I. EXORDIUM:
Are you busy? Do you have time for GOD?
II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:
Believers
III. OBJECTIVES:
To show that time needs to work for our benefit not for our disadvantage.
IV. TEXT:
Acts 24:22 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.
V. THESIS:
Any time is ripe for GOD's time for us to serve Him.
VI. TITLE:
Roman governor who rejected JESUS because of inconvenience
Subtitle: Character Study of Governor Felix
VII. EXPLICATION:
A. Main theme: Missionary Campaigns in the Early Church
B. Author: Dr. Luke, the beloved physician
C. Date written: uncertain, probably 62 A.D.
D. Purpose: To document the growth of the early church.
E. To whom written: Specifically, Theophilus
Acts 1:1 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach
F. Key words: Holy Spirit and the Church
G. Key verses: Acts 1:8, Acts 2:42-47
VIII. MAIN BODY:
A. Roman governor of Caesaria, Judea
Acts 23:24 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.”
Acts 23:33 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix.
1. Accused Apostle Paul of the following:
Acts 24:5-6 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
We have found this man to be a troublemaker who is constantly stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the cult known as the Nazarenes.
Furthermore, he was trying to desecrate the Temple when we arrested him.
a. sedition - rebellion or trouble maker
b. a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes
c. attempt to profane the temple at Jerusalem
The accuser became the accused because of rejection of the LORD JESUS.
B. Husband of Drusila, a Jewess
Acts 24:24 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.
Even here, Governor Felix missed the LORD JESUS CHRIST though her wife was a Jewess.
C. Well acquainted with the Way
Acts 24:22 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”
John 14:6 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
The word "way" came from the Greek word:"hodos" meaning a road, route, act, distance, mode or means. The LORD JESUS CHRIST is our only road, route, act, distance, mode or means to GOD, the FATHER. But, unfortunately, Governor Felix's knowledge or acquaintance of the WAY didn't lead to it's application by accepting the LORD JESUS CHRIST as LORD, MASTER, GOD and SAVIOR.
D. Listened to Paul regarding faith in CHRIST JESUS
Acts 24:24 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.
Romans 10:17 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
His listening to GOD's Words never lead him to faith in JESUS CHRIST.
E. Deferred Paul's case
Acts 24:22-24 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
At that point Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, “Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case.”
He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 3:9 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
Proverbs 21:1 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.
Governor Felix thought that he was in control of Apostle Paul's case, but he never noticed GOD's hands was on him, since GOD wanted him to repent and be saved but he missed it again. GOD is the One controlling his time not him.
F. Afraid of: righteousness, self-control and judgment
Acts 24:25 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”
1. Righteousness is only by JESUS CHRIST
Philippians 1:11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Matthew 5:20 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Ephesians 6:14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
2. Self-control is one of the fruits of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Examples of self-control:
Daniel
Daniel 1:8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.
Apostle Paul
1 Corinthians 9:27 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
3. Judgment because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
John 16:8-11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.
Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more.
Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
John 16:11 (Amplified Bible)
About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him.
2 Peter 2:4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.
Hell was not prepared for people but for the devil and his demons.
Matthew 25:41 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.
G. He rejected JESUS CHRIST because of inconvenience.
Acts 24:25 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”
1. The word for "convenient season" came from the Greek word:"kairos" meaning occasion, proper time, opportunity, season
Colossians 4:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Colossians 4:5 (New King James Version)
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Governor Felix was not able to redeem the time or take the opportunity for himself to experience CHRIST JESUS.
Romans 5:6 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Any time here on earth is the right time for GOD to save us thru CHRIST but if you reject, you missed it.
2. He hoped for Paul's bribe
Acts 24:26 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
3. He is a man-pleaser
Acts 24:27 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.
Acts 25:14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)
During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. “There is a prisoner here,” he told him, “whose case was left for me by Felix.
IX. CONCLUSION:
We have not missed JESUS CHRIST because we have redeemed the time.
Colossians 4:5 (New King James Version)
Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
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