Sermon Discussion (7/6/2025)

The Church is Born / Acts 5:1–5; 2 Corinthians 9:7

The church is growing. The number of opportunities for the Lord to move are increasing and so are the opportunities for Satan. The more the church grows the more vulnerable it becomes to corruption. Satan is at work and the church needs learn the “fear of the Lord” to keep it safe.

 

The Main Question: Why should you fear the Lord?

Points to Consider

  1. He knows your heart.
  2. We are guilty.
  3. Jesus said so.

Scripture References:

Acts 5:1–5 NIV

1 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. 3Then 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.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Application Questions

  • What do you think of when you here the phrase “fear of the Lord?”
  • Is the “fear of the Lord” a good thing?

Love God / Invitation / Relationship

We experience the love of God when we invite Him into our lives.
  • Read Acts 5:1-5.
  • What happens when we invite satan into our lives?
  • Why did Ananias invite Satan in his life?
  • Describe “how” he invited in Satan?
  • Where was his love for God at this time?

Find Freedom / Learning / Clarity

Freedom is found when we learn a new way to think.
  • In this passage God is teaching the people to think differently.What is holding Ananias in bondage?
  • What would have created freedom for him?
  • Does he trust God to provide freedom?

See God / Prayer / Affirmation

It is much easier for us to “see” God when we are communicating with God. Prayer is how we communicate with God.
  • Did Ananias pray before making this decision?
  • Was he looking for God?
  • Would it have made a difference if he had prayed or if he had looked for God?
  • What difference would it make?

Experience Healing / Serve Others / Opportunities

The brokenness in our hearts begins to heal as we serve other people.
  • Who was Ananias serving?
  • What was the result?
  • What does this tell you about the need to serve other people?

Discover Joy / Gratitude / Community

The more grateful we are the more joy we feel.
  • Was Ananias a joyful giver?
  • Was he grateful?
  • Read2 Corinthians 9:7.  How does this relate to Ananias?
  • How can this help you discover joy?