Scripture
4 Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men …”
38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Observation
There are several instances in this chapter where the thoughts and deeds of man vs God are contrasted.
Ananias and Saphira
The officers of the temple court
The apostles
And then Gamaliel
One or the other will be feared, either God or man, but not both
But only one is ultimate and sovereign
Application
Every day, perhaps even several times a day, I have a choice … which kingdom will I serve?
The kingdom of man or the kingdom of God?
Only one is eternal and only one lasts in the end
Only one is worthy of living my life for
It seems a question of motivation will determine which kingdom I will serve
What motivates me?
The motivators of the kingdom of man are “fear” and “greed”
I can see it with the greed of Ananias and Sapphira and the fear of the court officers
So how will I serve the Kingdom of God then?
Only through the conviction of the Holy Spirit
Peter said “we must obey God rather than men”
“We must obey …”
Who likes to “obey”? … No one!
So, then, who will obey? … Only highly convicted people.
It is only in the Kingdom of God that I will think, “I must obey”!
In the Kingdom of man … better stated as the “The Kingdom of ME”, I will think, “I must obtain”!
Ananias & Sapphira wanted to obtain money.
The court officers wanted to obtain power.
Totally normal wants … in the Kingdom of ME!
So, then, I will only think in terms of “I must obey” if I am empowered by the Holy Spirit
Without this, I will be swayed daily by my own fickle wants and desires
I will serve my own fears and my own greed
I must obey the Holy Spirit
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your conviction
Thank you for your reminder
Help me to fear you more than man
Help me to want to obey more than obtain
In Jesus name
Amen