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THE COUNTERFEIT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Acts 5:1-2

1 Timothy 6:6-10

 

“For the love of money

is the root of all evil…”

 

THE COUNTERFEIT
 
Satan had surreptitiously crept in through Ananias and Sapphira to destroy the holy testimony of the saints. This couple belonged to the church. They seemed to have been well-known to the leaders. Although their consecration was false, they were not found out until the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter how they lied to God. The name Ananias is equivalent to the Hebrew name, “Hananiah” which means “The LORD is gracious.” Sapphira, on the other hand, was a name derived from the Greek name of a precious stone, Sapphire, which in the Hebrew signifies “beautiful.” Although the Scriptures said, “A good name is better than precious ointment…” (Eccles 7:1a), this couple did not live up to their names.
 
Sold a possession: Barnabas had land, sold it, and received good commendations upon giving his substance to the church. The act was worthy of imitation. Ananias and Sapphira followed the good deed. However, in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, they lied by appearing to have given all while they secretly kept some back. They gave to be acknowledged and commended. But no one can lie without God knowing. Were they Christians? I believe they were, as it was recorded in Acts 2:47 that the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
 
Laid at the Apostles’ feet: As Barnabas laid the money at the Apostles’ feet, the couple too laid theirs. The difference was that Barnabas laid all but Ananias and Sapphira kept back part of the price while claiming to have given all. Both husband and wife decided to do it. Were they not scared? Were they not guilty when they planned it? Were they not trembling when they brought the portion? No, not at all! The two of them were confident that only they knew about it. Many professing Christians today think they can hide something from God. They appear religious on the outside and pious in their actions, but in their morals they are very corrupt.
 
Do you hide things from the Lord? Are you honest to give what is required of you in the Scriptures?
 
THOUGHT: Am I a hypocritical Christian?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to live in righteousness and truth.

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