Acts 4:32-37 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 5:1-11 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Satan cannot stop the Church of Jesus Christ. Anytime the church advances there is always resistance. God wasn’t judging Ananias and Sapphira for their lack of giving or partial giving. The judgment that came was because of deception and hypocrisy. Jesus often confronted people whose lives for a full of hypocrisy. Matthew 23:27-28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. God is building a church that isn't . God is building a church that is . God demands Holiness and Obedience! When Jesus returns, he’s coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle. God understands our brokenness, and He is not afraid of our sin. He understands our weakness. Romans 5:6-8 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He is not embarrassed by our failures. But he wants us to know that He is intolerant of willful hypocrisy. Ananias and Sapphira were trying to come across like Barnabas, who sold a piece of land and gave all. They lied to the Spirit of God and tried to put on a robe of righteousness. When the sacred things become common, it is a dangerous place. When the holiness of God is something we can brush off and live our lives at any level and act like we are spirit filled believers. That lifestyle will produce spiritual death. In Acts chapter 5 the Holy Ghost is making the Fear of God known the the early Church. Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. There is a God given fear that will eradicate all other fears. The Fear Of The Lord! The fear of the Lord is not to be terrified of God, but to stand in awe of God. The fear of the Lord is a holy reverence of God. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. Torment is mental and emotional punishment. FEAR is the Greek word phobos, it’s where we get the English word phobia. dread, terror that which strikes terror and brings torment The Fear of the Lord is a completely different word. It is the Hebrew word Yirah: Yirah means to respect, reverence, to stand in awe, reverential fear. The product of an understanding of the awesome power of God. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, Acts 5:14-16 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. The fear of the lord creates supernatural power in the church. There are about 20 biblical benefits, to the fear of the lord. Here are just a few of them. 1. God adds length to their life. Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. 2. God enables us to avoid the snares and traps of evil. Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 3. We are led into a life of Riches and Honor. Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life. 4. We will lack nothing! Psalm 34:9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. 5. It creates a strong refuge, a place of safety for our children. Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 6. God confides in them with his secrets and covenant promises. Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant. 7. The Lord watches over them. Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, 8. The Lord delights in and favors those who fear him. Psalm 147:11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. When you know the heart of God and you trust Him with your life, you build an appropriate fear of the Lord. The fear of the lord is to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. 3 Ways to grow in The Fear Of The Lord 1. Search for by being immersed in the Word. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. 2. Pray for and cultivate an . (no mixture) Psalm 86:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. 3. Position your life for with the power of God. A revelation of God will break off fears from your life, and will increase the fear of the lord. The FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of wisdom! An encounter with the Lord will place a deep fear of God in your heart.