YOUTH STS LESSON 181 HYPOCRISY OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

MEMORY VERSE:

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3).

TEXT: Acts 5:1-11

In our studies in the book of Acts of the Apostles, we saw the unprecedented growth of the New Testament church due to the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the zeal of the believers to evangelise. In spite of several persecutions faced by the believers, there was still the unquenchable thirst for God in their hearts which made them remain in perfect bond and unity. The growth of the church brought about the need for caring. This was not difficult for the church because they had strong unity and willingness to share with others. People gave for the work of God unconditionally. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32). They sold lands, houses and their possessions, “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:35).

(See more on how early believers shared in our Youths Search – Bible Studies category)

Question 1: What can Christian youths give to the Lord?

As Christian youths, we are expected to give our time, talents and treasures to the Lord. Nothing should be too much to give to the Lord. We are also to share what we have with other believers wisely rather than wasting them. Give to those that are less privileged and those who are in need. Youths should also be involved in the welfare programmes of the church to encourage other youths and make sure that their giving is from a pure heart in a godly way and at the right time. Ananias and Sapphira decided to give but in a hypocritical manner. They wanted to make a public show of their giving when they had already taken out of what was to be given. God delights not only in our giving but also in the manner and motive with which we give. Due to the wrong motive in their giving, the judgment of God came upon them instead of blessings. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7,8).

(You may also be interested in our lesson on How to Serve God After Failure)

DECEPTION OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

(Acts 5:1,2; Proverbs 9:17,18; Genesis 37:31,32; 2 Kings 5:25; 2 Samuel 13:6; Romans 1:29-32)

In the previous chapter, Barnabas had just given proceeds from the land which he sold to the church. After this, there was a couple called Ananias and Sapphira who had a parcel of land which they sold but brought part of the money to the Apostles. “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession” (verse 1). Ananias, the husband, came first to Peter and presented some money which was expected to be the proceeds from the land. They had taken from the money before offering to God, yet they presented the offering as if it was the full proceeds of their land. Some youths today are like Ananias and Sapphira; they engage in some ungodly acts while outside the watch of their parents, teacher, leaders and pastors. They have double standards in dressing, music, friendship etc. They save the names of their sin partners with another name, cheating in exam hall but share testimonies as they get success by hard-work, putting words in the mouth of their sin partner to lie to the marriage committee; swearing to make their parents believe they are saying the truth, and many deception that goes on among them today.

(Compare their hypocrisy with lessons in our earlier youth studies such as Youth STS Lesson 179 – Healing of the Cripple)

Question 2: What should be the response of Christian youths today to deception?

“Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed” (1 Samuel 2:3). Christian youths should not give in to deception because God weighs every actions “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell” (Proverbs 9:17,18).

(You may also read about how humility is vital in spiritual life in our lesson on How to Walk Daily in God’s Will)

Question 3: Mention some Bible characters that practiced deception.

The Scripture is replete with individuals that practiced deception and suffered for it. Gehazi thought to deceive Elisha (2 Kings 5:25), the sons of Jacob deceived their father when they presented Joseph’s coat and made him to conclude that a wild beast had killed their brother (Genesis 37:31,32). Ammon deceived his father to defile his sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:6). Youths today must know that God frowns at deception.

(See also our study on Major Feasts and Administration of Justice for more on deceit and justice.)

ANANIAS AND DISCOVERY OF THE DECEPTION OF SAPPHIRA

(Acts 5:3,4,8,9; Luke 8:17; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Jeremiah 22:23,24; Galatians 6:7; Mark 4:22; Psalm 139:12)

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3). When the gift was presented to Peter the apostle, the Holy Ghost revealed to him that there was deception in the giving. Peter had the perception that Ananias had taken part of the money from the sale of the land while presenting the left-over as the full amount. Peter further stated, “Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4). The same thing happened when the wife came. The Holy Ghost revealed her as an accomplice or a partaker of the evil. This shows that God is a revealer of secret (Daniel 2:19-23). God knows and sees all things. The Scriptures says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). Since He sits above the earth, He views what everyone does either in secret or open. The psalmist explains, “The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men” (Psalm 33:13). God also sees the inner parts of the hearts of men. He is Omnipresent and Omniscient (Psalm 139:1-12). While David was handing over the leadership to Solomon, he explained it this way: “…Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). There is nothing hidden from God here on earth. He sees everything we do. Youths are, therefore, warned to desist from any sin or evil which will count against them on the day of judgment.

(For more on repentance and God revealing sin, check our article on Christ’s Revelation of Return to the Father)

DANGER DIVINE DISCIPLINE FOR ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA

(Acts 5:5-7,10,11; Jeremiah 8:10; 1 Kings 22:14-23,37; Revelation 6:17; 21:8)

“And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things” (verse 5). Unfortunately, for Ananias and Sapphira, there was no room for them to repent; they died instantly. They died in their sin of disobedience. Both husband and wife who had jointly taken part in this evil were buried together on the same day. This displays the justice on the part of God. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he” (Habakkuk 1:13). Youths should know that God still judges.

(Also see our lesson on Youth STS Lesson 177 – Preparation for the Spirit’s Descent for how the Spirit reveals hidden things.)

Question 4: What are the dangers of deception?

If Ananias and Sapphira had been successful in their actions, many more people would have been involved in deceptive presentation at the church where some others had fully and freely given all that they had. We learn the following lessons regarding the dangers of the deception:

a. Ananias was a leader of his home. A leader’s sin is a leading sin. His act of deception, which was supported by his wife, led to their death.
b. God sees all we do and any deception will ultimately incur His wrath.
c. God must not only be pleased with our visible actions, but also with the secret activities. Youths should be careful of getting involved in things not acceptable to God.
d. God abhors sin done in private or public. He desires that everyone should repent and live righteously.
e. Sin of deception is like cancer; it spreads to the other members of the fellowship. It should not be allowed to remain in any church or fellowship.
f. Where there is revival, sin is easily exposed. Youths should pray for revival in the church.
g. Youths should avoid trying to copy the lifestyle of other people or making vows to God which they cannot fulfil. Ananias could have come to Peter and told him that he was only giving a part of the proceeds instead of him pretending that he was giving the full sum. Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that their sin was not only to man, but also to the Holy Spirit and God. This was because no man knew what they had done but the Holy Spirit. They also came openly to give their gifts in the presence of the Lord. Youths should flee from things that would make them grieve the Holy Spirit. Purity of heart is very important to ensuring the right type of continual fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

“…And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things” (Acts 5:11). People that hear will not allow deception into their lives and would also flee from supporting evildoers. As painful as discipline might be in the church, it is important to ensure the church is still intact and determined to continue faithfully with the Lord. It helps to correct erring leaders/members and ensure people keep in view the will of God. “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Timothy 5:20).

(You may find it helpful to revisit our lesson on Youth STS Lesson 173 – The Call and Ministry of Gideon for leadership lessons in righteousness.)

Question 5: What should sinning youths do to escape the judgement of God?

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). A great day of judgement is coming for those who remain in sins. It is the day of God’s wrath and every sinner will face the judgement. The only way of escape is repentance and coming into the saving knowledge of Christ. Youths can acknowledge their sinful state, accept the offer of Jesus as their Saviour and personal Lord, repent of their sins and yield their lives fully to the Lord. Saved youths should continue in the Lord. After the discipline, we discovered that there was a change of attitude in the fellowship for “…great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these.

(Also see our teachings on Christian’s Possibilities Through Clear Conversion for deeper insight into repentance and transformation.)