Acts 24:25 Now as he (Paul) spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I find time I’ll call for you.” CSB
Paul had been arrested for preaching the gospel; yet he did allow his difficult circumstances to cause him to become silent. Even in prison he continued to appeal to men to be saved. As he stood before a Roman official named Felix, Paul boldly proclaimed our need of salvation. Consider these three important parts of Paul’s message:
I. Paul Spoke of God’s Righteousness.
The Law of God was not given in order to make man righteous, but rather to reveal the fact that he was unrighteous. We read from Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. CSB As Paul spoke of God’s righteousness, it reminded Felix of his own unrighteousness.
II. Paul Spoke of Our Lack of Self-control.
No doubt Felix’s lifestyle was one filled with drunkenness, corruption and immoral living. Drusilla was his third wife who had recently divorced her husband in order to marry Felix. Much like John the Baptist’s preaching before Herod Antipas, Paul’s words concerning Felix’s adultery cut deep into his wicked heart.
III. Paul Spoke of a Coming Day of Judgment.
During another message Paul said – “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has set a day on which He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31 CSB) Paul reminded Felix that one day he would have to give an account for his sins. Only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ could Felix be saved.
Through Paul’s preaching, Felix’s sins became exposed. The Bible says that Felix became full of fear. He literally trembled under the Holy Spirit’s conviction. How wonderful it would be if at this point we could read of Felix’s conversion; yet rather than turning to God and seeking forgiveness, Felix turned away from God and put his decision off until a more ‘convenient season.’
There is no indication that there ever was a more convenient season. As far as we know, Felix never received Christ as his personal Savior. He died in his sins and today is suffering in torment.
The Bible says – In an acceptable time, I heard you, and in the day of salvation, I helped you. Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 CSB)
Felix tried to put God off to a more convenient season; yet there will never be a more convenient season. There will never be a better time to be saved than right now.
If you need help in your relationship with God, please contact me at:
Email: pastorterry@twinoaksbapt.org Church phone: (540) 365-6312
