I am currently reading the Book of Acts for my devotional and I'm only a few chapters away from finishing it. Praise God. I do not usually post so many details about my study (since I thought it would be so long) but now that I have this space, I might be able to do so from time to time.
I've only got few applications from tonight's text but the context is this: after Paul pleaded his case before Felix, the governor, he was kept in custody... again. He was already in prison for two years before this happened. What specifically struck me are the following verses:
"After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 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 24:24–25( ESV)
Felix was probably expecting Paul to give flattering words as Felix had the power over Paul's life. HE WAS THE GOVERNOR. However, the opposite happened and Felix was confronted with the Gospel. Paul preached it clearly and boldly. Felix was alarmed and yet he did nothing. Right after that, he even left Paul in prison for another two years to keep the favor of the Jews.
Two major reflections:
> When I think about it, if it wasn't for God's grace, I would have responded the same. I would have heard the gospel, be alarmed, and then continue with my life... unchanged.
You see, the Gospel is offensive. It confronts us of our filthiness, our lack of self-control, our unrighteousness and alarms us with the judgment that is coming. It can either harden our hearts (like Felix) so that we dismiss its truths and continue living in sin or convict us and help us acknowledge our need for a Savior who is Jesus Christ.
May our response to the Gospel be the latter. May we humble ourselves, repent from our sins, and run to Christ.
> The second thing is this, Felix, acknowledged Paul's innocence from the Jews' accusations yet he feared losing their favor so he let Paul be imprisoned. He denied him justice.
Truly, if we want to gain the favor of people and of the world, we would lose sight of God. Felix knew accurately about the Way yet he feared the people more than God.
At some point in our lives, we would be facing situations where our faith and obedience will be tested. We can't serve two masters. It's either you fear God's wrath or you fear being humiliated by people.
By His grace, may we be faithful to stand for God's truth no matter the cost.
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There you go from tonight's session. Hehe, hope to see you on my next random post. Good night. :)
[Currently playing: Christ Will Be My Hideaway by Sovereign Grace Music]
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