Acts__24

Scripture

 

Acts‬ ‭24:25

 

“As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Some of the Jewish Elders, and the lawyer named Tertullus went to governor Felix to present their case against Paul. Paul was being accused of being a troublemaker who was constantly stirring up riots amongst the Jews all over the world. He was being accused of being a ringleader of a cult, and Paul was being accused of desecrating the Temple. Of course all these accusations were false, but Felix, who wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, left Paul in prison. While in prison, Felix would send for Paul quite frequently. Deep down Felix was hoping Paul would bribe him with money for his release. But instead Paul used those times to share with Felix and his wife Drusilla about faith in Jesus Christ. One day Paul reasoned with them about righteousness, self-control, and the coming day of judgement. This talk frightened Felix. He told Paul to “Go away for now. When it’s more convenient I’ll call back for you again.”

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

What will you do when the power of the Holy Spirit convicts you?

 

As Paul was sharing the Word of God with Felix and his wife, Felix felt the conviction from the Holy Spirit (spoken through Paul) of his wrongdoings in life. Now Felix had a choice to make here. Would he allow the Holy Spirit to convict him of his faults so that he may repent against them? Or would he ignore the calling, try to hide from it, and let pride get in the way of making the right decision? Unfortunately, Felix chose the latter.

 

There will be times in life where the Holy Spirit speaks to us and pierces straight to our heart. It may be something we need to do, or it may be something we need to rid ourselves of in our life. The choice won’t always be easy. But if I was to learn anything from this passage this morning, it is that I can’t just pick and choose sections of the Word of God I choose to follow. Don’t be like Felix and listen to God’s Word, take it in, but as soon as it tells you something you may not want to hear or are uncomfortable with, you shut it out. No! Instead I need to take a long look in the mirror, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal my faults, and direct me in the way He needs me to go. Allow the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me from the inside out.

 

Life Application

 

Don’t let pride get in the way from the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

 

There is one unforgivable sin the Bible speaks of. It is the blaspheming or rejection of the Holy Spirit.

 

“Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

Luke‬ ‭12:10

 

The Holy Spirit is alive! It reaches out to you, trying to guide you to do what is right in God’s eyes. Don’t turn away from Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your words, your actions so you may be right with God. Do not blaspheme Him or reject Him. Our time on earth is limited. And we never know when our time here is up. So shouldn’t I be using that time accepting the Holy Spirit’s guidance, instead of rejecting it?

 

-Moses Gaddi