Subject: "Opportunity Missed"
Text: Acts 24:22-27
“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[d] 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. 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.” He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 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.
Introduction: An opportunity is a convenient season; a time or an occasion that is right for taking action; some say, it is a good chance for success with least resistance. Every now and then God will bring people across our paths that have the potential to change and alter the course of our lives in a positive way so that we will never be the same. We are given an opportunity of a lifetime. One of the most important things is to be able to sense the moment. So it is in our lesson today, Apostle Paul by an act of God is spared from certain death at Jerusalem and sent to a place called Caesarea, Philippi. There Paul encountered a man named Felix who was procurator of Rome. Felix was one of the most unlikely candidates for salvation, yet God affords him a golden opportunity. The Scriptures are filled with persons whose lives were altered and changed forever because of a God-directed encounter. What about Abraham meeting Melchizedek who became the Father of many nations; Jacob meeting with Laban his uncle who became a wealthy man as a result; Ruth met Naomi and her life was changed forever; What about Rahab meeting the Jewish spies and she and her household were saved. God's divine opportunities can change your life forever. The right word or revelation, the right location, being in the right place at the right time under the right leadership can move your life in a powerful way.
Many people fail to properly respond to great opportunities waiting a convenient season. This lesson occurs during the latter part of Paul's ministry. He had already established many churches in Asia Minor and on this occasion had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. There he was falsely accused of polluting the temple and was arrested for his own safety. After being warned of an attempt on Paul's life, the chief captain sent Paul under an armed escort to Caesarea, Philippi. There Paul was in the custody of Felix, a Roman Procurator. For more than 3 years, Paul gave his personal testimony and Christ centered preaching before Felix with no success.
Felix was appointed procurator by Claudius Caesar in A.D.53. Although Felix was born a slave with no royal connection, He was a close friend of the slave of Caesar’s mother that gave a vital connection with Claudius Caesar. Through that connection he was able to meet the beautiful Drusilla the daughter of King Herod Aggrippa. The Historian Josepheus records that Felix used a magician to persuade and convince the 20 year old, Drusilla to leave her husband and become his third wife. After his marriage to Drusilla, Claudius Caesar chose to make him procurator and assigned him to the outpost at Caesarea, Philippi. Once in power, Josepheus describes Felix’s leadership style, as one who ruled with a slave’s mind. He ruled with an iron hand. He was a very cruel, devious and deceitful man. History records that he used death squads to put down any and all opposition. His administration was full of trouble and sedition. For two years, Felix had the opportunity to sit down with Apostle Paul on a regular basis but to no avail. Hearing God’s word and feeling God’s presence is an awesome privilege. To sit at Paul’s feet must have been overwhelming. Listen again to the text: Acts 24:22-27
“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. 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.” He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 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."
1. Opportunities will come to all! What a great opportunity and special privilege God afforded this man Felix. The name "Felix means happy and prosperous. Some might say that Felix was living his dream because now He had money, power and privilege. Yet he was bound by insecurity, mistrust and fear. Felix was stationed at Caesarea and given a free hand. He could do pretty much anything so long as the unrest did not reach Rome. There several special privileges Felix enjoyed: (1) He was stationed in the same place as Cornelius and his family, who were recent converts to the Christian faith. (2) He would be able to hear the Gospel message from one of God's greatest apostles to the gentiles, Paul. (3) He was in a position of great influence whether it is for good or evil. (4) God put it in Felix heart to send for Paul and ask the right question. Felix wanted to hear about Faith in Christ. Where could such a thought come from accept from the mind of God.
Paul's subject matter was simply Faith in Christ. What does it mean to have faith in Christ? Notice that Paul does not mention his illegal arrest or the personal suffering he was enduring. Paul decided to talk about a weightier matter: Righteousness, Temperance, and Judgment to come. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear people discussing weighty matters instead of all the things we hear today. When is the last time you heard a discussion about the righteousness of God? How can a sinful man be right with God. How can the defiled and the pure come together? Have you ever thought about biblical righteousness?
Isaiah 64:6,7 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities”
Paul begins to explain the Righteousness of God as a standing that no one could earn or work out. Regardless of the earthly rank, title and position, all the human race is as an unclean things. All the human race walk in darkness, while God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all. Maybe Paul used, Job 14:4 “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one! Job concluded that we are all lost without the intervention of God. no one differs in natural moral character from his parents; but as are the parents, so are the children, naturally depraved and spiritually unclean. The only way an unrighteous man can become righteous is that God imputes righteousness to him.
2Corinthians 5:21 “For he (God) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
John 3:16-19 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Then Paul moves from the subject of righteousness to the subject of temperance. How can a man control his fleshly appetites? How can a man control his passions? How can a man learn to rule his own spirit? Righteousness has to do with position and standing, being right with God, while temperance has to do with control or governance that lead to a right relationships with self and with others. The key to righteous living is moderation and self control. Have you found the sweet life yet?
Proverbs 16:32 “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Proverbs 25:16 “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Proverbs 25:27, 28 “It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Do you get too angry? Do you lose your cool? Can you keep your flesh under control? (Ro. 6:12) What about your speech? Do you talk too much? Do you slander others? Are you too critical? Too judgmental? (James 3) Paul challenged Felix about a righteousness he did not possess. Then he challenged him about a temperance he did not have, and finally about a judgment He could not prevent. Are you ready for the judgment? There is a judgment to come. This world belongs to our God and He is the final Judge.
Psalms 50:3, 4 “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.”
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Paul challenges Felix with the idea that sin is transgression against a Holy God. Sin is missing the mark. There is a penalty for sin. The wages of Sin is death. Although Paul did not have the New Testament Scriptures, maybe he quoted Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
The only remedy available is the saving grace of God revealed in Christ Jesus. All must look to him. What are you depending on for salvation? Through Christ Jesus and His finished work on the cross, the salvation needed is available. There is a righteousness that we all need; there is a temperance we can all have; and there is a judgment we must prepare for. Ready or Not, He is coming again. All of a sudden, happy-go-lucky Felix changed his demeanor. "....Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."
Though his heart was hard and cold, the heat of the word of God caused a reaction. The Word of God had searched his heart and found it wanting. The word struck terror at his core. Truth has a powerful effect. Remember Paul trembled on the Road to Damascus. (Ac 9:6) The Philippian jailer trembled (Ac 16:29) So Felix trembled in fear! "Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." Felix trembled from the heat of the word, but waited to cool down.
2. The greatest Danger to Opportunity is Procrastination. We must strike while the iron is hot! Why do many people procrastinate in responding to the Faith in Christ? The responses vary: a) Some simply reject the faith because it is too costly or restricting; b) Some tremble but only in gracious emotions. It sounds good, they fail to act. c) Some procrastinate (like Felix) look for a convenient season. Procrastination can be danger because procrastination contributes to hardening of the heart – more hopeless than drunkenness, adultery or lust. The most common and convenient excuse to believing in Christ is postponement and procrastination in believing.
Felix is a good case in point. He looked for another convenient season to hear Paul. However, verse 26 tells us that he communed with Paul very frequently after this but there was no mention that he believed or trembled. Felix’s motive was silver and not salvation. His motive was to please the Jews and not God. He had many opportunities to believe but he didn’t. Felix like many today desired a convenient season that will profit them financially. Felix desired a convenient season that would increase his popularity and status. Felix desired a convenient season that would fit in to his schedule and plans. Felix desired a season without any inconvenience. His convenient season to believe never came. Opportunities come to all, procrastination is the greatest danger to opportunity, and finally, opportunity seldom comes at convenient seasons.
3. Opportunities Seldom Comes at Convenient Seasons. The most convenient season for a lost sinner to believe Christ and be saved is right now! The great tragedy of Felix’s life was not the postponement of Paul’s trial, his greed for money, his desire to be liked by everyone, his desire for power, but the greatest tragedy was the delay in making a decision for Christ. Sinners delay to join the ranks of the saints and Christians delay to join the laborers in the harvest field.
Hebrews 3:15 “While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”
John 4:35 “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”
Dr Clarence Macartney told a story called “There Is No Hurry,” The story is about a meeting in hell. Satan called his four leading demons together and commanded them to think up a new lie that would trap more souls. “I have it!” one demon said. “I’ll go to earth and tell people there is no God.” “It will never work,” said Satan. “People can look around them and see that there is a God.” “I’ll go and tell them there is no heaven!” suggested a second demon, but Satan rejected that idea. “Everybody knows there is life after death and they want to go to heaven.” “Let’s tell them there is no hell and no judgment to come!” said a third demon. “No, conscience tells them their sins will be judged,” said the devil. “We need a better lie than that.” Quietly, the fourth demon spoke. “I think I’ve solved your problem,” he said. “I’ll go to earth and tell everybody, there is a God, Heaven and Hell, but there is no hurry.” Satan replied, now that’s an irresistible lie that will work!”
"Prairie Overcomer" tells a story about how the people of Martinique Island neglected a volcanoe's warning. At exactly 8.02pm on May 8, 1902, almost 30,000 people died instantly in one of history’s worst natural disasters. The immediate cause of their deaths was the violent volcanic eruption of Mount Pelé on the French colonial island of Martinique. The indirect cause of the catastrophe was a sordid record of human stupidity, greed, and political opportunism. The volcano first began misbehaving a full week before the final disaster with warnings of what was to come in various degrees including a gigantic rock-and-mud slide which killed several hundred people at a factory outside the town. But, with few exceptions, none of the persons in authority made any effort to evacuate the town which lay at the foot of the rumbling volcano.
A quote of Benjamin Franklin says, “You may delay but time will not.”
We can see many examples of disasters of our day, such as the fires in California, Hawaii, and Italy, where people could smell the smoke, see the flames, feel the heat yet they fail to take action until, for some, it was too late.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.”
Yes, Opportunities come to all, procrastination is the greatest danger to opportunity, and finally, opportunity seldom comes at convenient seasons.
Isaiah 55:6-9 “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Are you waiting for a convenient season? For the best time? Today is the day of Salvation. Mercy and grace are available. Mercy and truth have kiss each other and God is calling each of us into a right relationship with himself. How will you respond? How have you responded up to now? What will you do with this message? How many more calls will you receive? This is your convenient season and you should come to him today. Amen.
