To the Ends of the Earth, Part 36
Following Jesus requires a Choice to be Made
Acts 24:20-27
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”
-- Last week: Bro Will did an outstanding job proclaiming the truth Paul lived by
-- Using question from Dave Fuller, he posed: “If it were against the Law to be a Christian, and you were arrested, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
-- It is a question we must all ponder, as it could be seen by Paul’s arrest in Rome
- Today, I want us to explore the cost & results of a believer’s testimony
-- It is important that we understand this truth: we WILL pay a price for ours
-- Whether it is rebuke, acceptance, persecution, or reward - we will pay a price
- BIG: God is paying attention to how we live our lives, even today
-- This is why it’s critical to have a testimony and be prepared to share it
- Read Acts 22:20-27 / Pray
- How you live is the story that you tell the world about what Jesus means to you
-- It is critical to understand this, because Felix did not realize that …
Point 1 – Our compromise produces hesitancy
- Felix was a man who was more familiar with Christianity than others realized
-- He understand the things of following Christ, except for submitting to Jesus
- This is a strong reason why he continued to visit Paul – for more info (v22-23)
-- Perhaps he was looking for a loophole to know Jesus but avoid repentance?
- However, there is something he continues to fail at for 2+ years
-- He continues to fail at doing the right thing, which would be setting Paul free
- Why? Because he knew the message that Paul preached was true!
-- However, he was more concerned with his own position!
-- See: There are four very simple reasons why he acts this way …
1. Felix could not risk upsetting the Jews further
• If he let Paul go, they may report him to Caesar
• This could lead to his removal from office (and his own power he loved)
2. Nero had just assumed power in Rome (Emperor)
• Meant that Felix no longer had an “in” in the government in Rome
• Felix’s brother, Pallus, no longer had any influence in Roman power
• Pallus was tied closely to Claudius (secretary), now replaced by Nero
3. Felix lacked the moral strength to do the right thing
• Simply: (overshadows msg) He preferred compromise to integrity
• Knew if he postponed this decision (ex, waiting for Lysias) he could delay
• However, back in Ch 23 we saw that he already had the proof he needed!
• Ref Acts 23:25:30 – Lysias’ letter to him proving Paul did no wrong!
4. Summed up: Felix was a man bent on feeding his own greed
• He was hoping for a bribe from Paul to be released from prison
• He felt Paul might have influence to scrape up some funds for him
• Even placing him in house arrest (not in a dungeon) was for this purpose
• It gave Paul freedom to come and go – again, hoping for favor
- For us today: How many of us might have (or do) lack moral strength?
-- EX: Do we try to play both sides of the fence and not do the right thing?
-- Felix was a government leader who knew right from wrong, and still failed
- Do we do the same hoping to play to Christ and the world at same time?
-- Jesus taught on this in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
- TR: So if compromise produces hesitancy, then it must be said that …
Point 2 – Indecision leads us to becoming dormant
- SEE: Felix wanted to hear about Christ, but not about repentance (vv24-25)
-- Even though he left and came back, his indecision to commit was evidenced
-- APP: Sometimes you have to step away to determine what God wants you to do
-- And even though he didn’t know it – God was calling him to understand!
- As soon as he returned, he sent for Paul to talk to him again
-- Interesting, this time he had his wife with him to also be part of the convo
- BUT KNOW THIS: There are 2 parts to their motive:
• Yes, Felix and Drusilla wanted to learn about Christ
• But Felix was hoping Paul would bribe him to be released
- What Paul does, in turn, is share with them a three-fold encouragement
-- Want us to see how the fearless the approach Paul uses here for our education
- First, he explains to them that that faith in Christ concerns righteousness
• FACT: Felix and Drusilla have never received the righteousness of God
• They did not understand that righteousness can only come from God
• Philippians 1:11, “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.”
- Second, faith in Christ concerns temperance (Greek: egkrateias; self-control)
• They both lacked this – they proceed under their own desires vs. Christ
• Lived lives of pride and self-indulgence (ex: evidenced by their palace)
• Paul would later write in Romans 6:12, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.”
- Third, faith in Christ concerns a judgment to come (Greek: krima; judgment)
• If either knew about what was to come, they certainly did not act like it
• Romans 14:12, “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.”
- TASK: We must remember these three words – write them on your heart!
- Summary: Don’t miss: They acted like they never to answer for their decisions
-- This is why Felix was “frightened” & sent Paul away! (v25) He knew the truth!
-- Greek: emphobos; full of fear, terrified
- APP: Felix trembled under conviction (rightfully so)
-- And in that, he decided to not decide to receive Christ, sent Paul away
-- Why? He was more motivated by what he wanted vs. what God wanted for him!
- TR: So what does this example mean for you and me today? (Key) Only …
Point 3 – Choosing Jesus brings you everlasting life
- Need us to know this: Felix sold righteousness for greed (v26)
• He traded the righteousness he heard for a few coins in his pocket
• Note: Before we go hating on him, one of Jesus’ disciples did the same …
• However, Paul’s character never faltered here – he remained strong!
- His testimony is an indictment to any man/woman who chooses people pleasing
-- EX: Do we trade being liked for doing the right thing?
-- How about when that joke is told, or that off-color comment is made, or ….
-- Do we giggle even though we know that is NOT the proper response?
- See this: Felix sought to please (only) mankind
-- Whereas Paul sought only to do, show, the salvation offered by God
- Felix as motivated by trying not to offend the Jews (v27)
-- He feared his status being removed MORE than following God’s calling
-- This is a huge problem that we must settle once and for all
-- CH: Who’s applause do you want at the end of your life?
- FACT: God is NOT collecting the number of Facebook likes you get …
-- He is determining your life by your faithfulness & response to Christ
-- Personally, professionally, ministerially … what have you done with Him!?!
- Know this: Felix paid a dear price for his indecisiveness!
-- The world may never admit this, but God is still the one in charge
-- EX: Every leader is only in place because God allows it – or does not allow it!
-- We’ve just unpacked this a few weeks ago in Romans 13:1, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
- Felix was eventually removed from power and replaced by Festus (v27)
-- And all we are left with is to wonder what might have been had he received!
BIG IDEA
- Recognize this: You and I have the same decision before us right now!
-- We are called to know who Jesus is and to submit to Him
-- Dig Deeper: Are we following Christ because of who He is or what we can get?
-- He is not our fire insurance, a safety net, or even our plan B when life fails
- He is the Sovereign Lord with authority to judge the living and the dead
-- He is the Great Physician with power over death, hell and the grave
-- He is the almighty Alpha and Omega, ruling over all things in this universe
-- He is the reason that Paul so clearly testified without fear of arrest / prison
- He is even calling out to you to receive what He offers (freedom, grace) WHY?
-- B/C He is coming again with authority and power to redeem those who are His
-- WHY? To judge those who have rejected His salvation by not repenting
-- This is why Paul is so clear in his testimony, and in saying what this is about
- Truly, we must see ourselves in Felix’s place and ask: Who are we following?
-- What is it that we call Lord in this world and why does it mean more than Him?
- Jesus has everything that Felix, or you, would ever need … will you reject Him?
- Pray
