God Judges Liars

(NASB) Acts 5:1-6 “BUT A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
² and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
³ But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?
⁴ ‘While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?  And after it was sold, was it not under your control?  Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart?  You have not lied to men but to God.’
⁵ And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it.
⁶ The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.”

  What are some of the things we can learn from the above Scripture?
     *The husband and wife were both held accountable for lying.
     *The husband and wife were both in agreement to lie.
     *The husband and wife wanted to look pious and generous by their “sacrificial” giving.
     *Peter’s accusation was true.
     *Peter’s accusation pointed out their actions of deceit. 
     *The husband and wife, both, lied to God.
     *Ananias was judged by God and died.
     *All who heard had great fear!  They realized the need to be honest in their dealings with God.
     *When people died, they were buried quickly (the hot climate of Israel led to rapid decomposition of the dead body).

  How can some of the above be applied to our lives today?
*The motives behind our words and our actions matter to God.
*Our words and actions condemn or exonerate (free) us.
*The words we speak this day are to be truth with no innuendos or lies.
*Agreeing with another to lie against God will condemn us.
*When we lie against God, we are judged by God. 
*We need Jesus to be our Savior from God’s judgment.

~ Take it to heart ~

*We are to turn from lying, for any reason, for God will judge all liars.