This sermon, delivered by God’s Vessel Francis Ameyibor, centers on the dangers of lying and the importance of adhering to truth, drawing heavily from the biblical account of Ananias and Sapphira’s deception in Acts 5. It emphasizes the severe consequences of lying, especially when directed towards the Holy Spirit, and contrasts it with the blessings of a life grounded in truth. The sermon uses the narrative of Ananias and Sapphira as a stark warning against hypocrisy and seeking validation through deceitful means, highlighting how fleeting gains obtained through lies ultimately lead to destruction. The sermon also incorporates other scriptural references to reinforce the message of resisting Satan’s influence and remaining steadfast in faith.
The core message begins with a direct address to the “brethren,” urging introspection before speaking and acting, particularly in communication. The example of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how succumbing to Satan’s influence can lead to dishonesty and ultimately, spiritual and physical death. Their attempt to deceive the apostles and, by extension, the Holy Spirit, is portrayed as the root of their tragic end. The sermon emphasizes that lies, though potentially offering temporary relief or advantage, carry long-term consequences. This segment also underscores the importance of discerning the influences at play in one’s life, questioning who or what guides our actions and motivations. The underlying message is to be mindful of serving God rather than succumbing to worldly pressures and deceitful schemes.
The sermon then shifts its focus to the dichotomy between truth and lies, presented as two distinct paths without a middle ground. It equates truth with godliness and lies with Satanic influence, reiterating the severity of choosing the latter. Ananias’s act of deceptive philanthropy, motivated by jealousy and a desire for recognition, is analyzed as a manifestation of this choice. His attempt to garner praise for a generosity he didn’t genuinely possess is presented as the catalyst for his demise. The sermon warns against seeking human approval through dishonest means, emphasizing that such actions could have dire consequences. It stresses the importance of internal purity and acting from a genuine heart, highlighting that outward appearances and actions ultimately reflect the inner spirit.
Expanding upon the theme of satanic influence, the sermon cites Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in Matthew 16:22-24, characterizing Satan’s influence as an obstruction to God’s plan. It suggests that individuals under satanic influence prioritize temporary solutions over lasting ones, focusing on human desires rather than God’s will. Referencing 1 Peter 5:9, the sermon warns against the devil’s prowling nature, urging vigilance and spiritual sobriety. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is revisited, emphasizing the wife’s complicity in the lie and the equally tragic outcome. The sermon cautions against repeating prepared lies and emphasizes the seriousness of lying to the Holy Spirit. It calls for steadfast resistance against Satan and his agents, drawing strength and encouragement from the knowledge that others have faced similar trials in the past.
The next section focuses on practical steps for resisting temptation and deception. It advises keeping one’s gaze fixed on the path of righteousness, drawing a parallel with road safety. The sermon warns against distractions, emphasizing that even brief lapses in focus can lead to disaster. It emphasizes the importance of unwavering concentration on spiritual matters, particularly prayer and fellowship, cautioning that even momentary negligence can have significant repercussions. This is reinforced by the principle of reaping what is sown, a direct quote from Galatians 6:7-9. The sermon stresses that actions motivated by fleshly desires will ultimately lead to destruction, while actions aligned with the Spirit will yield eternal life.
The concluding segment introduces a personal aspirational statement for 2025: “MY YEAR FOR MY STAR TO RISE FOR THE WORLD TO NOTICE.” followed by a call to cheerful giving, referencing 2 Corinthians 9:7-8. It encourages giving freely and generously, emphasizing that God blesses cheerful givers abundantly. The sermon ends with a prayer for strength and guidance, invoking the Holy Spirit’s constant presence as a protective force. It provides scriptural references (Acts 5:3-4, Matthew 16:22-24, John 8:44, 1 Peter 5:9, Galatians 6:7-9, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8) to support the message and concludes with contact information for God’s Vessel Global Foundation. The overall message of the sermon is a strong admonition against deceit and a call to live a life rooted in truth and guided by the Holy Spirit.
