To Be or Not to Be
October 11, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides
Acts 4:32-5:11; 20:18-38
- When you hear the word integrity, who comes to your mind? Why does that person stand out as being one with integrity?
- Take about five minutes and list all of the small things one might have in their life that could cause them to be looked upon as one without integrity.
- Reread the scenario of Ananias and Sapphria in Acts 5:1-11. Do you think their punishment was too hard? How do you believe this passage reflects God’s character? His view of sin, what of His view of truthfulness in the church? Why was the punishment so severe?
- Consider the following characteristics Paul viewed as being integral in the lives of those seen to have integrity.
- Paul reminded them to be HUMBLE (vv.18-21). He wanted the emphasis to be on Jesus not on him. The word “serving” in v.19 is the Greek term doulos which refers to “a servant with no rights of his own.” What can we incorporate into our life as Christians that will enable us to shint the light on Christ rather than ourselves?
- Paul reminded them to be FAITHFUL (vv.22-24). Even when the going was tough, his integrity would not allow him to quit. Why is it so important to remain faithful even when circumstances would lead us to not be?
- Paul reminded them to be CONSISTENT (vv.26-31) He had not give them a popular message but declared “the whole counsel of God.” His integrity demanded that he be consistent to in the gospel with everyone. How should consistency be modeled in the life of the believer?
- Paul reminded them to be UNSELFISH (vv.32-35). Interestingly Paul ended this address with counsel on finances. Is this a true statement? “If our integrity ever lags, it will probably first be obvious in financial matters.”
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