is if you want to. So Ananas and
This is if you want to. So Ananas and
Safh were free to do with their
Safh were free to do with their
possessions whatever it was that they
possessions whatever it was that they
wanted. It was their choice.
wanted. It was their choice.
And so their sin
And so their sin
their sin was not that they hold back
their sin was not that they hold back
some of the money.
some of the money.
Their sin was that they lied to the
Their sin was that they lied to the
church and they lied to God about it.
church and they lied to God about it.
Peter puts it this way. What made you
Peter puts it this way. What made you
think of doing such a thing? You have
think of doing such a thing? You have
not lied to men
not lied to men
but to God. So Ananas and Safh are in
but to God. So Ananas and Safh are in
collusion.
They're going to try to trick not only
They're going to try to trick not only
men, not only people, not only the
men, not only people, not only the
church, but in so doing, they're trying
church, but in so doing, they're trying
to deceive God himself. Not a very good
to deceive God himself. Not a very good
idea, as we'll see later. It gets you
idea, as we'll see later. It gets you
into big trouble. So that's the first
into big trouble. So that's the first
thing I want us to notice. They were in
thing I want us to notice. They were in
collusion together. Second thing I want
collusion together. Second thing I want
us to notice then is that Peter sees
us to notice then is that Peter sees
right through what it is that they're
right through what it is that they're
doing. Notice again how the passage
doing. Notice again how the passage
goes. How is it that Satan has so filled
goes. How is it that Satan has so filled
your heart that you have lied to the
your heart that you have lied to the
Holy Spirit and kept for yourself some
Holy Spirit and kept for yourself some
of the money that you received for the
of the money that you received for the
land? Didn't it belong to you before it
land? Didn't it belong to you before it
was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't
was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't
the money at your disposal? What made
the money at your disposal? What made
you think of doing such a thing? You
you think of doing such a thing? You
have not lied to men, but you have lied
to God. Notice very quickly three major
to God. Notice very quickly three major
themes
that come to expression in in Peter's
that come to expression in in Peter's
response here. The first major theme is
response here. The first major theme is
that the initiative
that the initiative
comes from Satan. Verse three, how is it
comes from Satan. Verse three, how is it
that Satan
that Satan
has so filled your heart? Now, heart, as
has so filled your heart? Now, heart, as
we said last week, is the seed of
we said last week, is the seed of
personality. It's where you do your deep
personality. It's where you do your deep
thinking. It's where your passions live.
thinking. It's where your passions live.
It's where your your your
It's where your your your
motives arise. And in scripture, for the
motives arise. And in scripture, for the
believer, our heart is to be filled with
believer, our heart is to be filled with
the Holy Spirit. That's why we talk to
the Holy Spirit. That's why we talk to
seekers or to children or to people who
seekers or to children or to people who
haven't made a commitment to Jesus.
haven't made a commitment to Jesus.
Invite Jesus into your
Invite Jesus into your
heart.
Not this pumping organism,
Not this pumping organism,
though sometimes it could use a little
though sometimes it could use a little
bit of Jesus,
bit of Jesus,
but the seat of our personality.
but the seat of our personality.
Because the genius of the Christian
Because the genius of the Christian
faith is that God through the Holy
faith is that God through the Holy
Spirit lives in us and he propels our he
Spirit lives in us and he propels our he
desires. He he stirs our passion and he
desires. He he stirs our passion and he
produces in our lives the fruit of the
produces in our lives the fruit of the
Holy Spirit. That's New Testament
Holy Spirit. That's New Testament
Christianity as opposed to Old Testament
Christianity as opposed to Old Testament
legalism.
You aren't good because there is a law
You aren't good because there is a law
that says you have to be good. You
that says you have to be good. You
become good because there's new seed
become good because there's new seed
that has been planted in your heart and
that has been planted in your heart and
that comes to expression in love for God
that comes to expression in love for God
and love for your neighbor. Now
and love for your neighbor. Now
remember, Satan is the great adversary.
remember, Satan is the great adversary.
Satan wants to imitate God and he wants
Satan wants to imitate God and he wants
to draw us away from the service of God
to draw us away from the service of God
to serving him. And so he's always
to serving him. And so he's always
striving
to get hold of the human heart so that
to get hold of the human heart so that
he can put his thoughts, his
he can put his thoughts, his
temptations, his challenges there. And
temptations, his challenges there. And
there isn't a one of us here, whether
there isn't a one of us here, whether
we're believers, whether we're seekers,
we're believers, whether we're seekers,
whether we've been in the church for
whether we've been in the church for
many years, or whether we're new to the
many years, or whether we're new to the
faith, there isn't a one of us here who
faith, there isn't a one of us here who
doesn't know the reality of Satan
doesn't know the reality of Satan
knocking on the door of our hearts.
knocking on the door of our hearts.
Isn't that true? I mean, aren't there
Isn't that true? I mean, aren't there
thoughts that come to you and you say to
thoughts that come to you and you say to
yourself, "Where in the world do they
yourself, "Where in the world do they
come from?
come from?
And why am I thinking what I'm thinking?
And why am I thinking what I'm thinking?
And why maybe am I even doing what I'm
And why maybe am I even doing what I'm
doing?" See, Satan's strategy is to
doing?" See, Satan's strategy is to
infiltrate our hearts with a view to
infiltrate our hearts with a view to
getting us to move in his direction. And
getting us to move in his direction. And
the way that he does that, by the way,
the way that he does that, by the way,
and I'll talk more about that in a few
and I'll talk more about that in a few
moments, is he plays on the unresolved
moments, is he plays on the unresolved
issues of our lives.
issues of our lives.
He plays on uncrrucified flesh. For
He plays on uncrrucified flesh. For
Ananas, he plays on his unresolved
Ananas, he plays on his unresolved
greed, his desire for fame, his desire
greed, his desire for fame, his desire
for recognition. The devil comes along,
for recognition. The devil comes along,
as we'll see in a moment. He knocks on
as we'll see in a moment. He knocks on
that door like he did on Caan's door
that door like he did on Caan's door
many years ago, and he says, "Give me
many years ago, and he says, "Give me
some entry."
some entry."
So having tried now to destroy the
So having tried now to destroy the
church
first by persecution from the outside,
first by persecution from the outside,
not having succeeded because the church
not having succeeded because the church
stood together
stood together
and were powerfully filled with the Holy
and were powerfully filled with the Holy
Spirit, Satan now begins to pick out
Spirit, Satan now begins to pick out
Ananas and Safh to see if he cannot
Ananas and Safh to see if he cannot
infiltrate the church with his poison
infiltrate the church with his poison
and with his false values.
and with his false values.
The initiative begins with Satan whose
The initiative begins with Satan whose
name means adversary.
name means adversary.
But second theme to note in those couple
But second theme to note in those couple
of verses
of verses
is that Ananas
is that Ananas
has to give his consent
has to give his consent
because notice again uh how Peter puts
because notice again uh how Peter puts
it here in verse four and I love the way
it here in verse four and I love the way
this is phrased. What made you think
this is phrased. What made you think
of doing
of doing
such a thing like Ananas? Give your head
such a thing like Ananas? Give your head
a shake, man.
a shake, man.
What in the world was going through your
What in the world was going through your
mind that you thought
mind that you thought
you could lie about this and not get
you could lie about this and not get
caught before God when God's presence is
caught before God when God's presence is
so powerfully present in this community?
so powerfully present in this community?
You see,
You see,
for the devil to succeed,
for the devil to succeed,
he's got to find access
he's got to find access
in our hearts, we have to open up the
in our hearts, we have to open up the
door. How many of you here are old
door. How many of you here are old
enough to remember Flip Wilson? Just for
enough to remember Flip Wilson? Just for
curiosity,
a smattering of old-timers uh over here,
a smattering of old-timers uh over here,
John Voss and Felix and you know the
John Voss and Felix and you know the
really old guys in this place.
really old guys in this place.
Flip Wilson for you young ones,
Flip Wilson for you young ones,
uh was a comedian who was at the height
uh was a comedian who was at the height
of his show in the early 70s and he had
of his show in the early 70s and he had
a comic show. He was the 18th of 18
a comic show. He was the 18th of 18
children, I believe. and uh got the name
children, I believe. and uh got the name
Flip not because
Flip not because
he was named that by his parents, but
he was named that by his parents, but
because he was always flipping out. And
because he was always flipping out. And
so his friends called him Flip Wilson.
so his friends called him Flip Wilson.
And he managed to cultivate this to his
And he managed to cultivate this to his
advantage. But through one of his
advantage. But through one of his
characters in his skits, he made famous
characters in his skits, he made famous
the expression, what is it?
the expression, what is it?
The devil made me do it. The devil made
The devil made me do it. The devil made
me do it. See, you know more than you
me do it. See, you know more than you
thought you knew.
And it was funny.
And it was funny.
But of course, it's only partially true.
But of course, it's only partially true.
Only when you are completely possessed
Only when you are completely possessed
by the devil can you say, "The devil
by the devil can you say, "The devil
made me do it." And there are instances
made me do it." And there are instances
that if you open up the door far enough
that if you open up the door far enough
and long enough and you let this carry
and long enough and you let this carry
on, you will be possessed. And the
on, you will be possessed. And the
story, the Bible is full of stories
story, the Bible is full of stories
where where people are demonized.
where where people are demonized.
Judas's betrayal of Jesus. The Bible
Judas's betrayal of Jesus. The Bible
says Satan entered into him. How else
says Satan entered into him. How else
can you get to a point where you betray
can you get to a point where you betray
the master for 30 shekels of silver?
the master for 30 shekels of silver?
But typically the devil doesn't have
But typically the devil doesn't have
that kind of power. Typically there is a
that kind of power. Typically there is a
barrier between his spiritual power and
barrier between his spiritual power and
our identity and our personality.
our identity and our personality.
And so while he can tempt us and while
And so while he can tempt us and while
he can goat us and while he can, you
he can goat us and while he can, you
know, try to put ideas in our minds, he
know, try to put ideas in our minds, he
can't just willy-nilly enter in and make
can't just willy-nilly enter in and make
us do something, he's got to gain our
us do something, he's got to gain our
consent. Martin Luther used to say about
consent. Martin Luther used to say about
the devil, and he had a lot of
the devil, and he had a lot of
encounters with the devil to the point
encounters with the devil to the point
where once he threw his inkwell at him,
where once he threw his inkwell at him,
hit the wall, splattered it all over the
hit the wall, splattered it all over the
place. I'm sure his wife wasn't very
place. I'm sure his wife wasn't very
pleased, but Martin Luther used to say,
pleased, but Martin Luther used to say,
"You you you can't stop the devil from
"You you you can't stop the devil from
flying over your head, but you can stop
flying over your head, but you can stop
him from nesting in your hair."
him from nesting in your hair."
And so what happens here with Ananas
And so what happens here with Ananas
is that Satan comes knocking
is that Satan comes knocking
and
because he is playing on his fears, he
because he is playing on his fears, he
is playing on his unresolved
is playing on his unresolved
passions and desires that he has not yet
passions and desires that he has not yet
put to death. He opens the door. Which
put to death. He opens the door. Which
is why Peter says to him, "How in the
is why Peter says to him, "How in the
world could you do such a thing?" And
world could you do such a thing?" And
there's a profoundly important lesson
there's a profoundly important lesson
there, people.
there, people.
Satan is always going about like a
Satan is always going about like a
roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
And if he can find fertile soil
And if he can find fertile soil
in your heart or in my heart,
in your heart or in my heart,
he will enter in and he will poison our
he will enter in and he will poison our
souls. Listen to how James puts it. Very
souls. Listen to how James puts it. Very
powerful passage in my estimation. He's
powerful passage in my estimation. He's
talking about temptation and he says,
talking about temptation and he says,
"When tempted, nobody should say God is
"When tempted, nobody should say God is
tempting me. For God cannot be tempted
tempting me. For God cannot be tempted
by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. Now
by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. Now
listen to this. But each one is tempted
listen to this. But each one is tempted
when by his own evil desire he is
when by his own evil desire he is
dragged away and enticed. Then after
dragged away and enticed. Then after
desire has conceived, it gives birth to
desire has conceived, it gives birth to
sin. And sin when it is fullrown
sin. And sin when it is fullrown
gives birth to death. Now notice there
gives birth to death. Now notice there
two fascinating word pictures. The first
two fascinating word pictures. The first
word picture comes from fishing.
word picture comes from fishing.
Each one is tempted when by his own evil
Each one is tempted when by his own evil
desire he is dragged away
desire he is dragged away
and enticed.
and enticed.
And there is you know that whole picture
And there is you know that whole picture
of why does a fisherman bait a hook?
of why does a fisherman bait a hook?
because you want to lure the fish. Why
because you want to lure the fish. Why
does the fish take the bait? Not because
does the fish take the bait? Not because
he expects to be caught, but because the
he expects to be caught, but because the
food
meets a need. And so the whole idea of
meets a need. And so the whole idea of
being a fisherman, and some of you that
being a fisherman, and some of you that
do a lot more of this than I've ever
do a lot more of this than I've ever
done,
is is to know you've got to have the
is is to know you've got to have the
right kind of bait. You got to have the
right kind of bait. You got to have the
right kind of lure for the particular
right kind of lure for the particular
fish that you're trying to catch. and
fish that you're trying to catch. and
you're trying to trick the fish into
you're trying to trick the fish into
taking the bait, not because you want to
taking the bait, not because you want to
feed the fish, but because you want to
feed the fish, but because you want to
eat the fish.
eat the fish.
Now, the devil operates like that. He's
Now, the devil operates like that. He's
not interested in feeding the fish. He's
not interested in feeding the fish. He's
interested in eating the fish. And so we
interested in eating the fish. And so we
are lured and enticed
are lured and enticed
because there are things in us that he
because there are things in us that he
can find that he can play on. Have you
can find that he can play on. Have you
ever noticed in your own life that if
ever noticed in your own life that if
you're irritated with somebody or if
you're irritated with somebody or if
you're disappointed with somebody or if
you're disappointed with somebody or if
you feel that somebody has hurt you,
you feel that somebody has hurt you,
then it feels good to feed that sense of
then it feels good to feed that sense of
disappointment,
anger, and resentment. Am I the only one
anger, and resentment. Am I the only one
that ever feels that way around here, or
that ever feels that way around here, or
some of you honest enough to share that
some of you honest enough to share that
with me? Come on. See,
with me? Come on. See,
it happens to all of us. And what the
it happens to all of us. And what the
Bible wants us to do is to crucify the
Bible wants us to do is to crucify the
flesh, nail it to the cross, and say,
flesh, nail it to the cross, and say,
"Lord, this is dangerous territory."
"Lord, this is dangerous territory."
Because if I don't put this to death,
Because if I don't put this to death,
this becomes a foothold for Satan. And
this becomes a foothold for Satan. And
have you ever noticed when you've been
have you ever noticed when you've been
in a fight maybe with your spouse or uh
in a fight maybe with your spouse or uh
a friend who has disappointed you or
a friend who has disappointed you or
somebody in the body of Christ that has
somebody in the body of Christ that has
hurt you that if you don't deal with
hurt you that if you don't deal with
that quickly
that quickly
and positively stand against it, it
and positively stand against it, it
takes root in your soul and after a
takes root in your soul and after a
while it feels good to be angry.
while it feels good to be angry.
It feels good
It feels good
to be mad and it feels good to become a
to be mad and it feels good to become a
debt collector so that you can justify
debt collector so that you can justify
your feelings and then you want to tell
your feelings and then you want to tell
everybody you meet about how badly you
everybody you meet about how badly you
have been treated.
have been treated.
True.
That's how Satan operates.
That's how Satan operates.
And the Bible says if we feed that
And the Bible says if we feed that
then it opens up the door and Satan
then it opens up the door and Satan
moves in and pretty soon we are no
moves in and pretty soon we are no
longer just receiving temptation.
longer just receiving temptation.
Pretty soon now it leads to action. And
Pretty soon now it leads to action. And
so the next couple of things here to
so the next couple of things here to
notice is that this actually does lead
notice is that this actually does lead
to action because Ananas
to action because Ananas
now lies
now lies
to God.
to God.
And as I said before twice in this story
And as I said before twice in this story
uh Peter emphasizes that this lie was
uh Peter emphasizes that this lie was
not just against the church but this lie
not just against the church but this lie
was against God. Verse three, you have
was against God. Verse three, you have
lied to the Holy Spirit. Verse four, you
lied to the Holy Spirit. Verse four, you
to God. Now, there is no doubt in my
to God. Now, there is no doubt in my
mind at all when I read that story and
mind at all when I read that story and
knowing my own heart and knowing I think
knowing my own heart and knowing I think
a little bit about human nature
a little bit about human nature
that Ananas and Safh
that Ananas and Safh
never thought
never thought
they would be caught.
they would be caught.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that Ananas and
In fact, I'm pretty sure that Ananas and
Safh justify their actions by saying,
Safh justify their actions by saying,
you know,
you know,
it's only a little lie.
it's only a little lie.
And how's anybody going to find out?
And how's anybody going to find out?
This is just a little deal that we've
This is just a little deal that we've
struck between the two of us. And was it
struck between the two of us. And was it
just a human relationship? And was it
just a human relationship? And was it
just a human connection? Indeed, they
just a human connection? Indeed, they
might well have gotten away with it,
might well have gotten away with it,
but they forgot something.
but they forgot something.
This was
This was
God's people.
God's people.
This is a church that is filled with the
This is a church that is filled with the
Holy Spirit. It is anointed by God's
Holy Spirit. It is anointed by God's
presence.
And nobody
And nobody
nobody
hides from God.
hides from God.
And so his lie is exposed
And so his lie is exposed
immediately
because as we said earlier, the lie is
because as we said earlier, the lie is
not just
not just
this is not just an attempt to look
this is not just an attempt to look
better than what he really was
better than what he really was
in front of the people all around him.
in front of the people all around him.
No, no, this was an attempt to try to
No, no, this was an attempt to try to
look better before God who sees
look better before God who sees
everything. And God is not mocked. In
everything. And God is not mocked. In
scripture says, don't ever think that
scripture says, don't ever think that
God is mocked. What you sow, you're
God is mocked. What you sow, you're
going to reap. And if you reap to the
going to reap. And if you reap to the
flesh, from the flesh you're going to
flesh, from the flesh you're going to
reap what? Destruction.
reap what? Destruction.
Similarly, if you sow to the spirit,
Similarly, if you sow to the spirit,
from the spirit you reap what? You reap
from the spirit you reap what? You reap
eternal life. So the whole thing begins
eternal life. So the whole thing begins
with a collusion between Ananas and
with a collusion between Ananas and
Safh.
Peter sees right through it because
Peter sees right through it because
he's either very clued in in terms of
he's either very clued in in terms of
what is happening or more likely the
what is happening or more likely the
Holy Spirit is just so heavy on him that
Holy Spirit is just so heavy on him that
that he sees right through people
that he sees right through people
because that's one of the gifts the Holy
because that's one of the gifts the Holy
Spirit gives you.
Spirit gives you.
But here's the third thing very
But here's the third thing very
sobering.
Judgment
is immediate
is immediate
and severe.
and severe.
Verse five. When Ananas heard this, he
Verse five. When Ananas heard this, he
fell down and died.
fell down and died.
And great fear seized all who heard what
And great fear seized all who heard what
had happened. Three hours later, I mean,
had happened. Three hours later, I mean,
this is the fascinating thing. These
this is the fascinating thing. These
young men carry him out and bury him.
young men carry him out and bury him.
Nobody bothers to tell his wife.
Nobody bothers to tell his wife.
There's no funeral service being held.
There's no funeral service being held.
He's, hey, he's a bad dude. goes stick
He's, hey, he's a bad dude. goes stick
him in the ground before more of us die.
him in the ground before more of us die.
I mean, that's the idea. But 3 hours
I mean, that's the idea. But 3 hours
later, his wife was wondering, "Where is
later, his wife was wondering, "Where is
my good friend, my good husband,
my good friend, my good husband,
Ananiah?" So, here's how the story goes
Ananiah?" So, here's how the story goes
on. Let's read it again. 3 hours later,
on. Let's read it again. 3 hours later,
his wife came in, not knowing what had
his wife came in, not knowing what had
happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is
happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is
this the price you and Ananas got for
this the price you and Ananas got for
the land?" And she said, "Yes, that is
the land?" And she said, "Yes, that is
the price." And Peter said to her, "How
the price." And Peter said to her, "How
could you agree to test the spirit of
could you agree to test the spirit of
the Lord? Look, the feet of the men who
the Lord? Look, the feet of the men who
buried your husband are at the door, and
buried your husband are at the door, and
they will carry you out also. At that
they will carry you out also. At that
moment, she fell down at his feet and
moment, she fell down at his feet and
died. And the young men came in, finding
died. And the young men came in, finding
her dead, carried her out, and buried
her dead, carried her out, and buried
her beside her husband.
her beside her husband.
two things, two very sobering things
two things, two very sobering things
there that we need to reflect on for a
there that we need to reflect on for a
few moments. And the first is this.
few moments. And the first is this.
Immediate judgment in scripture
Immediate judgment in scripture
is the exception.
is the exception.
Listen to me. Is the exception
Listen to me. Is the exception
rather
than the rule.
than the rule.
In fact, a lot of people will say,
In fact, a lot of people will say,
"Where is God?" Because we have
"Where is God?" Because we have
challenged him and we have tested him
challenged him and we have tested him
and he hasn't struck us dead. So
and he hasn't struck us dead. So
therefore,
it's not too serious a thing what we're
it's not too serious a thing what we're
doing. Now listen to me. There are
doing. Now listen to me. There are
places in scripture where judgment is
places in scripture where judgment is
immediate. Think of Naab and Abayu.
immediate. Think of Naab and Abayu.
Leviticus chapter 10, the the sons of
Leviticus chapter 10, the the sons of
Aaron who offered unholy or strange fire
Aaron who offered unholy or strange fire
to God. Think of the Israelites who were
to God. Think of the Israelites who were
curious about the tabernacle uh when it
curious about the tabernacle uh when it
was in exile and was coming back and
was in exile and was coming back and
they looked in the tabernacle and God
they looked in the tabernacle and God
struck them dead and certainly the story
struck them dead and certainly the story
here of Ananas and Safh. But those are
here of Ananas and Safh. But those are
the exceptions.
the exceptions.
Typically, when God judges, he judges
Typically, when God judges, he judges
over a period of time. Uh Paul puts it
over a period of time. Uh Paul puts it
this way. He says, "The sins of some men
this way. He says, "The sins of some men
are obvious, reaching the place of
are obvious, reaching the place of
judgment ahead of them. The sins of
judgment ahead of them. The sins of
others trail behind them. Sometimes sins
others trail behind them. Sometimes sins
are just so obvious that you know this
are just so obvious that you know this
is heading for disaster and God is going
is heading for disaster and God is going
to judge it." Sometimes the sins are not
to judge it." Sometimes the sins are not
so obvious. They're way back there
so obvious. They're way back there
somewhere. But the Bible says, "Don't
somewhere. But the Bible says, "Don't
let anybody deceive you." God is not
let anybody deceive you." God is not
mocked. It will eventually catch up with
mocked. It will eventually catch up with
you.
When nothing seems to happen in life and
When nothing seems to happen in life and
when sinners sin and get away with it,
when sinners sin and get away with it,
don't ever think that means God is not
don't ever think that means God is not
keeping track. Because the Bible clearly
keeping track. Because the Bible clearly
states that on the day of judgment,
states that on the day of judgment,
we're going to be judged by every idle
we're going to be judged by every idle
word we have spoken. That's a
word we have spoken. That's a
thought-provoking notion now, isn't it?
thought-provoking notion now, isn't it?
Where there is immediate judgment,
Where there is immediate judgment,
God is staking his claim and he is
God is staking his claim and he is
making a point about his holiness.
making a point about his holiness.
And when he strikes Ananas and Safh
And when he strikes Ananas and Safh
dead,
that doesn't mean that everybody that
that doesn't mean that everybody that
sins in a similar fashion in the history
sins in a similar fashion in the history
of the church is going to be struck dead
of the church is going to be struck dead
or there'd be precious few of us sitting
or there'd be precious few of us sitting
here this morning. I can guarantee you
here this morning. I can guarantee you
God is saying to the church, I am
God is saying to the church, I am
forming the DNA of this community.
forming the DNA of this community.
And part of the DNA of this community is
And part of the DNA of this community is
to let you know
to let you know
that that kind of deceit, that kind of
that that kind of deceit, that kind of
greed that was characteristic of Ananas
greed that was characteristic of Ananas
and Safh has no room in the body of
and Safh has no room in the body of
Christ. Does that make sense? God's
Christ. Does that make sense? God's
judgment is severe. But the second thing
judgment is severe. But the second thing
to notice there is that judgment has a
to notice there is that judgment has a
remarkable restraining effect because
remarkable restraining effect because
what happens next? The result is great
what happens next? The result is great
fear not only in the church but in the
fear not only in the church but in the
whole community. Great fear seized all
whole community. Great fear seized all
who heard what had happened. And then
who heard what had happened. And then
again in verse 11, great fear seized the
again in verse 11, great fear seized the
whole church and all who heard about
whole church and all who heard about
these events.
these events.
Great fear.
Great fear.
When God shows up
When God shows up
and God punishes sin in this obvious a
and God punishes sin in this obvious a
fashion,
people take note and it becomes a
people take note and it becomes a
warning not to do
warning not to do
what they did. In fact, later on in the
what they did. In fact, later on in the
New Testament, Paul writing to the
New Testament, Paul writing to the
church talking about the sins of Israel.
church talking about the sins of Israel.
He says, "All of these things were
He says, "All of these things were
recorded so that we could learn by their
recorded so that we could learn by their
example
how it is that God wanted us to live."
how it is that God wanted us to live."
I'm paraphrasing here. And what it is
I'm paraphrasing here. And what it is
that he wanted us to stay away from.
that he wanted us to stay away from.
And I want to say something about the
And I want to say something about the
fear of God because the Bible says the
fear of God because the Bible says the
fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
And the fear of God is not a popular
And the fear of God is not a popular
theme. We're much happier with the love
theme. We're much happier with the love
of God. And we're much happier with how
of God. And we're much happier with how
God doesn't want anybody to perish and
God doesn't want anybody to perish and
everybody to come to repentance. All of
everybody to come to repentance. All of
which are great biblical themes, aren't
which are great biblical themes, aren't
they?
But biblical themes always need to be
But biblical themes always need to be
kept in balance.
kept in balance.
The God we serve is not only gracious
The God we serve is not only gracious
and kind, he is also incredibly holy.
and kind, he is also incredibly holy.
And if we become part of Christian
And if we become part of Christian
community, if we want the privileges of
community, if we want the privileges of
sharing his life,
sharing his life,
if we want the privilege of his
if we want the privilege of his
blessing, then we have to walk in
blessing, then we have to walk in
repentance and in faith. God isn't
repentance and in faith. God isn't
looking for us to be perfect, but he's
looking for us to be perfect, but he's
looking for us to be people of
looking for us to be people of
integrity. And he's looking for us to be
integrity. And he's looking for us to be
people who washed by the blood of the
people who washed by the blood of the
lamb and filled with the power of the
lamb and filled with the power of the
Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit.
Learn to know that we walk every day in
Learn to know that we walk every day in
the light of God. And you and I, we may
the light of God. And you and I, we may
sit here, we may be more worried about
sit here, we may be more worried about
what our neighbor thinks than what we
what our neighbor thinks than what we
think about God thinks. We may be wor
think about God thinks. We may be wor
more worried about pleasing family
more worried about pleasing family
members or or pleasing our friends or
members or or pleasing our friends or
even pleasing the world. And I'm not at
even pleasing the world. And I'm not at
all suggesting that we just be careless
all suggesting that we just be careless
and not worry about anybody or what
and not worry about anybody or what
anybody thinks. But it's the fear of God
anybody thinks. But it's the fear of God
that ought to drive us more than
that ought to drive us more than
anything else. Because guess what? Come
anything else. Because guess what? Come
the day of judgment, it's not going to
the day of judgment, it's not going to
be what did your friends think of you?
be what did your friends think of you?
It's not even going to be what did your
It's not even going to be what did your
church think of you? It's not even going
church think of you? It's not even going
to be, you know, what did what did your
to be, you know, what did what did your
family think of you? No. No. It's going
family think of you? No. No. It's going
to be all about what did God think of
to be all about what did God think of
you?
And what God wants to write in our
And what God wants to write in our
hearts
is that he wants us to live in a
is that he wants us to live in a
reverence for God
reverence for God
that enables us to realize that
God is the one who has the power of life
God is the one who has the power of life
and death.
and death.
God is the one who ultimately decides
God is the one who ultimately decides
whether I go to heaven or whether I go
whether I go to heaven or whether I go
to hell. God is the one who ultimately
to hell. God is the one who ultimately
decides do I have his blessing or do I
decides do I have his blessing or do I
have his curse.
have his curse.
And it's more important to have God for
And it's more important to have God for
me than all the rest of the world. And
me than all the rest of the world. And
it's very easy for us to point our
it's very easy for us to point our
fingers at Ananas and Safh, isn't it?
fingers at Ananas and Safh, isn't it?
and say, "What a bunch of jerks. How do
and say, "What a bunch of jerks. How do
they ever think they could get away with
they ever think they could get away with
that?"
But remember, whenever you point a
But remember, whenever you point a
finger, how many fingers are pointing
finger, how many fingers are pointing
back at you?
back at you?
How many of us can honestly say here
How many of us can honestly say here
that greed has never motivated our
that greed has never motivated our
actions?
How many of us here can honestly say
that looking better in the eyes of
that looking better in the eyes of
others
has not been more important than looking
has not been more important than looking
good in the eyes of God?
good in the eyes of God?
what you see is what you get? A phrase,
what you see is what you get? A phrase,
by the way, that also comes from Flick
by the way, that also comes from Flick
Wilson,
just so you know. What you see is what
just so you know. What you see is what
you get. Whissywig,
you get. Whissywig,
keyboard, computer, all owe it to Flip.
keyboard, computer, all owe it to Flip.
Didn't know that, did you?
Didn't know that, did you?
Um, where was I?
How many of us
How many of us
can honestly say
can honestly say
that our hearts are transparent before
that our hearts are transparent before
God and they're transparent before our
God and they're transparent before our
brothers and our sisters?
brothers and our sisters?
And if the story of Ananas and Safh
And if the story of Ananas and Safh
demonstrates anything
demonstrates anything
that if we're going to live in the
that if we're going to live in the
presence of God
presence of God
and if we want to hang around in his
and if we want to hang around in his
presence and we want his presence to
presence and we want his presence to
hang around with us
hang around with us
then then we have to take all of that
then then we have to take all of that
junk to the cross
junk to the cross
and we have to turn to Jesus
and we have to turn to Jesus
and we have to ask Jesus by his Holy
and we have to ask Jesus by his Holy
Spirit to cleanse us from everything
Spirit to cleanse us from everything
inside that cannot stand in the presence
inside that cannot stand in the presence
of God. Because remember, one day the
of God. Because remember, one day the
kingdom is going to come in all its
kingdom is going to come in all its
glory. And God is going to share the
glory. And God is going to share the
fullness of his presence with you and
fullness of his presence with you and
me.
But if we're not going to be fried in
But if we're not going to be fried in
that day, then we better learn to
that day, then we better learn to
seriously lay hold of the salvation that
seriously lay hold of the salvation that
God has provided for us in Jesus Christ.
God has provided for us in Jesus Christ.
And the greater the presence of God and
And the greater the presence of God and
the greater his power in our lives, the
the greater his power in our lives, the
greater is that requirement.
greater is that requirement.
And so that I think is the lesson of
And so that I think is the lesson of
Ananas and Safh.
Ananas and Safh.
May we heed it for God's glory. Stand
May we heed it for God's glory. Stand
and let's pray.
We read these stories in scripture,
We read these stories in scripture,
Lord,
where you just come along and
where you just come along and
smite people dead like Ananas and Safh.
smite people dead like Ananas and Safh.
And we read so many of those, especially
And we read so many of those, especially
in the Old Testament. And
in the Old Testament. And
and frankly for a lot of us a lot of
and frankly for a lot of us a lot of
time that troubles us
time that troubles us
because we don't know if we like that
because we don't know if we like that
about you.
about you.
And we pray this morning that you help
And we pray this morning that you help
us to understand that your judgment is
us to understand that your judgment is
the reverse side of your love.
the reverse side of your love.
And that if a if a surgeon were to find
And that if a if a surgeon were to find
cancer in our bodies, we don't expect
cancer in our bodies, we don't expect
him to coddle the cancer. We expect him
him to coddle the cancer. We expect him
to hate it and to treat it aggressively
to hate it and to treat it aggressively
so that our lives and our system may be
so that our lives and our system may be
changed.
And Lord, if that's true in time, how
And Lord, if that's true in time, how
much more true is that in eternity?
much more true is that in eternity?
Because Lord, your passion
Because Lord, your passion
is that you would build for yourself a
is that you would build for yourself a
people
where you can live without all the
where you can live without all the
barriers that you imposed around
barriers that you imposed around
yourself
to Old Testament Israel because in the
to Old Testament Israel because in the
person of Jesus, the veil has been
person of Jesus, the veil has been
broken and you invite us to enter into
broken and you invite us to enter into
the Holy of Holies.
the Holy of Holies.
Thank you for him. And Lord, we come to
Thank you for him. And Lord, we come to
you now in those places where you speak
you now in those places where you speak
to us. Because Lord, none of us is free
to us. Because Lord, none of us is free
of greed. None of us is free of the
of greed. None of us is free of the
desire to look better than what we
desire to look better than what we
really are. None of us is free of the
really are. None of us is free of the
desire to be somebody.
desire to be somebody.
And if we think we are, we're only
And if we think we are, we're only
deceiving and kidding ourselves. And
deceiving and kidding ourselves. And
most anybody around us can tell us
most anybody around us can tell us
better if we're willing to hear.
better if we're willing to hear.
And so we turn to you, Lord Jesus, and
And so we turn to you, Lord Jesus, and
we just give you permission to cleanse
we just give you permission to cleanse
our hearts by fire. Just renew us. Put a
our hearts by fire. Just renew us. Put a
good and a right spirit within us. And
good and a right spirit within us. And
help us not to live in condemnation.
help us not to live in condemnation.
Help us not to live with, "Oh my
Help us not to live with, "Oh my
goodness, how can I ever measure up to
goodness, how can I ever measure up to
that?" No, no. Help us to look to Jesus,
that?" No, no. Help us to look to Jesus,
the author and the finisher of our
the author and the finisher of our
faith. Knowing that in him we are
faith. Knowing that in him we are
righteous. In him we are complete. and
righteous. In him we are complete. and
that as long as we walk before him in
that as long as we walk before him in
repentance and in transparency, his
repentance and in transparency, his
grace will accomplish all that needs to
grace will accomplish all that needs to
be done so that one day, oh, one day
be done so that one day, oh, one day
we're going to stand before you without
we're going to stand before you without
any wrinkle or blemish or spot or any
any wrinkle or blemish or spot or any
such thing. And Lord God, we can only
such thing. And Lord God, we can only
imagine what a day that will be in Jesus
imagine what a day that will be in Jesus
name. Amen.
[Music]
Everyone needs compassion.
Everyone needs compassion.
Love that's never fading.
Let mercy
Let mercy
fall on me.
fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
Everyone needs forgiveness,
kindness of a savior,
hope of nations.
hope of nations.
[Music]
Savior,
he can move the mountains.
he can move the mountains.
My God is mighty to say. He is mighty to
save.
Forever.
Author of salvation.
He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus
conquered the grave.
[Music]
So take me as you find me all my fears
So take me as you find me all my fears
and failures.
and failures.
[Music]
Fill my life again.
Fill my life again.
Give my life to follow
Give my life to follow
everything I believe in.
everything I believe in.
Now I surrender.
I surrender.
I surrender.
[Music]
Save.
He can move the mountains.
say.
Forever.
Shine a light and let the whole world
see.
We're singing for the glory of the risen
king.
Jesus shine a light and let the whole
Jesus shine a light and let the whole
world see.
world see.
We're singing for the glory of a risen
We're singing for the glory of a risen
king.
[Music]
Savior.
My God is mighty to save. He is mighty
My God is mighty to save. He is mighty
to save
to save
forever.
Save.
say.
Forever.
Offer of salvation.
Offer of salvation.
Shine your light and let the whole world
Shine your light and let the whole world
see.
We sing it for the glory of the risen
We sing it for the glory of the risen
king.
Jesus shine a light in. Let the whole
Jesus shine a light in. Let the whole
world see.
world see.
king.
see.
king.

Caught Cheating.avi

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