Have No Fear
Acts 25-26
Introduction
We are called to have a common purpose in what we do
-- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always
-- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today
LAST WEEK:
-- Are you living what you speak because you want others to share in Jesus?
-- We cannot live in ways that bring glory to ourselves because we are temporary!
Today, we are going to discuss one of the greatest, and MOST crippling thing
-- The topic of fear brings lots of images to our mind: films, events, uncertainty
-- However, fear when applied to our lives by the enemy all too often silences us
-- This is where we find ourselves today and what we WILL work on together
Paul is currently on trial after spending 2 years in prison consistently delayed
-- Felix had no interest in really trying him; nor in hearing him (Acts 24:26)
-- So after 2 years Felix is replaced and now Paul is tried before Festus
What we start with is the usual trial of these times: accusation, hearing, judgment
-- However, something interesting happens here in the accusation stage
Let’s start with some background before diving into this topic of fear
Read Acts 25:13-27
Point 1 – Setting Up Paul (Acts 25:13-22)
King Agrippa and his sister Bernice have come to pay respect to Festus
-- Festus has an unusual situation here in that he doesn't really know how to act
-- He knows there is a problem … but what is he to do about it?
V14, Felix left this go for me to deal with and well … what would YOU do?
-- the Jews want him condemned (killed), but I cannot find out why?
V17, so I convened the trial immediately to get it out of the way – but now what?
-- The accusation is simply not there, the facts don’t match it, but no one’s happy
Festus knew that sending Paul to Jerusalem would mean his death, recommended it
-- v20 shows us that he didn't want to judge him, so let’s move it down the road
-- APP: Matters not how often you move something around, have to deal with it
-- A: Kids cleaning by stuffing under the bed? One day that has to be cleaned out!
So, in v22 we see Agrippa (a king) ask to hear from this man himself
-- Now don’t miss this, something very interesting is about to happen here
All the pomp & circumstance sets this up to be a great event; a spectacle to behold
-- The room is full, the people are all there, and face it: Let the show begin!!
-- If you were in this room probably be very excited; very anxious to witness it
-- I dare suggest that you would be a little sweaty; leaning forward to see this scene
APP: Now, consider Paul’s position: jailed for years, weak from illness, waiting
-- He’s not hanging out at the spa relaxing … he’s on trial for his life
-- If I had to speculate, even with his boldness there had to be fear within him
-- Fear of uncertainty, trusting in God of course – but weary from the run-around
Read Acts 26:12-23
Point 2 – Speak without Fear (Acts 26:12-23)
Paul first admits that he was blind to the truth about who God really is
-- In his opposition to God he was blind and then physically BY Jesus
-- Paul understood at that point that his sin had made him this way
-- Eph 2:1-2, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Then, Paul admits that it was the one true God who spoke to him honestly
Now, this is very important for us so I want to ensure that we see this …
QUESTION: How does God speak to us?
Through His creation: Psalm 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”
God expects to be heard: Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Through His Word: Psalm 119:98-99, “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.”
Through His Son: Hebrews 1:2, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
Paul declares that his task is simple: To rescue by proclaiming the truth! (v16-18)
-- Paul was sent to rescue by proclaiming the truth about Jesus
-- BIG APP: No matter your fear about witnessing, YOU have the same mission!
Turn to and read Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
FEAR? FEAR!?! We are following Him!
Paul proclaims to this king who his King is; Jesus is the Savior of everything!
-- v23: Jesus is what is needed; because only He can save!
TRANS: Obviously, this is not popular and so Paul is called crazy!
Read Acts 26:24-32
Point 3 – Have No Fear (Acts 26:24-32)
Paul, in his defense, uses Agrippa’s only belief and knowledge against him
-- IMP: This is where so many miss Jesus: they cannot see past themselves!!!
V27: Do you believe the prophets? I know you do!
-- You know there is One coming that will reveal and fulfill everything
-- You know that One is spoken of who will open all eyes with salvation
-- I’m not preaching in secret; and neither did He – but with boldness / power!
V28 is probably the MOST arrogant question ever asked (re-read) … but …
V29 is probably the MOST spectacular answer ever given (re-read)!!
-- I want everyone to believe what I believe, no matter how much time it takes!
-- We have the cure to death, hell, and the grave!
-- Penn Jillette quote, “I've always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn't proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
Big Idea:
1. Our testimony is meant to be shared … EVEN WHEN we are afraid to do so
-- What has God done? Not what have you done – all you've done is sinned
-- Focusing only on God is what is most important!!
-- Last week we said regarding the importance of demonstrating the truth:
-- Are you living what you speak because you want others to share in Jesus?
-- We cannot live in ways that bring glory to ourselves because we are temporary!
1 Corinthians 1:23-24, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Pray
