Sermon Recap: Acts 4:32-5:11
Wholehearted Devotion
Acts 4:32-5:11
This week, we explored Acts 4:32–5:11 in our message “Wholehearted Devotion,” seeing how the beauty of the gospel compels and empowers us to give ourselves fully to God’s mission. The passage contrasts two examples of devotion: the sincere, Spirit-filled generosity of the early church and Barnabas, and the deceptive, self-serving actions of Ananias and Sapphira. The first believers were “of one heart and soul,” joyfully surrendering their possessions for the good of others and the advance of the gospel. Their unity and generosity flowed from hearts transformed by grace. In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira’s hypocrisy revealed a divided heart that sought appearance over authenticity. Their story warns us that sin is serious—it disrupts fellowship, dishonors God, and endangers the witness of the church. Yet the gospel meets us in our weakness: through Christ’s death and resurrection, we’re freed from pretense and empowered to live with integrity, generosity, and wholehearted devotion. The call of this passage is to examine our lives and ask, “Where am I withholding from God?” and to surrender all we are and have for His glory and the good of His people.
Listen to the Sermon:
Reflection Questions:
In Acts 4:32–35, what evidence do you see of the gospel shaping the early church’s unity and generosity? How might that same gospel power transform your own view of possessions and community?
Barnabas is described as a man of encouragement and sacrificial generosity. What would it look like for you to follow his example this week?
Ananias and Sapphira tried to appear more devoted than they were. In what areas might you be tempted to perform or pretend before others rather than rest in the grace of Christ?
How does remembering the seriousness of sin deepen your gratitude for Christ’s forgiveness? How might it shape your commitment to honesty and purity in community life?