Verse
Peter said, "Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field?"
— Acts 5:3 msg
Thought
This verse comes from the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). They had taken proceeds from the sale of their land and gave it to the apostles. They apparently conspired to make it seem that they gave the whole amount, but kept back part for themselves — a premeditated lie to make themselves look good. The fact that they did this without recognizing the Holy Spirit's work in the apostles' ministry is what makes the sin so heinous — they weren't just lying to human beings (the apostles and the church), but they were also lying to the Holy Spirit that gave authority to the apostles and empowered the church! Over this year, we will see several different kinds of sins against the Holy Spirit — blasphemy, resisting, lying, testing, quenching, and grieving. This one, however, is a powerful reminder of the authority of the apostles and should call us to deeper respect of God's leaders in general (see Heb. 13:7, 17).
Prayer
Father, forgive me of any pretension or hypocrisy. I ask that the Holy Spirit convict and help me see any future temptation toward these sins. I ask for help in being a truthful and supportive follower of your leaders and I ask that the Holy Spirit be at work in their decisions. O Father, I want to have a genuine and generous heart and a supportive and serving lifestyle. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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Peter said, "Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field?"
— Acts 5:3 msg
Thought
This verse comes from the story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). They had taken proceeds from the sale of their land and gave it to the apostles. They apparently conspired to make it seem that they gave the whole amount, but kept back part for themselves — a premeditated lie to make themselves look good. The fact that they did this without recognizing the Holy Spirit's work in the apostles' ministry is what makes the sin so heinous — they weren't just lying to human beings (the apostles and the church), but they were also lying to the Holy Spirit that gave authority to the apostles and empowered the church! Over this year, we will see several different kinds of sins against the Holy Spirit — blasphemy, resisting, lying, testing, quenching, and grieving. This one, however, is a powerful reminder of the authority of the apostles and should call us to deeper respect of God's leaders in general (see Heb. 13:7, 17).
Prayer
Father, forgive me of any pretension or hypocrisy. I ask that the Holy Spirit convict and help me see any future temptation toward these sins. I ask for help in being a truthful and supportive follower of your leaders and I ask that the Holy Spirit be at work in their decisions. O Father, I want to have a genuine and generous heart and a supportive and serving lifestyle. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
