1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Do you know that little foxes can spoil the vine? (Song of Solomon 2:15). Though in most cases little sin, such as lying is trivialised. Do you know, this little sin, when consistently committed, becomes a perpetual lifestyle over time and God is not pleased. Do you even know that all liars would end up in the lake of fire? – Revelations 21:8
In today’s Bible text in Acts 5:1-11, we learnt a painful lesson of how lying caused the untimely death of a couple during the early church. Then, all Christians had all things in common. Those who had assets voluntarily sold them and brought the entire price of their assets to the apostles “and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” (Acts 4:32-37). However, a couple – Ananias and Sapphira conspired not to disclose the actual price they sold their asset but retained apart. (lying). First, it was the husband, Ananias, that died (Acts 5:5) and there hours later the wife, Sapphira, came in and lied too. She also died instantly (Acts 5:10).
LEADERS DIARY:
LESSON AIM: To give an overview of lies, their effects and remedies.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, members should be able to:
i. Understand God’s viewpoint on lies.
ii. And the punishment that awaits all liars.
TEXT REVIEW: Acts 5:1-11
i. Ananias conspired with His wife Sapphira to lie to Apostle Peter.
ii. They did not know that it was not Peter they lied to but the Holy Spirit.
iii. And the consequence of sin (lie) is dead. That was what they got.
TEACHING METHOD: The leader should use the discussion method.
TIME MANAGEMENT: Share the teaching time using the suggested time schedule.
LESSON OUTLINES: There is one outline:
A. WHY GOD HATES LYING:
- It is not in God’s nature and He doesn’t want His children to exhibit it. – Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18
- Lying reveals a lack of godly nature and it is a mark of unfaithfulness. – Proverbs 14:5, 12:17, 13:5
- Lying is often motivated by fear which is contrary to love and faith in God. – Genesis 20:9-11, 1 John 4:18
- Lying accompanies other sins and liars will perish in hell fire. – Hosea 4:1-2, Psalm 5:6, Proverbs 19:9, Revelations 21:8
- Lying is a major cause of separation and unanswered prayers. – Isaiah 59:2-3
- Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies.” – Acts 5:3, John 8:44
ACTIVITY: State reasons why people lie. Will liars make heaven?
SUMMARY: Please stop lying because it will land you in hell.
CONCLUSION: Ananias and Sapphira paid dearly for their lying prowess, which reveals how much God detests lying. Though lies may prevail for a moment, you can be assured, that the truth will prevail. – Proverbs 12:19
PRAYER POINTS:
- Father, please help me to always speak the truth whether it is convenient or not.
- Father, please anoint every house fellowship centre member and leader afresh with the spirit of truth.
- Father, help all RCCG members to speak the truth at all times.
- Father, increase Your unction upon Daddy G.O. and use him more for Your glory.
- Individual prayers.
ASSIGNMENT: Diligently carry out all the daily tasks outlined in the GOLDEN DIET below.
GOLDEN DIET FOR THE WEEK (print or write it out so that you can participate daily):
MONDAY:
Colossians 3:9 – Put off the old man and put on the new man.
TUESDAY:
Proverbs 30:8-9 – When you lie, you deny the existence of God.
WEDNESDAY:
Proverbs 3:3-4 – Goodness and favour accompany truth.
THURSDAY:
Proverbs 19:22 – It is better to be poor than to be a liar.
FRIDAY:
Hosea 11:12 – Be a faithful saint.
SATURDAY:
Proverbs 17:4 – Avoid impure conversation.
SUNDAY:
Proverbs 6:19 – Don’t be a false witness either be an Instrument of division.
House Fellowship Anthem
- I love this family Of God,
So closely knitted into one,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family - I bless this family of God,
So greatly prospered by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family - I know this family of God,
So deeply rooted in the word,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family - I see this family of God,
So highly lifted above all,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family - Come and join this family of God,
So highly favoured by the Lord,
They have taken me into their arms
And ‘am so glad to be
A part of this great family
SUGGESTED TIME SCHEDULE
10 minutes for Opening Prayer, Praise and Worship
10 minutes for Testimonies
15 minutes for Bible Discussion
15 minutes for General Prayers
10 minutes for Questions & Answers
5 minutes for Welcoming New Members
10 minutes for Announcements, Offering, House Fellowship Anthem & Closing Prayers.
Total – 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
Action Point
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I know you might agree with some of the points that I have raised in this article. You might not agree with some of the issues raised. Let me know your views about the topic discussed. We will appreciate it if you can drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
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