Frustration

Faith Under Fire  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Paul had been under arrest for quite some time at this point. He had pleaded his case on numerous occasions and to no avail. Now, he was going to share the truth, even if it cost him his freedom.

Notes
Transcript

Introduction

Sometimes it costs us to tell the truth.
Maybe it’s been telling a friend or loved one something they didn’t want to hear, calling them out, knowing it may cost you the relationship.
Maybe it’s been you confessing something, knowing that the truth will cost you.
Maybe it’s been sharing your faith with someone, knowing it was going to cost you the current relationship.
It’s hard, isn’t it.
Paul lays it out for us an example that regardless, we share the Gospel.

The Doors It Opens

vv. 22-23
Felix had a “rather accurate knowledge” of Christianity and
Sometimes, being a Christian helps.
People who have been blessed by Christians or the church and they are more receptive.
Part of the blessing of mission work.
When you get into your community and love your neighbor, it opens doors.
As things continue to open up, we want to be intentional about loving our neighbors.
People are hurting and anxious.
They don’t need to see division or fighting in the church.
They need to see Jesus.
You know how Jesus helped people to see Jesus?
He ministered to them. He sent out his disciples to help others.
And Jesus is sending you. Go into your neighborhood, community, city, workplace and love.

Walking In

vv. 24-25a
Paul was given a chance to speak - and he didn’t back down.
The door was opened for him to share the Gospel.
A common phrase we will find in Paul’s writings about evangelistic or missions opportunities.
Faith - contrary to works. Drusilla, a Jewess, would be familiar with this idea. As would any Roman, like Felix.
The idea of salvation by FAITH was something that was shocking, even scandalous.
Stumbling block. Something to trip over.
It’s free? I just receive it? Someone else paid for it for me??
Just receive it - faith IN Jesus Christ.
It is a faith that is free but requires the right subject.
What are you trusting for your eternity?
Wealth? Sincerity? Good Works? Being “Good”?
Reality proves that none of these things, if even attainable, are capable of granting entrance into Heaven.
And when we have the opportunity to walk through the door, we need to walk through it.

In Through The Out Door

vv. 25b-27
Paul gives, what we must assume, is a thorough explanation of the Gospel.
He often is noted to have shared with both theological accuracy and a personal appeal.
No doubt he had used a similar presentation hundreds of times before and had seen the masses repent.
Here, nothing.
As Felix was confronted with truth, it turned him away rather than to Jesus.
Felix and Drusilla had an interesting relationship, to say the least.
Drusilla was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in the world!
However, since she was a Jew, any husband would have to convert.
There were three commitments a Gentile male would make to become a Jew: Calendar, Culinary, Circumcision.
This very commitment is what kept her first marriage from happening. Betrothed to the crown prince of Commagene.
But, once someone explained to him what Calendar, Culinary, Circumcision meant, he backed out.
Maybe it was giving up bacon.
Drusilla, the daughter of Herod Agrippa, was then given to Azizus, the king of Emesa, a state of no importance in Syria.
This young girl of sixteen, who had been viewed as the most beautiful woman in this part of the world, was unfulfilled.
That’s when Felix saw her and he sent his wingman, Atomos, over with some cheesy lines and magic tricks.
It’s basically Barney from HIMYM.
He is touted as a magician who went to impress her and gave her a line about how Felix could give her “felicity” ( a play on his own name). A word than means “fortunate.”
Well, cheesy lines, magic tricks, and the promise of a better life lured this young girl away to Felix.
So, when Paul begins talking to him about the ethical implications of following Jesus, Felix is suddenly uninterested.
“Righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” were turn-offs for Felix.
We might wonder if Paul shouldn’t have watered down his message?
Give them something more acceptable to get them in before we tell them the whole story.
There are a lot of churches that followed that philosophy (80s and 90s especially).
Today, those churches are anemic, weak, and are unfamiliar with anything but the basics of the faith.
I’m not even convinced that they’ve accepted anything beyond a religious system.
Too many refuse to bring up sin. And people don’t know what they are being called to repent of.
Paul was certain to give the whole of the Gospel and then trust God with the results.

Conclusion

Mulberries. Low hanging fruit.
Some just aren’t yet ready to be brought into the harvest.
Don’t pull the fruit that isn’t ready!
Some we have to continue to work on the soil.
Love, relationship, prayer.
And some, unfortunately, will never have their eyes opened.
But, we look for those who are ready.
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