Introduction:
How many of us have
been guilty of putting something off? While some tasks we put off
are unimportant, others are of much greater consequence. Such is
the decision to become a Christian. Listen to the following story.
“The story is told that Satan once held a conference
with his demons. He announced his concern about the number becoming
Christians and asked if any had a suggestion on how they might slow
the trend. One demon said, “We could tell people there is no
heaven, so there is no need for them to become Christians.” “No,
that won’t work,” said Satan. “All who believe in God know there is
something beyond this life – an existence with God Himself.”
Another demon spoke up: “We could tell people there is no hell, so
they have nothing to worry about if they don’t become Christians.”
Satan sighed. “That won’t work either. Anyone who looks at the
injustice in the world knows that there has to be a time when
everything is made right.” Finally, one demon suggested, “We could
tell people that they should become Christians, that there is a
heaven and a hell – but that there is no hurry.” Satan laughed and
said, “Perfect! That will cause more to be lost than any other
message we cold preach!” The story is fiction, but the message is
not: The idea that “there is no hurry” has sent millions to face
God unprepared. Source Unknown
We will learn from
today’s lesson that waiting can be very dangerous.
Text:
Acts 24:22-27
Body:
I.
The Audience
Acts 24:22-24
“But when
Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way,
he adjourned the proceedings and said, ‘When Lysias the commander
comes down, I will make a decision on you case.’ 23 So he commanded
the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him
not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. 24
And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was
Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in
Christ.” NKJV
Felix was born a slave
in the household of Antonia, the mother of Claudius, who would one
day become the Roman emperor. Felix became a favorite of Claudius
and was later appointed governor of Judea. He was a cruel and
corrupt ruler who allowed lust to control him. Drusilla
was Felix’s third wife. She was already married when Felix lured
her away from her husband at about the age of sixteen. She was a
member of the infamous Herod family. Her father, Herod Agrippa I
had murdered the apostle James. Her great-uncle Herod Antipas had
killed John the Baptist. Her great-grandfather Herod the Great had
killed the babies of Bethlehem in a futile attempt to kill the baby
Jesus. She was Jewish on her mother’s side. She was a woman of
great beauty outwardly, but lacked beauty inwardly. Felix and
Drusilla arrived in Caesarea, where Paul had been sent, and desired
to have an interview with Paul. It appears that they both wanted to
learn more about “the faith.” Paul had apparently made an
impression on Felix at the trial.
Acts 24:22-23
II.
The Message
Acts 24:25
“Now as he
reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to
come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a
convenient time I will call for you.’ ” NKJV
Many men in Paul’s situation might have tried to win
their approval or applause. Maybe he could have talked about his
many travels over the country, people that he had met, or wonders he
had seen. Possibly he could have pleaded with them to have him
released or noted his terrible condition while chained, . . . Not
Paul, he “reasoned” with them concerning the most important thing in
the world, the destiny of their souls. No doubt Paul talked of the
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus and of salvation in Him.
(Acts 4:12)
“Nor is there
salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven
given among men by which we must be saved.” NKJV
Paul knew the importance of persuading men to
become a Christian. (II
Corinthians 5:11a)
“Knowing therefore,
the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” NKJV
Paul couldn’t just leave Felix and Drusilla alone; he “had” to say
something. Paul’s message went beyond the “basics” of the faith.
A belief in Jesus brings with it demand and sacrifices.
A.
Righteousness
Felix and Drusilla were known for corruption and injustice.
Several aspects:
1.
Right doing (Psalm
119:172b)
“For all your
commandments are righteousness.”
(I John 3:7b)
“He who
practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” NKJV
This would include being fair, honest, and just in dealings with
others. This was unfamiliar territory for these two.
2.
The righteousness God desires is
that found in Christ, based upon “the faith.” (Philippians
3:9)
“and be found in Him,
not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that
which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from
God by faith;” NKJV These two
needed to be convinced that they were sinners and lost! This needed
to be a very personal message.
B.
Self-control
Felix and Drusilla were people who followed and
fulfilled their lustful desires. It was necessary for them to hear
that self-control was essential. Self-discipline and inner strength
are needed to master one’s desires. (Galatians
5:24)
“And those who are
Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
NKJV Self-control is both a fruit
of the Spirit and one of Christian graces. Felix and Drusilla
needed to exercise restraint in their conduct, their sexual lives in
particular. Recall that they had no right to be married to
one another in the first place. John the Baptist preached a similar
message to Drusilla’s great uncle and it cost him his life. This
was a message they desperately needed to hear. Paul did not
hesitate, either. Sin must be preached against regardless of where
or in whom it lives!
C.
Judgment to Come
While Paul stood before Felix and Drusilla now, one day they would
both have to stand before Christ and give an account of how they had
lived their lives. (II
Corinthians 5:10)
“For we must all
appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive
the thing done in the body, according to what he has done, whether
good or bad.” NKJV He most surely
pointed out the future of those who sin willfully. (Hebrews
10:26-27, 31) “For if we sin willfully after we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for
sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery
indignation which will devour the adversaries. 31 It is a fearful
thing, to fall into the hands of the living God.” NKJV
III.
The Response
Acts 24:25b-26
“Felix was
afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time
I will call for you.’ Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be
given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for
him more often and conversed with him.” NKJV
Paul’s message terrified Felix. Apparently Drusilla
was not affected at all. His conscience was pricked at least
a little. He glimpsed his future and was scared, petrified! Felix
believed enough to be afraid, but not enough to obey the gospel
message. His fear wasn’t powerful enough to cause him to repent, to
change his ways and turn to God. (James
2:19b)
“Even the demons
believe – and tremble!” NKJV
Convenient
– It was thought that “later” would be a better time. But for
Felix, the opportunity was gone. Even though he talked with Paul
many times later, it wasn’t for spiritual reasons. His heart had
become hardened.
Acts 24:27
“But after two
years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the
Jews a favor, left Paul bound.” NKJV
Invitation:
In many ways, all
of us are on trial today. Whether or not you are allowed entrance
into heaven depends upon your response to the gospel message.
Will you:
1.
Refuse to obey
2.
Put it off and wait for another
opportunity
3.
Obey it by believing, repenting,
confessing, and being baptized Remember that “one day will be
your last day to obey the gospel.” This may be that day!
Bobby Stafford
November 6, 2016
Acts: Lesson 51
Acts 24: 22-27
