04-17-12 "Self Control" Acts 24:10-26

2 Timothy 1:7

 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

The passage I read was Acts 24:10-26

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2024:10-26&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

As I reflect:

During my reflection my focus seemed to be on Felix and the last few verses of the passage.  When Paul shared the Gospel message with Felix, it caused fear.  This is a correct response for those who have no intention of serving the King of Kings.  Deep within their hearts they may already know that if you are not for Him, you surely must be against Him and this is reason for great fear.  Felix, after hearing the gospel then does what many still do today.  He rejects Jesus passively.  I reflected on the many acquaintances and strangers that I have conversed with on the Gospel.  I see many of them reacting in the same way.  When the message comes to a close and it’s time to make a decision, often I have heard the excuse, “just let me think about this”, or, “I am undecided but will probably follow Him later in life.”, or (and this one is classic), “I just want to have fun right now”.  None of these people believe that they are rejecting Christ.  They all believe they can put Him on a shelf and possibly make a decision at another time.  However I believe3 the message is clear that not making a decision for Him when the evidence is presented is the same as making a decision against Him.  There are no undecided in Heaven.  There will be many undecided in Hell.

Another thing I noticed about Paul was that he didn’t appear to water down the gospel or in any way fail to present all of the facts.  He presented truth and he did so in a bold and Holy Spirit filled manner.  I compare this to my own life and find that I am many times left wanting.  I have nowhere near the same courage though I have been told by God that this same Spirit resides in me.  Why do we as Christians so often fear offending another person with the very truth that could cause them to run to salvation?  I think for me, the answer is forgetfulness.  When I spend time reflecting and meditating on the word, I feel like I am ready to face any storm, any trial, any question that one would bring against me.  But when I get distracted by my routines and responsibilities in the day, I find that I seem much less prepared and have less courage when questions are presented and an opportunity to witness is present.  May we all be more like Paul in his boldness to state the truth even in times of struggle. 

Lastly I noticed the greed in Felix.  A man who has just been given the Gospel truth boldly by another who is most certainly obviously willing to die for the truth; you wouldn’t think that Felix would still believe it was possible to get a bribe from Paul.  How blind and foolish must one be to hear what was presented and still think that corruption was present in such a man.  I see this too in those whom I witness to.  It is odd to think that you can present the Gospel to someone and tell them that all have sinned and require salvation and then have that same person invite you to sin… I believe the greed and all the sin that covers the hearts of the unsaved has caused them to be blind to the power of God presented in Scripture and the life changing truths that the Gospel presents.  How I was ever saved is a mystery other than that God chose me and changed me.  I surely would have been as blind as those who now seem so oblivious to the truth presented. 

My response:

Jahovah-Hoshe’ah, My Lord who has saved me, I thank you for softening my heart.  Thank you for breaking the stone away and rebuilding me from the inside.  I was as blind as Felix at one time in my life.  Thank you for eyes to see and ears to hear.  You be glorified eternally my King.  I pray now as I have before that you will fill me with boldness and courage to deliver your message even in the face of adversity.  When my heart beats too fast and panic begins to rage in me, still my pulse and give me peace to speak.  When I open my mouth Father, let your Spirit go forth and touch those who stand before me.  Let me not be timid or weak except that in my weakness I rely upon your strength.  Thank you that you hear and answer.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.