Respect

Introduction

A. In a child’s development there is a time in a child’s life that we call adolescence. During this stage of life which by the way is approximately age 12–24, there are a number of interesting adolescent thinking. One aspect is termed “imaginary audience.” It is the thinking that everyone is thinking about them. It is the idea that adolescents often believe that others are listening to what they say and are thinking about them on a regular basis. This same thinking occurs in adults as well, but it is something that we see in adolescence primarily. Think of the teenager who spends an exorbitant amount of time getting ready trying to hide every blemish and flaw because they just know everyone will think they are ugly. This is the imaginary audience. Often what teens don’t realize is that their peers are equally concerned about what others are thinking and are paying attention to their own “ugliness” to pay much attention to others.

B. There is also another type of thinking associated with adolescents and it is called Personal Fable. This is the belief that a teen’s experience is so unique that no one will possibly understand what he or she is experiencing. So we hear from teens statements like, “My parents will never understand because they don’t know what it’s like to be a teenager.” Or “You just don’t understand what I am feeling.” Included in the personal fable is the belief that nothing bad can happen to them. That is, the teen is the exception to the rule. This often leads to risk taking behavior. I can drive fast because nothing bad can happen to me. Other people do not have the same reactions as I do.

C. I mention these two things for two reasons. First, those of us who are adults can understand. We, too, went through our own thinking of imaginary audience and personal fable (some of us may still be stuck there) and can remember what that was like. Second, faulty thinking can lead to outcomes that we don’t want. Thinking we are the center of attention can lead us to act in ways that are not consistent with who we are. Believing that we are invincible can lead us to do things that in fact endangers us. Listen to God’s word as Luke sets up a contrast between two believers.

Same Practice; Different Motives

A. 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.

B. 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. They live with an imaginary audience. 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.

C. 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.

D. 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. The personal fable of Ananias and Sapphira has given way to the judgment.

Result

A. 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.

B. 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. 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.

C. 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 and at the same time nothing bad would happen to them.

D. 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. 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. Invitation.

Follow Jesus

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