Acts 5:4
“While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.””
The point is that Ananias was under no control by the leaders or God to give any of the money to the Apostles for the selling of his house. This was not a mandate from leadership to be in this community, but was done by Barnabas before him out of generosity and trust in the Lord. Ananias thought he could get away with keeping some of the money back, and telling them that he too gave all the money from the selling of their home.
Secret sin in solitude
Is an open scandal
In heaven
The lie was to God, not just in front of men. Ananias was influenced by Satan, but he made the choice in his heart, made the plan to deceive and carried it out in his own will. Father God, keep me, Your servant from living a lie, a sham, or deceitful in any area of my life, but allow my heart to run in rhythm with Yours, my mind to be the mind of Christ, and my words and actions to be glorifying to You today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Live the Truth