Is our calling any different?

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

As I read this a second time today it hit me....if the reponsibilty of protecting ourself by putting on the full armor of God doesn't fall on us; why would Peter ask him this question? If a possible answer was, "Satan overcame me and there was nothing I could do!" Do you think the consequences of his sin would be so final? His sin was not that he held back some of the profits, it was the deceiving nature at which he did it. This begs the question, what part of our life are we holding back and thinking we will skate by with lying to the Holy Spirit in saying, "I'm doing the best I can"? This is one reason why true fellowship is so important. We are called to live holy as He is Holy. I don't think that there is any doubt that to do this requires accountability from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It is so easy to get discouraged when you do have fellowship, I cannot image the level of difficuty without it.

Acts 5:4b ....Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

Part of the full armor of God includes the breastplate of Righteousness. It seems God symbolizes the breastplate of Righteousness to protect our heart. The heart is deceiful and wicked and needs to be protected so evil cannot take root and grow.

Acts 5:20 "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life."

Seems like a pretty clear directive....question is....are we all called to the Great Commission in some capacity?

Acts 5:25 So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"

They obeyed!

Act 5:30-32 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree.
31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."

As we continue to work through the rest of the New Testament we will see that this is one of several places where the apostles emphasize the importance of obediance.

After the council beat them, Paul and John didn't hang their head walking out deciding they had enough of that; instead they rejoiced:

Acts 5:41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Then they went right back to work:

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.