Notes taken from Alfred Christlieb’s book, “Deine Zeugnisse – mein ewiges Erbe,” page 262.
We find the story of Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts in chapter five.
Ananias and Sapphira did three things the Lord does not like in his church:
A. THEY WERE CLINGING TO EARTHLY POSSESSIONS.
a. THE WIFE OF LOT
Just as the wife of Lot was clinging to Sodom and became a pillar of salt, Ananias and Sapphira were clinging to a small sum of money.
b. PHARAOH
Is it not true that Pharaoh died because he was clinging to earthly things? He did not want to let the slaves go.
c. SHIMEI (First Kings 2:36)
Shimei lost his life, because he did not let go of two run-away slaves.
B. THEY WERE LOOKING FOR PRAISE FROM PEOPLE
What does it say in John 5:44?
C. THEY WERE DISHONEST
People who are after money and praise from people soon stray also from the truth.
Ananias and Sapphira were judged because they could not let go of earthly possessions, because they were looking for praise from people and because they were dishonest.