The Book of Acts 

Series: To the Ends of the Earth 

Teaching Pastor: Thomas Lee

Thursday, January 8, 2026 

Sunday, January 11, 2026 

Sermon Title: Am I Deceived?  

Acts 4:36-5:11 (ESV) 

36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it 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 to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 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.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Three questions to check for deception:  

1.  Am I letting OUTWARD APPEARANCE become more important than the CONDITION OF MY HEART? (Acts 4:36 to Acts 5:4) 

Other key verses:  

- 1 Samuel 16:7 

- 1 Peter 5:8 

- 2 Corinthians 13:5 

- Matthew 23:27-28 

2.  Am I letting SELFISH GAIN become more important than the GUARDING OF MY HEART? (vs. 4-10)  

Other key verses:  

- Proverbs 4:23 

- Psalm 51:10 

- James 1:12-14 

3.  Am I letting PERCEIVED LOSS become more important than FEARING GOD IN MY HEART? (vs. 7-11) 

Other key verses:  

- Proverbs 9:10 

- Matthew 25:25 

- Proverbs 14:27, 19:23 

Talk It Over Questions  

Icebreaker: 

Share a time or a situation when you weren’t sure if something was real or fake.  

1. In what ways can we fall into the same temptation and sin as Ananias and Sapphira? Try to share examples or possible scenarios in your own life.
2. Do you think there’s “hypocrisy” in the church today and among so called “Christians”? And if so, why do you think that is?
3. What would it mean or look like to fear God in your life? And how would it lead to “wisdom” and guarding the condition of your heart?