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Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Trouble From Within - Pastor Ben Hodges
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Two forces repeatedly threatened the early church:
- Persecution: opposition from outside the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.
- Pollution: opposition from within the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.
The way forward is the same in both instances: prayerful, bold, faithful leadership of self and others.
Barnabas: The Leader with Integrity
Acts 4:32-37
- Barnabas is introduced as an example of godly generosity.
- He is selfless and authentic.
- He becomes a key leader in the early church — trusted, humble, encouraging.
Ananias and Sapphira: Craving the Platform of Influence
Act 5:1-11
- Their action mimics Barnabas externally, but with a corrupt motive.
- They wanted the credit of generosity without the cost.
- This was not about money—it was about lying to God.
Christian leadership and influence begins and ends with character.
Good Self-Leadership: The Strength of Integrity
- Barnabas didn’t need recognition. He gave because he wanted to obey God’s, further the mission of the church, help others.
- True spiritual leadership is marked by private integrity, not public applause.
- He becomes a partner to Paul, a disciple-maker, and a reconciler in conflict (Acts 9, 11, 15).
- Ananias and Sapphira led by pretense. They weren’t forced to give (Acts 5:4), but they chose to lie for influence.
- They may have been great “leaders,” but they were terrible Church leaders.
- God exposed the issue — to preserve protect the witness and holiness of His church.
The Holiness of God and the Fear of the Lord
Acts 5:3-5
- Notice: Peter confronts. Good church leaders do not avoid confrontation of sin in church leadership.
- God is not casual about holiness.
- This was the foundation of the church. God was establishing a holy people.
- Just like Achan in Joshua 7, God exposes hidden sin early to protect His people.
Acts 5:11
We’ve lost the fear of God in many churches today.
- We want His power, but not His purity.
- We want His blessing, but not His correction.
- This is not about perfection, it is about submission to Christ and a repentant heart.
Hebrews 4:13
Acts 5:12-16
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