Acts 5:3
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?

A revival of phenomenal giving erupted in Jerusalem at the dawn of the Church Age. For, many believers who owned land or houses sold them in order to support the work of God through the Church (see Acts 4:34-35). In particular, Barnabas’ shining example inspired many to do likewise.

However, Ananias and his wife hatched a plan to give the impression that they were equally generous when they were not. They sought to deceive their church leaders. But the Apostle Peter says they actually lied to the Holy Spirit, who is God, rather than to men (Acts 5:3-4). Observe that Peter attributes Ananias’ lies to satanic influence.

Beloved, we also must beware of the temptation to lie to the Holy Spirit. Just like Ananias and Sapphira, many today are guilty of the same sin but are totally unaware of it. Our lies seem “harmless” enough, but are an abomination to God (Pro 12:22). How many today know that lying to their pastors and leaders is actually lying to the Holy Spirit?

Dearly beloved, do you want to worship God in Spirit and Truth? Then stop lying to God. Know that lying to your Pastor is lying to the Lord. Don’t lie about your tithes, offerings or seeds. Don’t lie about church attendance, pressure of work and relationships. The Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient. He sees what you do, hears what you say and knows what you think. Walk, work and worship in Spirit and Truth!

Pastor Josh