Succumbing to Greed

by Bob Blouin

A rebellious spirit leads to temptation. Temptation leads to lies. Lies entice you and draw you away from the truth of God’s word. When desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin. Sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death (James 1:13-16).

Acts 4:32-37 describes having all things in common. Those who believed lacked nothing. They sold their properties and brought the proceeds from the sales to the apostles who then “distributed to each as anyone had need.” Also, Barnabas (son of encouragement) from Cyprus sold his land and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Looking at the end of chapter 4 we see the “community of unity” that Jesus commanded during His ministry. Therefore, we also take care of family and tend to the needs of those of the household of faith.

In Acts 5:1-11 Ananias and Sapphira presumably are of this group of good brethren. They had a possession and they, like the others, also sold it and likewise brought money and lay it at the apostles’ feet. The trouble comes when in verse 2, with his wife’s (“full” NASB) knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds, brought only a part of it, and laid it at the apostles’ feet (ESV). In verse 3 Peter, inspired and lead by the Holy Spirit, calls Ananias to task: Why would you lie to the Holy Spirit? Why would you keep some of the money without just telling us? Why would you conceive this scheme, not help your brethren, and lie to God in the process? The conspiracy is revealed in verses 8 through 11 when Sapphira unwittingly incriminates herself. “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard of these things.”

If we allow just a dot of deception, a spark sin, then we can be sure that Satan will fill our hearts to live a lie. If this happens, the church must take action, lest a soul become eternally lost. Paul instructs Timothy (1 Timothy 5:17-20) that elders are to rule well. Furthermore, if one accuses an elder of wrongdoing, they must present two or three witnesses. The rebuke of the guilty party should bring fear upon all the church. The benefit of such fear could be embarrassment, fear of discipline, fear of letting others down, even fear of God’s law convicting one of sin. Another benefit comes by the church observing strong elderships acting on God’s great commandment of fairness and justice through righteous discipline. This will attract others who seek to follow the truth of the Word: “And more than ever, believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” (Acts 5:14-16, ESV).

The moral of the story could be summed up in Galatians 6:9-10: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Let the conclusion be that we will put holiness over wickedness and obey God rather than men.