Self-Defense (part 2)
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Introduction
Introduction
Why are we talking about self-defense? Because we have an enemy.
Our enemy uses varied tactics.
Several weeks ago I mentioned that we had experienced a really tough week. Let me just tell you about the day that topped that week off.
Jess had gone in to the dentist and was supposed to be home before I needed to leave to get the kids.
When the child of God lives out the will of God as revealed in the Word of God, our enemy brings active opposition.
But everything kept going wrong at the dentists office.
The water to cool the drill bit ran out.
The temporary crown they made got dropped and broke. The appointment turned into a three hour ordeal.
We have to call the school and tell them we will be late.
They have a lady who does a day care after school so it wasn’t a big deal, we would just be charged a little bit for her watching them.
When I arrive at school, an hour late, I find out that the day care lady hadn’t come in that day. So a teacher had stayed late to watch them.
Feeling bad about her having to give up an hour of her day, I get the kids and head out to the van.
As we walk toward the van I see that it has an almost flat tire.
We drive to a nearby gas station.
As I drag the hose around the side of the van to air it up I see the screw in the tire.
We drive over to Les Schwab.
The screw was too close to the sidewall to be repaired. The tire had to be replaced.
As we are waiting for the tire to be replaced, one of my children has a bathroom accident.
Now you might look at all that and think, “that’s not Satan.” At least one thing like that had taken place every single day that week.
I don’t believe in coincidence. I don’t believe that so many difficult and frustrating things can happen in a week without it being intentional opposition.
After that rough week we needed an uplift. We came to church, we fellowshipped with the people of God, and we left encouraged! We left empowered to face another week, come what may!
When faced with the attacks of our enemy, we need the fellowship and community of our local body of Christ!
Because, as we saw last week…
When the child of God lives out the will of God as revealed in the Word of God, our enemy brings active opposition.
King David experienced this opposition. Turn to (p. 668).
(p. 668)
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
David was discouraged and frustrated. Until he went into the sanctuary of God!
It is when we assemble with the saints of God in worship of our Savior that clarity comes!
We are going to learn once again about self-defense today. But there is an element of self-defence I want to emphasize.
As soldiers of Christ, we do not fight alone.
This is how we are to fight (S).
While it is true that satan is coming against us with all he has (S).
It is also true that we have other armored soldiers fighting beside us (S)!
Me putting on my armor and fighting against the enemy is not just about my safety. It is about the protection of my brothers and sisters in Christ!
We have an enemy! Our adversary is out to devour us.
Throughout the years that Christianity has existed it has been noted by commentators that the majority of our armor is defensive, not offensive.
Our armor is defensive because we have an enemy constantly attacking us.
Satan is not occasionally flicking half hearted darts against us! On a daily basis he is sending specific targeted attacks!
Consider (S).
This is such a powerful passage.
We need to be on our guard, diligently watching because we have an adversary!
Our adversary is out to devour us.
Make no mistake! Our adversary is out to devour us.
The enemy of our souls diligently seeks our destruction.
He rages and attacks, we stand firm in our faith. We stand firm, knowing and believing that God can and will sustain us!
Peter commands us to resist the devil.
We do not flee from our enemy. We stand against him (S).
He rages and attacks, we stand firm in our faith. We stand firm, knowing and believing that God can and will sustain us!
Our enemy is crafty. He disguises himself as an angel of light. He does not always attack directly. He often uses others to attack for him.
Our enemy is crafty. He disguises himself as an angel of light. He does not always attack directly. He often uses others to attack for him.
That is what we will once again be considering today.
When we are attacked, we are to stand against the devil. We are to exercise self-defence.
This passage reveals 3 requirements of Biblical self-defense.
Today we will begin a study of his second encounter with the Spiritual leaders of Israel.
This passage reveals 3 requirements of Biblical self-defense.
Last week we looked at 1 1/2. Today we will finish it.
Learning these requirements will better equip us to face persecution.
Growth and opportunities are found in the midst of persecution.
Requirement #1…
1. Self-Defense Requires Accusation vv. 1-9
1. Self-Defense Requires Accusation vv. 1-9
For Paul to defend himself, there must first be an accusation.
In this ongoing story of how Paul gets to Rome, we have been examining an attack through the spiritual leaders in Jerusalem.
In this portion of the story we find them making accusations against Paul.
We talked last week about him facing his accusers and hearing the accusation.
Later in the story we will find Paul defending himself.
For Paul to defend himself, there must first be an accusation.
Requirement #2…
Therefore, if we are going to defend ourselves we must accomplish two goals. Goal #1…
a. Disclose the accuser vv. 1-4
a. Disclose the accuser vv. 1-4
We need to know who is accusing us. Paul has had several different accusers throughout the course of the this arrest. Now we find out which of them are willing to come before the governor and bring their accusations against Paul.
READ v. 1
Paul is in the house of Felix for 5 days when the leaders from Jerusalem arrive.
With them is Tertullus a lawyer trained in rhetoric and speech.
The high priest, elders, and this man accuse Paul before the governor.
In order for us to have opportunities to defend ourselves, this is what has to happen. There must be accusers.
From this verse we learn a valuable lesson.
Our enemy is organized and prepared.
He has the leaders and Tertullus all ready.
This is why we are told to put on the armor of God. We need to be prepared!
This is why we are told to gather together more often as the return of Christ draws near. We need to be organized!
Without proper preparation and organization we have no hope of standing against our enemy.
Turn to (p. 1306).
We are in a battle! Wake up!
Cast off those works of darkness. Put on your armor!
Walk as you have been called. Put on Christ.
We have an enemy. He is coming at us with everything he has (S)!
Be prepared.
READ vv. 2-3
Tertullus begins with flattery.
He credits the planning ability of Felix for their peace and prosperity.
The idea of this word “prosperity” is that Felix has made reforms that have improved life for everyone.
Last week we mentioned that history reveals Felix as a terrible governor.
Craig Keener writes “Although flattery was sometimes true, this example is blatantly false: revolutionaries had escalated under Felix’s corrupt and repressive administration, bringing neither peace nor reforms.”[1]
The bottom line is that the religious leaders of Jerusalem have brought a trained speaker to come and lie so they can get their way.
Beloved. This is the kind of opposition we will face. This is the kind of opposition believers have faced since Christ walked this earth!
Our enemy is the father of lies! He has lied since the beginning!
We need to be prepared for that kind of an attack.
The gist of verse 3 is “Oh Felix, you are so wonderful. Thank you!”
Tertullus is laying it on thick.
v. 4
This expression “not to be tedious” was a oratorical way of saying “I could go on extolling your virtues, but I will stop here.”
Wow. Yuck.
The interesting thing here is that speaking to Felix about Paul is the whole point of this meeting!
This shows how ridiculous we can get when we depart from the truth.
So here are Paul’s accusers.
The high priest, some of the elders, and Tertullus.
Paul needs to face them.
Defense is impossible until we have faced our accusers.
When facing accusers we must be prepared .
Prepare for lies and flattery.
Prepare for underhanded tactics.
Prepare because the enemy of our soul wants to devour us and he will use any tactic necessary to achieve that goal!
If we are going to defend ourselves we must disclose the accusers. Goal #2…
b. Discover the accusation vv. 5-9
b. Discover the accusation vv. 5-9
It is impossible to offer a defense if we do not know what the accusation is.
v. 5
They refer to Paul as a disease. That’s the idea of this word “plague.”
They refer to him as someone who intentionally brings division and unrest.
And as a leader in “the sect of the Nazarenes.”
At least they get one thing right!
It’s always nice when our accusers get something right. :)
This is another occasion where the impact of Christianity is revealed by those who oppose it.
Paul is accused of impacting the Jews through the world!
I picture Paul going yes! (S).
His ministry is having an impact!
However, there accusation is light on truth and heavy on invention.
READ v. 6
They make this sound like a premeditated attempt. As if Paul went to Jerusalem specifically planning and intending to defile the temple.
Let’s go back for a minute and see what really happened.
They did seize him, but they were not seeking to judge him by their law. They were trying to kill him right then and there!
This is a blatant lie! And it gets worse!
READ v. 7
There is a little bit of truth here. Lysias did take Paul away from them by force. However, Tertullus leaves off the reason for the forced removal.
Commander Lysias saw that the city was in an uproar and that Paul was in danger of being killed!
He felt that he had no option but to remove Paul from the situation.
It is possible that Tertullus is referencing the removal of Paul from the council meeting. However, that too was caused by the violence of the people towards Paul. .
What we see here is the typical mix of truth an error.
This is where discernment is needed.
Just a little bit of a plug, we are learning about Biblical discernment in Sunday School.
READ v. 8
The arrogance! The confidence.
Tertullus is lying and doesn't expect to face any consequences for the lie!
You would think that previous experience would inform what is taking place.
So far their attacks against Christianity in general and Paul in particular have not gone well for this group.
From the statement about Paul’s ministry reach in v. 5, it seems that the stories are starting to get around.
The miraculous release of the apostles in ch. 5, Paul’s conversion in ch. 9, Peter’s miraculous release in ch. 12, Paul’s survival of stoning in ch. 14, and Paul and Silas’ miraculous release in ch. 16. If I were these men, I would be nervous!
So far arresting and putting followers of the Nazarene on trial has not gone well! Yet still they persist.
Why?
(S).
Satan has blinded their minds!
READ v. 9
It isn’t just Tertullus who perjures himself.
The high priest and leaders of Israel all agree that these things are true.
As we have already seen, they are not.
These supposed men of faith are willing to lie just to silence Paul.
This is what all of us are up against.
When hearing an accusation, be discerning .
This is where we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him.
Why? Because He is the source of understanding. Our response will depend on His direction and on our understanding of the accusation.
The general rule from Acts seems to be that if offering a defense gives an opportunity to proclaim Christ, do it.
We will see Paul give his defense in the next few verses.
That is our first requirement of self-defense. Accusation. Before we can defend ourselves we must first be accused. Requirement #2…
2. Self-Defense Requires Accuracy v. 10-21
2. Self-Defense Requires Accuracy v. 10-21
To defend ourselves against accusations we must accurately report what took place.
This means that our most powerful weapon against him is the truth.
In one of the 7 “I Am” statements of John, Jesus calls Himself the way, the truth, and the life.
To defend ourselves against accusations we must accurately report what took place.
This passage reveals two truths about accuracy.
Truth #1…
a. Accuracy does not compromise vv. 10-16
a. Accuracy does not compromise vv. 10-16
That is our first truth. We must pursue accuracy, and that means we cannot compromise.
Compromise is never the answer.
We must speak with clarity, passion, and boldness.
READ v. 10
“Answer” means defense. Paul is offering his defense.
Acting in a manner completely opposite of his accusers, Paul speaks only the truth about Felix.
Paul does not offer flattery.
Felix has served as governor for many years. This means he would be very familiar with the Jews, their customs, and their quarrels.
This is what leads to Paul’s next statements.
But first, this is how we need to speak. Like Jesus, Paul is very intentional in what he says.
Paul speaks only the truth.
READ v. 11
Paul had only been in Jerusalem a short time. How could he be such a troublemaker in only 12 days?
Furthermore, his purpose in coming to Jerusalem was not to profane the temple as Tertullus accused.
Paul came to Jerusalem to worship!
Paul is accurately and clearly presenting the facts of the case.
He is only able to do this because he faced his accusers and heard their accusation.
Paul remembered their points and is now refuting them.
As we just saw, this requires preparation and discernment.
READ v. 12
Though they have accused Paul of serious crimes, he maintains his innocence.
They did not find him doing any of the things they claimed.
What is interesting is that Paul’s normal approach to a city was to enter the synagogue and dispute. Look at .
This was his custom. To enter the synagogue, and begin disputing with the leaders to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
We have seen Paul do this in Athens (17:17); Corinth (18:4); and Ephesus (18:19; 19:8-9).
Paul is not saying that he has never done this. His statement concerns only that they did not arrest him while doing any of the things they are accusing him of.
Essentially, there are no charges that can be brought against him. That is where Paul goes next.
READ v. 13
They have no evidence!
In a court of law, their case should be thrown out because it doesn’t really exist. There is no case!
This is something Jesus mentioned in the sermon on the mount. (S).
Jesus declares that there is a special blessing for those who suffer in this way.
Our responsibility is to be sure that the reviling, persecuting, and evil speaking are false.
We are to live in such a way that accusations don’t stick.
READ v. 14
Confess – ὁμολογέω (homologeō) confess; acknowledge. to admit v. — to declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of.
Paul is making a declaration of faith.
If we are to defend ourselves, we must have accurate doctrine. We must also be willing and able to proclaim our faith publicly.
Paul talks about this with Timothy in (S).
Are we willing to make this kind of confession?
Will we stand before a group of our peers, and proclaim that Jesus is the Christ?
“The way” refers to the whole Christian system and manner of salvation.
Though they refer to Christianity as a sect, Paul claims that it holds to everything written in the law and prophets.
Christianity is not a new faith. Christianity is an outflow of Judaism. It is Judaism fulfilled.
Do we know who we worship? Do we know the historic connections of our faith?
Paul did, and he was unashamed to declare the truth of his faith.
We must know what we believe and be able to state it with clarity and passion.
READ v. 15
Here Paul gets a little deeper into doctrine.
“Hope” is a confident expectation of a future event.
What is Paul’s confident expectation?
The resurrection of the dead.
Notice how specific Paul is. He believes that there will be a resurrection of all dead. The just and the unjust.
The just are those who have been declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. The unjust are those who have rejected Christ and therefore remain in their sin.
How do we know this?
The word “just” refers to those who are righteous.
tells us (S).
Furthermore, declares (S).
None of us are righteous and there is nothing we can do to become righteous.
(S).
Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation receive the righteousness of Christ!
That is what makes us just.
Therefore, when a believer is raised and evaluated, we enter heaven.
Those who have not placed their faith in Christ are not given His righteousness and are therefore unjust.
reveals their future (S).
Those who do not believe spend an eternity in hell separated from God in conscious torment.
Paul is referencing that future time when all men will be raised and judged.
Those who have placed their faith in Christ will enter heaven. Those who have rejected Christ will be cast into the lake of fire.
This is spoken of in the parable of the wheat and tares, the sheep and the goats, as well as the book of Revelation.
We have this same hope!
We have the confident expectation of eternal life with Jesus Christ.
This hope is only the possession of those who have placed their faith in Jesus for salvation.
If you have never done that, please do so today.
Paul does not compromise his doctrine to appease the Jewish leaders. He states the truth of his doctrine with clarity and boldness.
He follows this up with a personal declaration.
READ v. 16
Paul gives strenuous effort to be blameless.
The idea here is not that Paul thinks he can be perfect. Paul makes sure that anything between him and others is dealt with as soon as possible.
This is to be true of us as well. We are to be uncompromising in our doctrine as Paul is here. At the same time we are to maintain good relationships with those around us.
At the very beginning today we looked at . Turn there with me as we wrap things up. (p. 1306).
In those verses we are commanded to put off the deeds of darkness and to put on the armor of light.
We are commanded to walk properly, not in sinful activity. We are told to put on Christ and make no provision for the flesh.
That is what Paul does here.
Paul’s ability to answer these accusations, to defend himself, are tied to the purity of his life!
Paul has a clear conscience.
Do you and I?
In self-defense, compromise ensures defeat .
We dare not compromise.
That is our first truth. We must pursue accuracy, and that means we cannot compromise.
Truth #2…
We have an enemy.
Our enemy is like a roaring lion stalking its prey.
The enemy’s goal is our absolute destruction.
We must stand firm. (S)
To stand firm we need to practice self-defense.
This means we face our accusers and hear the accusation.
This also means we are accurate and uncompromising.
Every single one of us will be attacked.
It is imperative that we know how to practice self-defense.
The bottom line is that we must depend on the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves to His direction.
Be ready to confront accusations and accusers.
Be ready to defend accurately and without compromise.
As we do battle this week, put on your armor and stand firm.
“Wings As Eagles”
b. Accuracy does not conceal vv. 17-21
b. Accuracy does not conceal vv. 17-21
READ v. 17
If Paul came to Jerusalem to bring alms and offerings, what is the likelihood that he also came to defile the temple?
Truth #3…
The more Paul speaks the truth, the more the lies of his accusers are exposed.
This is something we would all do well to remember.
Truth exposes lies.
Speak the truth and it will dominate in the end.
Remember, this statement was made immediately following Paul’s declaration of a clear conscience.
Only someone with a clear conscience can make acceptable offerings to the Lord.
This goes all the way back to Cain and Able. If your heart is not right, your sacrifice is not accepted (Gen. 4:7).
We have noted this previously but it shows up here yet again.
Why was Paul in Jerusalem? God had called Him there. Why was he in the temple? Because they elders sent him there. Paul is walking in obedience the Lord. That obedience has led to the situation he is now in. Paul was in the act of sacrificial giving when all this took place!
This causes us to remember something vital for navigating the Christian life.
Walking in God’s Will does not mean the absence of conflict. It means God will be present in the trial.
READ v. 18
While bringing his tithes and offerings to the Lord Paul is found in the temple, purified.
This counters the charge that he was attempting to defile the temple.
The exact opposite was true.
When they found Paul, he was ritually pure.
Furthermore, they did not find him stirring up the people as they have claimed!
There was no mob and there was no uproar until they arrived!
The tumult was caused by these leaders and their followers, not by Paul.
This is what we face. False accusations, lies, and persecution.
What is to be our response? When we face these things, what do we do?
Turn to (p. 1116).
(p. 1116)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
We are called to be perfect as God is perfect. This means we are to love our enemies. We are to bless them, do good to them, and pray for them.
READ v. 19
“They” here refers back to the Jews who discovered Paul in the temple, described in v. 18.
Paul’s point here is well made. If they had an accusation to bring against Paul, the Jews who discovered him in the temple should be the ones bringing it.
The fact that they are not present is an indication that the charge of defiling the temple is bogus.
This is another indication of how important hearing the accusation is.
Paul heard what they accused him of and he is now responding.
As we have mentioned before, he is answering their accusations as they were presented.
READ v. 20
While many accusations have been made against Paul, they have been fairly general and have been unsubstantiated.
Paul invites his accusers to declare what wrongdoing was discovered when he was examined by the Sanhedrin.
There was none!
Look back at vv. 12-13. They didn’t find him doing anything wrong! They have no evidence to back up their accusations!
No wrongdoing was discovered when Paul stood before the council.
However, Paul, in the interest of transparency, states that there is one thing they could possibly fault him for.
READ v. 21
Why mention this? Because, while technically true, it could be viewed by some to be a dishonest tactic by Paul.
Paul is being very open and honest here.
He is defending himself with truth. In his quest for accuracy Paul does not conceal anything.
To defend ourselves well, we must speak the truth, the whole truth, even when it might be inconvenient and potentially damaging.
Partial truth is a hole in our defense.
Imagine holding a shield with a hole in the middle. Where do you think the enemy will attack?
Paul is eliminating the hole here.
When we speak the whole truth with nothing concealed, the enemy finds no weakness to exploit.
Self-defense requires accusation. It requires accuracy.
Requirement #3…
3. Self-Defense Requires Action vv. 22-27
3. Self-Defense Requires Action vv. 22-27
This week I looked at several lists detailing “rules” of self-defense.
When you take them all together, the bottom line is that we must take action.
All the classes, confidence, and ability in the world are useless if we do not do something!
The same is true in the Christian life. However spiritual action looks far different than physical action.
Paul takes three actions in the final verses.
Paul takes three actions.
To defend ourselves when facing accusation we must take three actions.
Action #1…
a. Receive God’s will vv. 22-23
a. Receive God’s will vv. 22-23
READ v. 22
This is fascinating. It seems like Felix is motivated in part by his knowledge of Christianity.
The verse states that his knowledge is more accurate. This is a comparative adverb.
This begs the question. What is the knowledge of Felix being compared to? The context seems to suggest that he has a better knowledge of Christianity than those who are accusing Paul!
What a coincidence, right? Paul just happens to be brought before a governor who knows about “the way.”
Because of this knowledge, he postpones the judgment.
What does this imply?
While he is unwilling to just release Paul, possibly due to fear, he is unwilling to see him unjustly condemned either.
His solution is to use Lysias coming and giving testimony as an excuse to postpone judgment.
What is God doing here?
Remember, the goal here is not for Paul to be released or to be found innocent. The goal is for him to get to Rome. That outcome still has yet to be assured.
This reminds us of an important reality. God sees the big picture. He has a master plan.
We see only the small part of the plan that deals with us and our circumstances. Faith knows that it is the big plan that matters most.
This persecution of Paul, this trial he is enduring, has a larger purpose. That purpose is the spreading of the gospel.
This is what we must believe in trial and difficulty. What we endure has a larger purpose.
READ v. 23
v. 23 – He gives Paul a lot of liberty, allowing his friends to come and minister to him.
This word “keep” has more the idea of “look after” or “observe.”
Felix isn’t assigning Paul a guard so much as giving him a caretaker.
I love this. He takes care of Paul and gives him a lot of liberty, allowing his friends to come and minister to him.
The centurion is explicitly commanded not to prevent or hinder people from ministering to Paul.
Now we see the role the body of Christ plays in all of this.
He gives Paul a lot of liberty, allowing his friends to come and minister to him.
We began this morning by noting the importance of having soldiers to stand with you (S).
Paul has people coming to provide for him and visit him.
This is how he is able to endure!
Strength to stand firm, strength to resist the devil, comes in community!
We don’t stand alone! We stand together.
This provision of God is incredible.
Paul is cared for and ministered to at the direction of a corrupt governor.
This is a God thing.
Receiving God’s will means we serve where we are placed.
God is in control, He has us where He wants us. Trust Him and serve where you are.
Action #1. Receive God’s will.
Action #2…
b. Reveal God’s will vv. 24-25
b. Reveal God’s will vv. 24-25
READ v. 24
Dwell with me for a moment on how incredible this is.
Felix brings his Jewish wife Drusilla with him specifically to hear Paul.
He has Paul brought to him so he can hear about faith in Christ!
Opportunities like this do not come by accident!
This is the will of God!
This is why Paul is in this situation!
He is here to proclaim Christ!
This is the God we serve. He provides these opportunities.
We have to be ready to take advantage of them.
Are we?
If we were summoned by a leader to come to them and proclaim the truth about faith in Christ, would we know what to say?
This is a big deal! This is why we are here! God has entrusted to us the message of salvation. Do we know it? Can we share it?
What is it? GOSPEL - , ; ; ; .
Paul is sharing this with Felix and Drusilla.
He is taking full advantage of the opportunity God has given.
READ v. 25
Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue. to discourse v. — to consider or examine a topic in speech with others.
Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai)
Paul is having a conversation, a discussion with Felix.
In this discussion he is addressing righteousness, self-control, and future judgment.
Let’s examine these three topics.
Righteousness.
states (S).
6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Righteousness is granted to one who places faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Paul is not telling Felix how to live a good, obedient life. Paul is telling Felix and Drusilla how to be saved!
We cannot earn our own righteousness, we need the righteousness of Christ!
This is what Paul is talking about here. He also discusses self-control.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit.
(S).
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Paul is explaining to this powerful couple that self-control is impossible. Self-control cannot be learned. It cannot be forced or manipulated. Self-control can only be given by the Holy Spirit!
When we depend on Him, He produces self-control in our lives.
Again, Paul is discussing the gospel. Why do I say that? The only way to get the Holy Spirit is through faith in Christ.
Apart from salvation, you cannot have self-control.
Righteousness only comes by faith in Christ, self-control can only be produced by the Holy Spirit.
That brings us to coming judgement.
When is judgment going to come? When Christ returns. Look at (S).
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
What is this judgment going to look like? Everyone will be evaluated based on two factors. 1 - Have they trusted in Christ? This determines entrance into heaven. 2 - Performance of works. This will determine the level of service in heaven or severity of punishment in hell.
Apparently Paul is discussing all of this with Felix.
Felix is moved with fear.
It is little wonder then that Felix is moved with fear.
Fear moves Felix to send Paul away. Look at what he says. “When I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
There are a lot of people who have said this through the years.
“Jesus, I will trust in you, later.” “Now just isn’t a good time.” “I need to think about it.” If you are here this morning and that is you, can I plead with you not to put it off?
We are not promised tomorrow! We are not promised that a “convenient time” will ever come!
Now is the accepted time, now is the time of salvation!
God’s will is revealed here. Paul has shared the gospel with the governor and his wife.
God’s will is revealed in faithfulness.
Do you want to know God’s will? Serve where you are. Do what He has commanded. As we are faithful, we see what God has planned.
Action #1. Receive God’s will. Action #2. Reveal God’s will.
Action #2
Action #3…
c. Remain in God’s will 26-27
c. Remain in God’s will 26-27
READ v. 26
Felix was hoping for a bribe so he could release Paul.
Paul, meanwhile, is preaching Christ to Felix at every opportunity.
God uses all kinds of means and methods to accomplish His will.
Here it is God’s will that Paul remain under house arrest that he might have opportunity to share the gospel.
This could easily have become a frustrating situation to Paul.
He could have viewed this as a limitation of his ministry.
Some would have said “I need to be out there in the world reaching people for Christ! Not preaching to the same guy over and over and over.”
This is where the will of God takes precedence over our opinions.
Could Paul have been more effective outside of house arrest? Apparently not! Because this is where God placed him.
Has anyone else noticed that God doesn’t usually ask for our advice before placing us somewhere?
God is interested in our faithfulness.
Will we serve Him where He has placed us no matter what?
Felix sends for Paul often and converses with him.
We have no record that he ever trusted Christ!
Was that time wasted? NO! Why not? Because it was in the will of God!
How do we know that? God has demonstrated repeatedly in Acts that He is perfectly able to release prisoners whenever He so desires.
The fact that He leaves Paul here indicates that this is exactly where Paul is supposed to be!
The same is true for you and me! God could end any trial or difficulty we face. He could eliminate all difficulty and discomfort from our lives.
The fact that He hasn’t indicates that you are exactly where He wants you!
We say, “but that doesn’t make any sense!” Not to us. But our perspective is limited.
God looks at Paul, tucked away under house arrest, and sees a greater plan and purpose.
We can’t see from God’s perspective, so we trust Him instead.
READ v. 27
Felix, true to form, takes the easy way out and leaves Paul in prison when he is succeeded by Festus.
Why? He wants to please the Jews. Seeking to please men is a very slippery slope.
This verse tells us that Paul was under house arrest for two years.
Two years being summoned randomly be Felix.
Two years being allowed to have friends visit, but not allowed to leave.
God’s will does not have to make sense to us. We are simply required to be obedient and faithful where we are.
Faithfulness requires faith.
I would submit to you that what get’s Paul through this is his knowledge that God has a plan!
Paul is faithful because He trusts God!
To be useful, remain where God has placed you.
Trust that God has a reason plan and purpose for where you are.
Our best defense is to remain in the will of God.
Conclusion
Conclusion
We have an enemy.
Our enemy is like a roaring lion stalking its prey.
The enemy’s goal is our absolute destruction.
We must stand firm. (S)
To stand firm we need to practice self-defense.
This means we face our accusers and hear the accusation.
This means we speak the truth without compromise or concealment.
This means we take action by receiving God’s will, revealing God’s will, and remaining in God’s will.
Every single one of us will be attacked.
It is imperative that we know how to practice self-defense.
Self-defense is not possible without soldiers by our sides (S).
God has a reason, plan, and purpose. We must trust Him, no matter what comes our way.
Tell the truth, even when it hurts.
Serve where God has placed you.
Serve faithfully.
There is a reason! There is a purpose! There is a plan!
Be ready to defend accurately and without compromise.
Trust God, do battle, and see what He will accomplish.
As we do battle this week, put on your armor and stand firm.
Acts
“Wings As Eagles”
[1] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), .
17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation,
18 in the midst of which some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a mob nor with tumult.
19 They ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me.
20 Or else let those who are here themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me while I stood before the council,
21 unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”
22 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 your 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.
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.”
26 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.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.