The Power of the Holy Spirit Leads to the Fear of God!
Reading: Acts 5:1-11
Key verse: “So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:11 (NKJV)
The disciples of Jesus were beaten and threatened by the Jewish religious leaders not to preach Jesus (Acts 4). However, the disciples continued to gather and pray. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they had courage and strength to persevere in the faith. The followers of Jesus continued to grow in numbers. They shared everything including their earthly possessions (Acts 4:32-37). They lived and supported each other spiritually and materially (Acts 4:35). Then a married couple named Ananias and Sapphira joined the disciples’ group.
Ananias and Sapphira joined the group and told the apostles that they sold their property and gave all the money to them. However, through the Holy Spirit, Peter knew that they both lied and pretended that they gave all they had. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead the same day (Acts 5:6-10). So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Acts 5:11 (NKJV)
The power and presence of the Holy God was strong upon the early church of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the first church and the first-born church. They were also the first model of love, sharing in all things and caring for one another as they distributed to the needs of everyone. This was the very first church of the Lord Jesus Christ and His first disciples upon which the church was founded and built. Thus, God required perfection and holiness. It was God’s holy presence through the Holy Spirit that was with them, so God did not allow sin in their midst. Ananias and his wife committed sin and made plans to hide it thinking no one would know. They kept back part of the money and lied about it. But God is holy and would not tolerate sin. God did not allow lies, deceit, and sin in their midst. So, the couple received the just reward of death to stop sin in the camp. God knew the power of sin to destroy the church. God also wanted to express and demonstrate to the church that He was a holy God, righteous and just; there is no sin in Him.
God loves people but hates sin because He is holy. God requires the same standard of holiness in His church today. Holiness is the fear of the Lord. This is God’s plan for His church, the followers of Jesus, to be holy through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Aren’t you glad God does not do the same in His Church today like what happened to Ananias and Sapphira? As Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Thought for Today:
The power of the Holy Spirit leads the followers of Jesus to revere and have the fear of God.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit help us as followers of the Lord Jesus to be holy and fear God. Please forgive our sins and cleanse us by Your blood. Help us to be Your Bride, perfect and blameless. Help us obey Your Word. Amen.
Your Thoughts:
Your Prayer:
Bible Verses quotes are from Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+5&version=NKJV
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dvc07.03.23
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