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Lying to the Holy Spirit

Sermon Title: "Lying to the Holy Spirit: The Danger of Spiritual Deception"​

Scripture: Acts 5:1–11 (focus on v.3–4)​

“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? … thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” — Acts 5:3–4 (KJV)

Introduction:​

Church is meant to be a place of truth, unity, and sincerity before God. But in Acts 5, we see a shocking moment when God brings judgment not for theft, violence, or unbelief—but for lying.

Ananias and Sapphira's story warns us: you can be part of the church, be generous, even appear godly—and still grieve the Holy Spirit with a lie.

1. The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira​

They sold land and pretended to give the full amount to the church. The problem wasn’t what they gave—it was that they lied about it. They weren’t just lying to Peter or the apostles… Peter says, “You lied to the Holy Ghost… to God.”

Why is that significant?

  • It reveals how the early church saw the Holy Spirit—not as a force, but as God Himself.
  • It shows that hypocrisy—especially in spiritual matters—is a direct offense to God.

2. How Can Someone Lie to the Holy Spirit Today?​

Let’s bring this into our world—because Ananias isn’t just an ancient warning. It’s a mirror for the modern church.

Here are just some of the ways people today might lie to the Holy Spirit:

a) False Worship or Giving to Impress Others Giving or serving just to be seen, not to glorify God. Example: Donating publicly to gain influence, or raising hands in worship while hearts are far from God.

b) Faking a Spiritual Gift or Calling Claiming the Spirit said something He didn’t. Example: Saying “God told me…” when it’s just your own idea or manipulation.

c) Living in Secret Sin While Pretending to Be Holy Wearing a mask of righteousness while hiding unrepentant sin. Example: A leader preaching purity while living in addiction, abuse, or dishonesty.

d) Making Vows to God With No Intention to Keep Them Treating spiritual commitments like empty promises. Example: “Lord, I’ll tithe if I get this job…” but never following through.

e) Manipulating Others in God’s Name Using spiritual language to control or pressure. Example: Telling someone, “God wants you to do this,” when you're unsure—or worse, when it's for your benefit.

f) Pretending Unity While Sowing Division Saying we’re one in Christ, but gossiping, slandering, and dividing behind the scenes. Example: Public praise and private poison.

3. Why This Matters: God Sees the Heart​

God is not mocked—He sees beyond our actions into our motives. In Acts 5, His judgment came quickly—not because He is cruel, but because the purity of His church mattered. The early church was growing, and the Spirit was moving. Hypocrisy was poison to the unity and witness of that body.

4. Application: What Should We Do?​

Examine your heart Ask the Lord: “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23)

Be honest with God He doesn’t expect perfection, but He honors humility.

Avoid spiritual performance Don’t do it for the likes, applause, or appearance. Let it be from the heart.

Walk in repentance If you’ve made promises, broken trust, or faked faith—confess it. God is merciful.

Conclusion: Grace and Warning​

Ananias and Sapphira were not struck down for a small sin—they were struck down because they thought God wouldn't notice a spiritual lie. Let’s be a church where the Holy Spirit is not grieved—but welcomed.

Closing Prayer:​

“Holy Spirit, search our hearts today. Remove all falsehood, pride, and performance. Help us to be honest with You, with ourselves, and with one another. Make us a church that walks in truth and integrity, so Your presence can dwell among us powerfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.”