In his book Mere Christianity, C S Lewis described the world as “enemy-occupied territory.” That’s a striking and accurate image – but it’s important to clarify that this enemy occupation is not only external. It’s not just the world around us that is hostile to God; it’s also the world within us. The human heart, too, is enemy-occupied territory.
Why is there so much evil in the world? Why have all of humanity’s efforts to end war, suffering, and poverty failed to bring lasting peace? Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones once remarked – echoing Lewis’s insight – that the problem lies in the devil’s influence. The enemy has overrun the world, blinding people so they cannot see the light of God’s grace and love.
We see this reality clearly in Acts 5, when Peter confronts Ananias and asks, “Why has Satan filled your heart?” Evil is not merely the absence of goodness; it is active, militant opposition to God and His rule. That’s why every attempt to build a better world through education, human effort, or moral reform alone ultimately falls short. As long as sin and the devil are not recognised as the root cause of humanity’s brokenness, people will continue to pursue peace and progress in their own strength, apart from God – and without true success.
Real transformation – both in the world and in the human heart – begins with acknowledging God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ, there is no lasting hope, either in this life or the next. All stand condemned before a holy God, and only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus can sinners be forgiven and brought into the kingdom of God.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is sobering. It reminds us that God sees the heart. Their sin was not merely in withholding money – it was in pretending to be something they were not. It was a lie, not just to the apostles, but to the Holy Spirit. Their story is a warning against hypocrisy and a call to walk in integrity before God.
Yet, even this stern passage carries a gracious invitation: to come into the light, to be honest with God, and to seek His mercy in Christ. We don’t need to pretend or perform. In Jesus, we are fully known and yet fully loved.
So let us examine our hearts. Are there areas of spiritual pretence we need to surrender? Are we trusting in our own efforts to be good, or are we clinging to the mercy of Jesus?
Today, may we respond with humility and faith—confessing our sin, receiving God’s grace afresh, and walking in the light of His truth, all for the glory of His name.
Gracious God, You are holy and just, and yet rich in mercy and love. Thank you for the warning of Ananias and Sapphira, and for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Search our hearts, Lord. Cleanse us from all deceit and pride, and lead us in the way of truth. Help us to walk in humility, to live with integrity, and to trust wholly in your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.
This sermon was preached at the Wednesday service at St Christopher's Anglican Church on 6th August 2025.
