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- Oct 26, 2007
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And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you." Acts 24:25 ESV
Imagine you’re a leader. People look to you for guidance, but you’ve taken advantage of your position. You’ve been oppressive and overbearing and demanded more from others than you needed to in your position. You’ve adopted an air of superiority and committed your own share of wrongs. This was Felix, and Paul was in his custody. Perhaps Felix thought he would be entertained by the preacher, so he invited him for a visit.
Paul did not seem amusing. He spoke of the right way to live. Felix wasn’t sure he measured up. Paul spoke about self-control. Felix did whatever he wanted. Paul talked about judgment. Felix was alarmed.
The mind of Felix was like that of a child who is discovered stealing a snack when he knows he shouldn’t. His mind considered the words Paul spoke, and his heart condemned him. His spirit was unsettled, and he wanted Paul to go away.
Being confronted about personal choices that have led to sin is hard. It’s the exposing of a wound that needs to be healed, not covered up. God can will diagnose rebellion. Only you can accept or reject treatment.
Prayer: Father, no one likes to hear that they did something wrong. No one wants to hear, “I told you so.” You condemn sin but set this sinner free through Jesus the Rescuer when I accepted Your greatest gift.
Imagine you’re a leader. People look to you for guidance, but you’ve taken advantage of your position. You’ve been oppressive and overbearing and demanded more from others than you needed to in your position. You’ve adopted an air of superiority and committed your own share of wrongs. This was Felix, and Paul was in his custody. Perhaps Felix thought he would be entertained by the preacher, so he invited him for a visit.
Paul did not seem amusing. He spoke of the right way to live. Felix wasn’t sure he measured up. Paul spoke about self-control. Felix did whatever he wanted. Paul talked about judgment. Felix was alarmed.
The mind of Felix was like that of a child who is discovered stealing a snack when he knows he shouldn’t. His mind considered the words Paul spoke, and his heart condemned him. His spirit was unsettled, and he wanted Paul to go away.
Being confronted about personal choices that have led to sin is hard. It’s the exposing of a wound that needs to be healed, not covered up. God can will diagnose rebellion. Only you can accept or reject treatment.
Prayer: Father, no one likes to hear that they did something wrong. No one wants to hear, “I told you so.” You condemn sin but set this sinner free through Jesus the Rescuer when I accepted Your greatest gift.
