Date:
Speaker: Suzi Anderson
Suzi looks at a difficult passage, citing something that happened as the church was beginning to grow, helping us to see that we serve a God who knows our hearts and who puts truth above image.
READ Acts 4v31-Acts 5v11
So Annanias and Saphira both independently lie to the church and to God when they really didn’t need to, clearly wanting to appear more generous than they really were, thinking about their image. What happened clearly demonstrates that as the church grew, God wanted it to be established on higher principles. Suzi pointed out that Jesus died for our sins so that we no longer have to pretend. He loves us as we are.
Following the death of Ananias and Saphira, we read that, “Great fear seized the whole church…” But the fear of the Lord” that the Bible talks about is one of awe and reverence, it is one that ultimately anchors us and helps us to grow. It is a biblical concept representing deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority rather than terrifying dread. It is described as a, positive, life-affirming, and foundational virtue (the “beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9v10) that motivates obedience, holiness, and a desire to avoid sin.
FOR DISCUSSION
- How does the fear of the Lord differ from being afraid? 2. How does the fear of the Lord help us in everyday life?