Loyalty

Introduction

Loyalty is a two way street. For one to experience loyalty, one must also demonstrate it. Loyalty is not about feelings; it is about action. To be loyal to something or someone is to remain committed even if the commitment is to your disadvantage. While feelings come and go, the commitment that goes along with loyalty remains intact and is not easily swayed by feelings. Marriages remain intact because of loyalty. Friendships remain constant even though there are disagreements and differences of opinion.

On the other hand, to experience betrayal is to understand in some way the end of loyalty. Jesus experienced it with Judas. Jeremiah experienced betrayal from other prophets. Achan’s loyalty remained until some fancy clothes, gold, and other treasure caught his eye. We are surprised by the intensity of loyalty and yet we recognize that some loyalties take precedence over others. Loyalty to a friend may have to give way to loyalty to a spouse. But there is a loyalty to God that takes precedence over all others. Or perhaps should be stated that our loyalty to God encourages, motivates, and strengthens godly loyalty on this earth.

Our text today reveals that one can pretend to be loyal with God and with others. Actions reveal loyalty. Both words and feelings are present but it is the action that demonstrates the depth and reality of loyalty. Our text leads us to a greater understanding of the severity of disloyalty and commitment of loyalty. The text challenges us to be sure about what we say we believe and to make sure our actions coincide with our spoken loyalty.

Motives Matter

Luke describes for us in 4:32–35 that given the special circumstances in Jerusalem, believers in the resurrected Jesus were quick to share their possessions in order to help feed and clothe those who had needs. Luke gives us Barnabas as an example of one who shared. Barnabas will continue to play an important role in the growth of the church. Later Barnabas will take Paul under his wing to introduce him and help people to trust him. We find later he is a praying man and he will go with Paul on a missionary journey.

In contrast to Barnabas we find a couple in chapter 5. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira take center stage in chapter 5. The tone of the text leads us to know that Ananias and Sapphira do not have good motives in sharing. Their loyalty is divided. Their words and actions do not go together. They want to look good in front of everyone. They want to impress others. And they have a plot to look good while maintaining their wealth. In other words, they want the benefit of sacrifice without sacrificing too much.

In true irony we are introduced to their plot and to the couple. Ironic because Ananias means God is gracious and Sapphira means beautiful. Neither will live up to the intent of their name. Verse 2 uses the phrase “kept back.” This single word in the text carries the idea “to separate” but it also has the idea of something clandestine. It has the idea of embezzle or to commit financial fraud. It isn’t that they retained part of the money that is wrong. It is that they retain part of the money with the motive of committing fraud. Their true motive is devious not in order to share.

Ananias appears first. His story is implied. Peter’s response reveals that God is at work. He hasn’t lied to the apostles he has lied to God. He hasn’t told a story resulting in praise from others. He has disrespected God. And immediately Ananias falls down dead. Sapphira appears next a few hours later. She is immediately questioned. Did she swallow hard before answering or was the story so well rehearsed that it just easily came from her lips? She too lies. She too dies. She too is buried next to her husband.

Identity and Purpose

Why does Luke include this story? Luke is not afraid to show us that not everyone who claims to follow Jesus has good motives. We know nothing about this couple before this incident but we do know that their desire for praise was greater than honoring God. This is still true today. There are those who are more interested in what other’s think than bringing honor to God. Even more so to be able to appear to honor God while receiving praise is better.

But there is another reason Luke includes this story and it is found in verses 5 and 11. “Great fear seized.” Twice this phrase is found. The instant judgment against this couple brings great fear. The word for fear is the word that we use “phobia.” If you know anything about phobias you know that those with one have exceptional fear associated with that object or situation. In this case, the fear is connected with the power of God. God is the major figure in this text.

Some would say that God overreacted. That his punishment was too harsh. What would you suggest? Confront and condemn? Pat their hands and put them in a timeout? We look at this text through human eyes believing that we know better than God what is needed. We look at this text and take God’s place and assume that more people would have trusted God if the punishment wasn’t so dramatic. But then that is human thinking. We think we know what others are willing to do and to think if we were in charge. Ananias and Sapphira believe they are dealing with people, money, and praise. But Peter quickly corrects that thinking. This isn’t about money; it isn’t about people; it isn’t about praise. It’s about God. It’s about loyalty. It’s about identity and purpose. It’s about greater things.

Luke gives us some profound insight. Look at verse 3. Why has Satan filled your heart to lie against the Holy Spirit? No attempt to take the responsibility away from Ananias. He chose to allow Satan to have a place in his heart. He chose Satan over the Holy Spirit. Satan has found his way into this group. This group who have been convicted of their sin. This group who have expressed their repentance and commitment to Jesus. This group who are sharing in profound ways. It is into this group that Satan is still at work. Nothing has changed. Satan is still at work. He is looking for ways to infiltrate God’s people. The battle between God and Satan will not end until Christ returns.

Go back to 4:32. The believers were one in heart and mind or we could translate one in will and soul. They were on the same page when it came to identity and purpose. Their lives had changed dramatically. No longer thinking about themselves they sought out ways to do good for others. Their possessions were for others; their wealth fed others. Verse 34---no needy person among them. Contrast that with Ananias and Sapphira who thought not about the group but self.

This is the reality of life. How we live our life isn’t about people, money or praise. It’s about God. We want to think that life choices are not that big of a deal. Ananias and Sapphira didn’t have to sell the property. No one was telling them that they had to sell. It was their choice. No one demanded that upon selling it that any portion of the money had to be given away. They believed that they could be the center of attention. They believed that they could take the spotlight away from God and that nothing bad would happen to them. Divided loyalty is disloyalty.

This text reveals that there is accountability. There is accountability for one’s choices. God is all knowing and he will hold his people accountable. While we see here instant judgment, we find that God is patient. There were others who misbehaved in the early church who were not struck down. But this one example had the sufficient reaction---fear, terror, deep respect. Luke includes this text to call the readers to holiness and loyalty. To understand your identity and purpose are found in him. Don’t be fake with God. You can fool people but you cannot fool God. God knows what is really in your heart. He is patient waiting for you to give your heart to him.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.