May 8, 2006
Bible Study: Acts Chapter 24
Introduction:
Missed opportunities plague me. After the moment passes, I realize I shoulda, woulda, coulda, but didn’t offer encouragement, speak out about Jesus, or give a personal testimony. I wish I could retrieve the opportunity and plant a seed for Jesus. But as the old saying goes, “Opportunity knocks but once.”
How easy is it to give a good word about a store that offers outstanding bargains; or to give advice on disciplining someone else’s child; or to give a favorable or unfavorable review about a website we visited? I never seem to miss these opportunities to inform my listener about my opinion. Yet, the One who has given us the best bargain, has give the greatest discipline, and has written the most favorable of Books seems to elude my conversations.
When it comes to witnessing for Jesus, I have many regrets. However, I’m sure I have many opportunities in the future. The question is: will I be wise enough to recognize them and understanding enough to employ the knowledge I have in a gracious, loving manner.
Peter wrote, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (I Peter 3:15 KJV).
Core of the Lesson:
Paul taught through example. In the beginning of chapter 24, Luke demonstrates the difference between a worldly salutation and a Christian one. Hoping to gain favor, Tertullus addressed the governor, Felix, with much flattery. Tertullus’ greeting dripped with sweetness that would have made us desire a toothbrush to prevent cavities. Under these pretenses, he made his accusations against Paul. Tertullus seemed to disregard the importance of factual evidence and gave little regard for Felix’s intelligence.
Paul, on the other hand, paid due respect to Felix. Recognizing the importance of his position without unnecessary and unfelt compliments, Paul addressed Felix as an official who understood the Jewish customs. Paul’s straightforwardness gained him more favor with the governor than Tertullus’ craftiness. Paul simply presented the facts and challenged the opposition to prove their accusations.
Paul didn’t stop with the defense for himself. He continued utilizing the opportunity to witness for Jesus Christ. God provided an excellent opportunity for Paul to present the gospel not only to Felix, but to the Jewish leaders. Paul was ready to give an answer to every man that asked him or to every man that didn’t. He recognized opportunities as they arose. Paul transitioned into the gospel from his own defense. He surrendered his will completely to the Holy Spirit and allowed the Truth to pour from his lips. As our example, Paul demonstrated how the Lord uses our circumstances to accomplish His good purpose. Paul showed us how to be content with our position in life.
Although his accusers intended to silence Paul permanently, God intended for him to be His spokesman to the Roman officials. Paul was able to speak openly to governors and kings that he wouldn’t have been given an audience with in any other way.
God faithfully attended to Paul’s needs. Felix ordered the centurion to allow Paul to have liberty and not to forbid visitors to minister to Paul. When we are in God’s perfect will, we need not fret about our needs. He supplies everything for us freeing us to accomplish the work He has planned for us.
Verse 25 states, “And as he [Paul] reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for you.” People have not changed in 2000 years. When under conviction, our first reaction remains “go away, I’ll call you at a more convenient time.” Felix’s response to Paul’s testimony revealed his deep conviction on the matter. Paul didn’t take offense. Seeking to make an ally out of a lost sinner, he continued to share the truth at every opportunity. Paul explained to Felix that he was in need of righteousness and temperance, and that he, too, would face judgment. The reality of hell became real to Felix and caused him to tremble. As he did in previous presentations of the gospel, Paul used the Law to explain Felix’s need of salvation. Paul clearly taught that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Felix was no different. The only way any of us can escape hell is through salvation, which comes through repentance. To warn others of hell without revealing their transgression of God’s law presents an unjust God to unknowing people.
Conclusion and Challenge:
Pulling me over, the cop asked me if I knew what I had done wrong. Expressing my ignorance of any transgression of the law did not pardon me from the fine. The officer simply stated the offense – going through a red light (which was still yellow the last time I had looked up at it). I felt unjustly accused because I was unaware of the violation. It did me no good to argue about whether the light was yellow or red. The officer saw red. So did I, but not in the light. I felt unjustly condemned for a misdemeanor I didn’t commit. He told me that we are supposed to come to a stop when the light turns yellow, not step on the accelerator to beat the change. I stop at yellow lights now.
Like receiving a fine we feel we don’t deserve, we will feel unjustly condemned if no one explains to us God’s law and how we transgress it. If we neglect to mention hell, we preach an unbiblical account of the gospel. If we preach hell-fire without mentioning God’s Law and intended grace, we preach an unjust God.
God places us in situations to provide opportunities for us to witness about His plan of salvation. We can only take advantage of these opportunities when we are prepared to give a well-balanced testimony of the judgment to come, our transgression, and God’s mercy and His willingness to forgive. The blood of Jesus Christ paid our fine; but unless we confess our sins and ask for pardon, there is no salvation.
If we teach that all we have to do is believe in Jesus, we are guilty of teaching a half-truth. Belief in Jesus will not save sinners until they trust Him completely for their salvation. The difference in professing belief in someone or something and trusting is grave. I believe in the ski lifts in the Swiss Alps. I have seen pictures and movies of people riding to the heights of the mountains on these lifts. My husband has giving his personal testimony about his experience on them. I believe they are functional and serve a definite purpose to carry any would-be sightseer to the picturesque view at the top. However, I will never experience the delight of the view, because I know I cannot climb the mountain by my own physical strength. Moreover, I will never trust the ski lift to transport me to the resort. The difference between believing and trusting is evident. Trusting will enable us to utilize the “Ski-lift” to heaven.