What lessons can we learn about God's holiness from Acts 5:11? The Sobering Scene in Acts 5:11 “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” Ananias and Sapphira had lied to God; judgment fell instantly. Verse 11 captures the aftermath: a wave of holy fear sweeping through the newborn church. Key Observations about God’s Holiness • God’s holiness is not abstract; it is powerfully active. • Holiness provokes holy fear—an awed, reverent recognition of who He is. • Holiness tolerates no deceit among His people; He protects the purity of His church. Lessons for Our Hearts Today • God’s presence in the church is real and uncompromising. • Hidden sin is never hidden from Him; honesty matters more than reputation. • Reverence is fitting whenever believers gather—casual worship must give way to heartfelt awe. Supporting Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth • Leviticus 10:3: “Among those who approach Me, I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.” • Isaiah 6:3–5: Seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy,” and Isaiah responds, “Woe to me!” Holiness exposes sin. • Hebrews 12:28–29: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • 1 Peter 1:15–16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ ” Practical Steps to Honor His Holiness • Cultivate transparency—confess sins quickly (1 John 1:9). • Guard integrity in speech, finances, and relationships. • Approach worship with prepared hearts, remembering whose presence you enter. • Encourage one another toward holiness, knowing the church is God’s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). |
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