30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
03 Acts 04 32-37 FELLOWSHIP WITHIN THE EARLY CHURCH 14 Acts 04 34-35 Fearing God, loving truth and hating covetousness
📖 Acts 04:32-37
acts
14 – 14Mar2023 – *Fearing God, loving truth and hating covetousness* - _Acts 04:32-37_ - THE CHURCH GREW IN FELLOWSHIP - Bible reading: _Daniel 06:01-04_
“Lord Jesus, teach us to develop the dynamics between the material and spiritual issues of life in such a way that we bring glory to You. In Your name, we pray. Amen.”
_Acts 4:34-35 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and *brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need*._
This principle of building the dynamics between the material and spiritual matters of life in a way that honours God is a principle that has been experienced since ancient times.
Moses had to learn that God’s people needed spiritual leaders, who could shoulder matters of general administration along with him.
_Numbers 11:16-17 So *the LORD said to Moses: "Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel*, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. (17) Then I will come down and talk with you there. *I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone*._
This was the principle that Jethro advised Mose to bring into practice in the community life of the people of Israel.
_Exodus 18:21-23 Moreover you shall select from all the people *able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness*; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (22) And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. (23) If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace."_
This is the calibre of people that need to be raised in His church. People who fear God, love truth and hate covetousness. They will bring together material and spiritual matters in a way that glorifies God.
God is calling us to be people who practice integrity in our everyday matters. _II Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, *not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God*._
We speak of unemployment, which is a real issue, but when we live this life of fearing God, loving truth and hating covetousness, we will always be in demand because of the large need for such people.
We find that the Lord raised Joseph to a high position because he demonstrated this life. _Genesis 41:38-41 And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, *a man in whom is the Spirit of God*?" (39) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, *there is no one as discerning and wise as you*. (40) You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." (41) And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."_
Many have told me that they have been people of integrity in their world but they have been harassed but not promoted. My response has been that the fact that the organisation has required your presence and has continued to entrust you with responsibilities, knowing your calibre and competence, is the promotion. Promotion need not necessarily be a raise in position, status, title, or emoluments.
This was the testimony of Daniel. _Daniel 6:1-4 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; (2) and *over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one*, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. (3) Then *this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm*. (4) So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but *they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him*._
The church must be a repository of Josephs and Daniels. In the life of the church, the dynamics between the material and spiritual must be cultivated for the glory of God.
```Powerful people such as Stephen need to be raised in the church, who will be strong witnesses to Christ because they have lived a life of fearing God, loving truth, and hating covetousness.```