Sermon Central
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A Convenient Season
Contributed by Brian Credille on Jan 18, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: Paul’s discussion with Felix regarding faith provides insights for us today into basic truths that every person must face.
A CONVENIENT SEASON
Acts 24:24-25
INTRODUCTION
Paul had been arrested and was being passed from official to official on his way to Rome. His Roman citizenship had kept him from being killed. Now he stood before Felix, governor of Judea. As usual, Paul was sharing the faith--even with Felix. Through Paul’s experience and teaching, we learn:
I. YOUR LIFE MATTERS TO GOD (Acts 24:25)
A. Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, took time to reason with Felix about the faith.
B. Paul could have begged for his life and agreed to not annoy further. He cared enough about Felix to reason with him.
C. "Come now let us reason together." Do you care enough about your own life to reason with God? Illus. A man discovers that the has a very treatable skin cancer. Won’t listen to reason and go to the doctor to have it removed….
D. Do you care enough to reason with people? Illus. Same man discovers treatable cancer--no one will share with him the cure.
II. YOU MUST FACE THE REAL ISSUES OF LIFE (Acts 24:25)
A. Paul reasoned about "Righteousness"---Lack of it in us, perfect example in Christ. We must face up to the reality of sin and our own need.
B. Paul reasoned about "Self-control"---the utter lack of it , the need for Christ to rule in our heart.
Illus.--Standing at a Gas Station and watched man spend $15 on Lottery Tickets. This man’s habit probably began with some small wager or activity and now has become a habit in control of his life. Our society needs a new guide---Christ ruling in the hearts of His people.
C. Paul reasoned about "Judgement"---We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ. There is an end to these days and we must be ready.
III. YOU WILL DECIDE ABOUT CHRIST TODAY(Acts 24:25)
A. Felix responded with fear--he knew Paul was right. But he said, "Go away, I’ll call for you at a more convenient time."
B. You may be thinking the same thing. To decide to wait is to say "NO!"
IV. WILL YOU HAVE ANOTHER DAY?
A. Life is so precious, yet so uncertain. We have no way to know what might come our way.
B. Don’t let this moment pass. It may be your last one.