Stop Faking It

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Why Authenticity Matters More Than Your Image

Message 11 | The Unstoppable Church Series | Acts 5:1-11

What Happened to Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible

In Acts 5:1-11, we encounter one of the most shocking stories in the early church. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and brought money to the apostles to help care for the community. However, they kept back part of the proceeds while pretending they had given the full amount. When Peter confronted Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit, he immediately dropped dead. Three hours later, his wife Sapphira came in, repeated the same lie, and also died instantly. This severe judgment reveals something crucial about God's protection of His dwelling place.

Why Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira So Severely

The key to understanding this passage is recognizing that Ananias and Sapphira weren't judged simply for lying—they were judged for defiling God's holy dwelling place. Peter made it clear they were under no obligation to sell their property or give any money at all. Their sin was bringing deception into the sacred space of God's new temple: the church. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern of God protecting sacred spaces, from Nadab and Abihu who were consumed by fire (Leviticus 10), to Uzzah who died for touching the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6), to King Uzziah who was struck with leprosy for entering the temple inappropriately (2 Chronicles 26).

Understanding the Church as God's Holy Temple

The church represents a fundamental shift in how God dwells with His people. God's presence moved from a physical temple made of brick and mortar to the living stones of His people. As 1 Peter 2:5 explains, believers are "living stones" being built into "a spiritual house" and "a holy priesthood." The Greek word "ekklesia" (translated as "church") literally means "the called-out ones" or "the assembly"—emphasizing that God's dwelling is in the people, not a building. Ephesians 2:19-22 reinforces this, describing how we are "being built together for God's dwelling in the Spirit" with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

How to Be Authentic in Your Christian Walk

Authenticity means taking off the mask and being real about where you are on your faith journey. It requires admitting struggles instead of hiding them, confessing when you need help rather than performing spiritually for others. Ephesians 4:25 commands us: "Put away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another." This doesn't mean sharing every detail with everyone, but it does mean being honest within your church community about your genuine spiritual condition, your challenges, and your growth areas.

Why Performance Christianity Damages the Church

When we show up at church pretending we have it all together, we bring the same kind of deception into God's temple that Ananias and Sapphira brought. Performance Christianity manifests in praying eloquent prayers publicly while having no prayer life privately, sharing Bible verses on social media without actually reading Scripture, or putting on a smile while hiding real struggles. This pretense corrupts the sacred space God has created in His church and prevents authentic community from forming. People outside the church aren't looking for fake Christians—they're searching for real people with genuine faith.

What the Bible Says About Authenticity in Community

Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of authenticity among believers. Ephesians 2:3-5 reminds us that we all started "dead in trespasses," but God made us alive in Christ through His rich mercy and great love. We're saved by grace, not by appearing perfect. James 5:16 instructs believers to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed." True Christian community requires vulnerability, honesty, and mutual support—not competition over who appears most spiritual.

The Difference Between Perfection and Progress in Faith

The goal of the Christian life isn't perfection—it's progress. None of us will be perfect until we're in God's presence in eternity. What God desires is authentic growth, not manufactured appearances. When we're real about our struggles, we create space for others to grow alongside us. When we're honest about our need for help, we allow the body of Christ to function as God designed it. Authenticity enables us to make progress together, supporting one another in the journey toward Christlikeness.

How to Stop Pretending and Start Living Authentically

Begin by asking yourself these questions: Where am I putting on a show? Where am I hiding something I need help with? Is there something I'm doing that makes others think something about me that isn't fully true? If the Holy Spirit convicts you in any area, confess it to Him and commit to being more real. Remember that in authentic Christian community, there is no condemnation for being honest about your struggles. We're all broken people in need of a Savior, and the more honest we are with ourselves and one another, the closer we can get to Him.