Almost

Acts 26:19–29 NIV84

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26:28 (NKJV)

28Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Introduction

Today, we're examining the theme of 'Almost', with our main scripture taken from Acts 26:28. This scripture records an encounter between Paul and King Agrippa, where the king admits that Paul's testimony almost persuaded him to embrace the gospel.

1. Almost Persuaded

1.1. You can’t almost repent

Luke 13:3 “3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Agrippa's response to Paul's testimony is a tragic case of being almost persuaded,

This serves as a warning to us about the dangers of indecision and half-heartedness in our faith

1.2. You can’t almost follow Christ

John 1:12 “12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—”

This scripture emphasizes the importance of complete surrender and commitment to Christ

1.3. Belief alone is not enough—Action required

James 2:19 “19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

Belief alone is not enough without corresponding actions of commitment

We must not only believe but also act on our faith

2. Almost Committed

2.1. Put a ring on it

Luke 9:57–62 “57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”” :

Here, we read about Jesus' encounters with three potential disciples who are almost committed; however, each one has an excuse that prevents them from full commitment

This scripture teaches us about the cost of discipleship and the need for total commitment

2.2. Don’t let your possessions possess you

Matthew 19:21–22 “21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

The rich young ruler is an example of someone who was almost committed, but his wealth was too important to him

This scripture warns us against the dangers of materialism and the need to prioritize God above all else

2.3. Live by principle not by preference

Hebrews 10:38-39: As believers, we are not those who shrink back but those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

Principles are rooted in personal doctrine or institutional values, and are a specific basis for conduct or management

Preferences are simply a matter of who controls non-essentials, and are driven by experience and familiarity.

3. Almost Transformed

3.1. Transformed by the renewing of your mind

Romans 12:2: We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not almost transformed. This scripture underscores the importance of continual growth and transformation in our Christian journey.

3.2. Become a doer of the Word

James 1:22 “22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

As believers, we are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory

This transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong process

3.3. Change your environment to be transformed

Ephesians 4:22–24 “22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We are called to put off our old self and put on the new, not to almost do so

This scripture speaks about the necessity of change in our lives as we grow in Christ

4. Almost Faithful

4.1. We are called to beFaithful unto death

Matthew 24:13 “13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Revelation 2:10 “10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

We are called to be faithful until death, not almost faithful

This scripture calls us to a life of unwavering faithfulness, regardless of the circumstances we face

4.2. Continue to do good

Galatians 6:9 “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Proper time is coming

Matthew 25:21 “21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

The faithful servant is the one who is faithful in small things, not almost faithful

Luke 16:10 “10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

This scripture emphasizes the value of faithfulness in little things as it leads to greater responsibilities

Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with little will also be dishonest with much

This scripture warns us against neglecting small responsibilities in anticipation of bigger ones

4.3. Give yourself fully to God

1 Corinthians 15:58 “58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

1 Samuel 15:22 “22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

Let’s not be “almost” obedient

Let’s not be “almost” surrendered

Let’s not be “almost” persuaded

Let’s not be “almost” committed

Let’s not be “almost” transformed

Let’s not be “almost” faithful

Today, Let us give ourselves to the Lord

Let us obey fully

Let us surrender fully

Let us be completely persuaded

Let us be fully committed

Let us be completely faithful

God will continue to be God

Conclusion

In conclusion, the theme of 'Almost' serves as a reminder that being 'almost' is not enough in our walk with Christ. We are called to complete commitment, transformation, and faithfulness. Let us strive not to be 'almost' but to be fully persuaded, committed, transformed, and faithful.