Scripture Union Daily Guide 21st July 2020 – A Unique Fellowship
TODAY’S TOPIC: A UNIQUE FELLOWSHIP
Opening Prayer: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Acts 4:32–5:11
Sharing in All Things
32 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 [a]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [b]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Lying to the Holy Spirit
5 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.
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Today’s Outline: Scripture Union Daily Guide 21st July 2020
One outcome of the disciples’ prayer was witnessing with great power. In addition, notice the characteristics they exhibited that made them unique and worthy of emulation. They were of one heart and mind (v.32). This had been building up from the beginning (see Acts 1:14, 2:1, 2:46 and 4:24).
Now they showed this oneness in very practical terms (vv.32, 34–35). What they proclaimed began to make a difference to how they lived, and what they lived for. Notice Barnabas’ unique contribution to the ministry of the church (vv.36–37). Is this possible today?
The Lord Jesus prayed that we may be one even as he and the Father are one (see John 17:21). If this oneness in heart and mind is absent, let us return to it. Because of this special quality in the early church, there was no lack among them (v.34). When external force failed, the devil decided to try internal decay.
The proclamation of Peter against Ananias and Sapphira may appear too high–handed but this highlights the potential negative impact of their deceit. Achan’s sin following the great victory of Jericho, brought disastrous consequence on the whole nation of Israel. But for the spiritual sensitivity of Peter, internal decay would have set in and achieved that which imprisonment and threats could not achieve.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• Reflection: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity”
Today’s Prayer Points
• Dear Lord, help me to be an encourager like Barnabas, always willing to give to support others for the sake of the gospel.
• Ask God to help you know His will, walk in it and be an example to believers and unbelievers .
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 108:13
Read the Bible in one Year: Psalms 31–32; Acts 16:1–21
Scripture Union Daily Guide 21st July 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
