As the church understood the message of the gospel, they started moving in extreme generosity because they know that their source of provision was God. But some men wanting to look good in man’s eyes did something else:
Acts 5:1-11 New International Version (NIV)
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
Brothers and sisters let us stop trying to look good in the eyes of men. Do an honest assessment of yourself?
– why do you go to church?
– why do you do good works?
– why do you act religious?
If it is for other people, stop. You are moving in a different spirit. Go back to the gospel. Jesus saved you not because you were good but because He is good. Stop the performance.
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
The spirit of the gospel is grounded in Christ’s work and not our own work no matter how charitable we are. We must be generous because God is generous and not for men to glory us. Let the fear of God rest in us all.
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.