Roman Governor Who Rejected Jesus Because Of Inconvenience Series

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