NOT A FAN

Becoming A Completely Committed Follower of Jesus: Bible Study Lesson 4

What I Say vs. What I do

Matt 7:21

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. KJV

Author Kyle Idleman wrote: “Jesus makes a distinction between fans and followers by contrasting the word “says” with the word “does.” We live at a time when we have become increasingly comfortable with separating what we say we believe with how we live.” (Idleman pg 104).  It would appear that it is possible for many of us to believe one thing and yet act or live in complete opposition to that belief. So, a person could actually believe the healthy eating and exercise is vital to good health but they neither eat healthy nor exercise. QUESTION: How can such a conflict exist within a person?  Would you agree that in all honesty, everyone lives with some level of contradiction in their life? Why is this?

Exactly What Is Hypocrisy?

Frank is a deacon in his church. His church teaches against drinking alcohol and smoking. James does both and when he comes to church; he attempts to cover the smell with cologne, mints and gum. Is Frank a hypocrite?

QUESTIONS: If a person “knows better” but fails to “do better” is that person a hypocrite? Can a believer live up to all that he or she knows or has in the Lord? One could argue that only when a person deliberately attempts to deceive others would such a person be considered a hypocrite.

QUESTIONS: So, considering this assertion, is Deacon Frank a hypocrite? Considering Deacon’s Frank’s struggle, what actions could result in Deacon Frank’s spiritual growth and what actions might hinder his spiritual growth in this area?

Church Member See, Church Member Do

In the scripture lesson above, Jesus contrasts the believer who expresses a “said” faith with those that show a “demonstrated” faith.  One is draped in what may have been the best of intentions while the other is heavy with solid results. Often times people will settle for giving others the illusion of Christian virtues as long as such a false display gains them the praise, acclaim and esteem that they so desperately desire.

It has been said the “imitation” is the best form of flattery. Perhaps this is true in some cases but certainly not when it comes to being an authentic follower of Jesus Christ. There is a lot of misery in the world today that comes from people trying to look like something rather than actually being that something.

Acts 4:36-5:5

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Acts 5

5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled (crammed) thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. KJV

It would be beneficial to this lesson to reflect, if ever so briefly, on the concluding verses of chapter 4. This section of scripture tells of an immensely benevolent spirit within the early church. Not only was Barnabas giving cheerfully but an outpouring of sacrificial giving was present throughout the church as a whole. It is important to keep this in mind when studying the events in chapter 5 so that a clear contrast might be evident.  It must be noted here that the couple in this narrative were under no obligation to sell their possessions nor if they did so, to give the money they got from the sale to the apostles. This was something that was solely left to an individual’s discretion. Furthermore, this couple were no doubt disciples; believers and followers of Christ who have confessed faith in the finished work of Christ.  Nevertheless, they pretended to have been operating under the influence of the Holy Ghost to deliver the complete amount of the sale for the use of the ministry.  This was a demonic assault on the church of which this couple mutually consented to and gave place to the devil to pervert the Holy Spirit’s purpose and create a role for hypocrisy among its followers.  QUESTIONS: Why would Ananias and his wife attempt such an action? We’re they influenced by someone else? What do you believe their initial intentions were prior to receiving the money? Were they aware of the potential consequences of their actions? Shouldn’t they have been warned of such consequences in advance? If Satan “filled” Ananias’ heart, was he powerless to resist such a temptation? (READ: I Cor 10: 11 – 13)  Always consider that God is gracious, but He is also holy.

God’s Pattern Of Judgments

Scripture shows that God judges sin severely at the beginning of any salvation period

·         Lev. 10: 1 – 2  Opening of the Tabernacle

·         Joshua 7: 24 – 25 Entrance Into the Promise Land

Lies Have Purpose

All lies are told for one purpose, and that is to deceive. QUESTION: So who were Ananias and Sapphira trying to deceive and who was really deceived? It is startling to see that while Satan appeared to have talked this couple into an elaborate scheme to deceive the church members, Satan’s actual plans were to deceive the couple. So, the purpose of this lie was to destroy this couple. QUESTION: What is the ultimate purpose or outcome of hypocrisy in a Christian? In the end, if you’re not right with God, it doesn’t matter who else thinks you’re right.