Session #23

The Message Of I Timothy
“Effective Ministry” • 5.26.09 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission, Session #23
Intro.

- At the end of the book of Acts, we find Paul in his own rented house, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.
- During the next four years, Paul would write 3 final epistles that would address those that would continue with his work.
- As such, what we are about close our study upon will seem specialized and thus irrelevant. We cannot ignore that certain things apply directly to Pastors.
- However, what we can relate to are the principles that Paul relates to Timothy and Titus.
- Before we get there, we need to refresh ourselves in Timothy’s story. Timothy was a disciple when Paul came to Derbe & Lystra. He was well thought of and thus a perfect complement to Paul.
- Shortly after their first meeting, Paul circumcises Timothy so that he would be fully able to participate in the mission. From this point on, Paul and Timothy were understandably close!
- As time goes by, Timothy is called by Paul a “fellow worker,” a “brother” and “a minister of God.” Paul aaffinity for Timothy is best seen in II Corinthians 4:17.
• II Corinthians 4:16,17 : “Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”
- Paul thought so highly of Timothy, that he called him a faithful son in the Lord. More than that, an accurate representative of Paul’s theological viewpoints.
- Paul vouched for Timothy and trusted him enough to give him a deep level of responsibility among the churches that he founded.
- With this as our background, we come to the teaching of I Timothy. From what we can gather of Timothy is a bit younger than Paul and his mission is one that he fights perpetually.
- He is a young Pastor charged with transferring the knowledge of the life of God, as well as supervising it’s implementation. This would be a very intimidating job for anyone!
- I pray now that as we survey Paul’s words, that we will see things in this light. Paul wants Timothy, his disciple, his son in the faith, to take on certain characteristics that every Christian needs to possess.

I. A Sense Of Authority
II. A Sense Of Responsibility
III. A Sense Of Urgency

Text

I. A Sense Of Authority

- Most scholars believe that Timothy was 40 years of age. As such, he would likely have been one of the youngest in the congregation. Still, he was called to lead.
• I Timothy 4:12,13 : "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
- Paul sets Timothy up as an "example." The word "example" means to be the template or the form of what a Christian is to be like.
- Blue letter Bible defines it like this: "The pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made." Timothy was to be the mold.
- The template for believer's lives would be shown in 6 ways. First, in word, which is better understood as speech.
- I am surprised at the lack of attention that is paid to the way that we speak. What we say, how we say it and why we say it are all important considerations in walking with Christ.
- Turn with me to Ephesians 4. Paul gives us a rule that should govern our speech.
• Ephesians 4:29 : "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
- Secondly, he is to be the mold in conduct. This refers to his behavior, his manner of life.
- His actions reinforce his words. Paul recognizes that the actions of anyone desiring to represent Christ will live under intense scrutiny. Are you responsible? Dependable?
- Let me say that this does not mean that we need to be sour and maintain a demure disposition. It means that we should conduct ourselves appropriately to the given moment.
- As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for sadness and a time for joy. Act accordingly.
- Paul goes further and adds the word "love." Agape love, others centered, responsible for others and wanting their best.
- Jesus told His disciples that this characteristic would define them, and that the world would know them by their love.
- Fourth, Paul mentions that Timothy was was to be the template in terms of spirit. One would better understand this as his attitude.
- How is his attitude when things are difficult? How is his attitude when he is tired? What's his attitude like when he has to do something that he does not like?
- Fifth, he speaks of faith. Literally, we would say "faithfulness." Faithful in terms of dependability. Faithful in terms of carrying out a given mission with complete trustworthiness.
- Turn over to II Timothy 2:2. When Paul wanted Timothy to transfer his ministry, he advised him to note one essential quality.
• II Timothy 2:1,2 : "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
- Finally, Paul points to his purity. The word used here is better thought of as holiness.
- You and I think of holiness as a foreign concept. Holiness is a desire to be separated for God's use in all venues that life presents us with.
- I want to be separated for God's use in my employment. I want to be separated for God's use in my neighborhood.
- The six attributes are to be the tenets of Timothy's leadership. Now, at this point, you might be asking what this has to do with having a sense of authority.
- The foundation for any minister's authority is a life that is lived under authority. A life lived without these characteristics will only undermine the minister's authority in the church or the home.
- These were characteristics in Timothy's life, note the words that Paul uses to charge Timothy.
- Three times, Paul uses the word "command." (4:11, 5:7 & 6:17) Three times Paul uses the word "charge." (1:3, 1:18, & 5:21). Both come from the same Greek word. Both confer authority.
- This authority to speak cannot happen unless his actions speak first. The same is true for us.

II. A Sense Of Responsibility

- Timothy was a man well acquainted with responsibility for the church. This first epistle to Timothy demonstrates just where Timothy's responsibilities lay. His first responsibility was doctrinal.
• I Timothy 1:3,4 : "As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith."
- The church was overrun with some that had lost course. They spent time on peripherals, majoring on minors, etc.
- Ultimately, as Paul puts it, the result of their influence brought about disputes, and not edification. Paul's call to Timothy was to make sure that they did stay on the theological track.
- This is not some archaic piece of advice. This remains a critical function of pastoral work.
- People start talking about theological chicken or the egg arguments and before you know it, contentions rise and the brotherhood is disrupted. Second, Timothy's responsibility was practical.
• I Timothy 3:1 : "This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work."
- Timothy's job was to help men assimilate into positions of ministry. This is seen here implicitly by the instructions given to Timothy. Paul explicitly charges Titus with this.
• Titus 1:4,5 : "To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--"
- Any ministry that we are involved in will require a certain amount of practical work.
- New leaders will have to be identified, trained and then given duties to test their mettle.
- Timothy's job was more than casual oversight. This job required a painstaking process, requiring relationship with direct communication over a long period of time.
- Take a closer look at some of the things that Timothy was to discover.
• I Timothy 3:2-6 : "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil."
- Often, the church is guilty is of finding just anyone. Timothy was to be discerning in his job.
- Finally, Timothy's responsibility was personal.
• I Timothy 4:14-16 : "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you."
- Paul knew as much as anyone else, the necessity of keeping sharp. There is a daily need to refresh oneself.
- Refining what gifts you have, in whatever way you can, is of vital importance. Say for example, you have the gift of wisdom and you counsel often. It would be prudent to read or converse with others who share in the same gift.
- Perhaps you are a teacher. It would be wise to continue to grow in that gifting.
- Timothy was to take heed, to watch himself and to watch and examine his doctrine. This was good for himself and it was useful to the Lord in bringing about salvation.

III. A Sense Of Urgency

- I use the word "urgency," not to express a state of perpetual fervor, where zeal gives way to obsession. Rather, there is a sense of urgency which recognizes that time is limited and the work we have must be attended to now.
• I Timothy 4:1 : "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,"
- The early church lived as if Jesus was returning within days. They obviously still functioned and made provision for organization, but there was a belief that they lived in "latter times."
- Even during Paul's time, things had begun to spiral away from the truths of God's word and the message that they were called to deliver.
- He says here that some would depart from the faith and open themselves to all sorts of deceptions. The time was right at the moment to double the efforts of spreading the word of God.
- Turn over to II Timothy 4. Paul writing TImothy a second time is no less strong on this point.
• II Timothy 4:2,3 : "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;"
- "There was once a Church of England clergyman who was gloriously saved. When Jesus changed his life he started preaching the gospel to his whole parish and they all got saved. Then he started preaching in neighboring parishes, and the clergymen of those parishes were offended. They asked the bishop to make the man stop. When the bishop confronted him he said, “I hear you are always preaching and you don’t seem to be doing anything else.” The changed man answered, “Well bishop, I only preach during two seasons of the year.” The bishop said, “I’m glad to know that; what seasons are they?” He replied, “In season and out of season!”

Quote From David Guzik

- Note the verbs here. Convince, rebuke, and exhort. To convince means to expose, to bring something to light. To rebuke means to actually call an action wrong! To exhort means to come alongside of and encourage.
- These are functions of God's word and His ministry will require that we do all of these over and over again.

Conclusion

- Paul was a man of God who wanted to pass the proverbial torch. These beliefs are what made him so effective.
- He charges Timothy and the Spirit charges us to be men of authority. Is your life speaking as loud as your words?
- Responsibility: It doesn't end at 5PM or when your current duty is done. We are to have eyes that look to be useful in His hands, wherever we are.
- Finally, let us realize that the time is short. We can't take any time from our essential work in Christ.

Session #22

Acts 27,28
“Stable Legs In A Shipwreck World” • 5.19.09 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission, Session #22
Intro.

- Paul has appealed his case to Caesar. From here it’s on to Rome.
- The voyage begins simply enough, passing through routine ports of call, but certainly not through routine weather conditions. Their difficulty increased as the season wore on.
- Paul, sensing the danger, spoke out a warning to the crew.
• Acts 27:9-11 : “Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, ‘Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.’ Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.”
- As it turns out, not listening to the man of God on your ship is a poor decision. At first, a soft wind blew and the crew felt vindicated in the decision. That feeling, unfortunately, did not last long.
• Acts 27:14,15 : “But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.”
- The storm was as long as it was strong. Despair and hopelessness settled over the crew, which provides Paul with a great forum from which to address the crew.
• Acts 27:21,22 : “But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.”
- 14 days in and the ship finally wrecks upon the island of Malta. The Maltese shore was filled with hospitality and warmth and maltese vipers, one of which became very attached to the Apostle.
- Paul did not die, nor was he affected. Soon, the man that should have been dead for reaching his hand into a wood pile, was now reaching out his hand in healing.
• Acts 28:9,10 : “And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.”
- The rest of the book of Acts sees Paul waiting for his audience with Caesar.
• Acts 28:30,31 : “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.”
- Looking at these two chapters brought to mind some things about the ever changing nature of walking with the Lord. Paul shows how you can experience stability in the midst of shipwreck.
- For those living in shipwreck, the man of God is of great value because of what he brings to the table. Look at what Paul brought to these sailors. He brought...

I. Words Of Wisdom (v.9,10)
II. Words Of Encouragement (v.20-26)
III. Words Of Confidence In God (v.32-34)

Text

I. Words Of Wisdom (v.9,10)

• Acts 27:9,10 : "Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, 'Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.'" : Luke, the author of Acts has left for us a time marker.
- The Fast that he referred to here was related to the day of Atonement that was observed in October.
- It appears here simply as a way to mark the time, but the date is significant for it's directly in the middle of a semi-dangerous season for sailing.
- This dangerous season was September 14th through November 11th. After the November date, it went from "Sail At Your Own Risk" to "Don't Even Think About It!"
- Considering the date, Paul spoke out and advised them. Paul is a prisoner being transported to Rome, but he has been given favor among those who carried him. He still has a voice.
- He shared his thoughts about this impending voyage, and they were not thoughts of joy and glee, but of disaster.
- What did Paul know that these experienced sailors did not? Why did he feel so confident in offering up his opinion here?
- Paul was able to do so, first because of his own experience of the seas. Turn with me to II Corinthians 11:25. Paul speaks about his credentials as a minister.
• II Corinthians 11:25 : "Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;"
- Paul was not some novice on the sea. He was experienced on the ocean. As such, his warnings were more than mere words of fear. These were educated, experienced considerations.
- Every believer has this to some degree or another. Your wisdom might be in a certain field or covering certain occasions of life. It's worldly perhaps, in terms of practicalities, but valuable.
- However, every believer is also given the wisdom that comes from above. The Apostle James tells us that God gives to each man liberally who asks for it.
- This type of wisdom is exceptionally valuable in the body of Christ. Turn with me to I John. God has men of varying ages in every local body from the beginning of the church's inception. Why?
• I John 2:12-14 : "I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one."
- Notice in the middle of the little children and the young men, is the repeated sentiment, that the Fathers are the ones who have known Him by experience, who is from the beginning.
- Their experience of Him is their strength that transcends elementary knowledge and the strength and vigor of youth. It's that wisdom that makes them so valuable.
- Note that Paul's wisdom will be ignored.
• Acts 27:11 : "Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul."
- Whether wise words are heeded or not, we are meant to offer them. To stand by silent is to ignore the responsibility that we have been given to voice God's heart in any situation.

II. Words Of Encouragement (v.20-26)

• Acts 27:20,21 : "Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, 'Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.'" : The men have ignored Paul's advice and things went from bad to worse. Fear and struggle have been the order of the day for many days.
- In fact, Luke writes that all hope was given up.
- How often have you seen such people? Yes, you might not occupy a ship alongside of someone in a literal sense, but we can relate in metaphorical sense.
- All hope is gone of saving their shipwrecked marriage. All hope is gone of recovering their shipwrecked finances. All hope is gone of saving their shipwrecked reputation.
- It's hard to look in the eyes of such a person and see all hope drained from their face.
- It seems that while the storm was beating down on the ship, Paul, even though he was ON THE SAME SHIP, gave himself the occasion to quiet himself before the Lord.
- Notice the words "after long abstinence from food." It's possible that Paul was fasting purposely. However, it's just as possible that the ship was deprived of food.
- Paul recognizing the declining morale of the officers decided it was time to speak.
- He begins with a sanctified "I Told You So!" The wisdom ignored was now the hindsight that should have been heeded!
• Acts 27:22-26 : "And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.'" : Listen to these words. Take heart...Do not be afraid.
- They would lose the ship, but not their lives. Paul, in the midst of a fearful crew, pitches a line that will bring them hope.
- There comes a certain time when all you want is to have your life. These men are there. They have long forgotten about the ship and the money. They despaired of life.
- At this point, I want to suggest something that I imagine must have happened. Paul looked upon these people as they suffered and became more and more worried about their imminent doom.
- I imagine that his prayers became quite fervent and focused. His prayers likely centered on the passengers and their souls.
- Verse 24 confirms that this was on Paul's heart: "God has granted you all those who sail with you." Paul interceded for these souls.
- A few weeks ago, we looked at Abraham's intercession on behalf of the Sodomites. Moses interceded for the people of Israel when judgment was on the mind of God.
- These men here in Acts were likely not saved. Paul interceded for them anyway.
- Would God find you on your knees for your co-workers, family or neighbor's salvation?
- Paul assures them that they can have hope, which is not based in his words or a premonition.
- He bases his words on what God had shown him in an angelic visitation.
- Note that not one of the sailors says a thing about Paul's belief! Nobody objects. Nobody says, "Paul, you are insane!"
- I've noted that in crisis, shipwrecked people are exceptionally open to spiritual realities that they once openly rejected. Will you be the one to stand and speak these words of encouragement?

III. Words Of Confidence In God (v.32-34)

• Acts 27:32-34 : "Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, 'Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.'" : Finally, Paul displayed was the words of confidence in God.
- 2 weeks have passed. The sailors have worked night and day. The struggle has been epic.
- Apparently, it was a struggle that kept the crew from their daily food.
- He encourages the crew to take some food. This is nothing spiritual in this action per se. But it is simple Christ-like compassion.
- I don't know about you, but I have often thought little of actions that cater to the flesh. I always want to give the gospel and the information needed for life with the Lord.
- I'm guilty of not caring about the fleshly needs of people. God's Word gives great examples of how much value there is in building a bridge through compassionate kindness.
- Turn with me to Luke 10. In the story of the Good Samaritan, his mentality is noted immediately.
• Luke 10:33-35 : "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.'"
- Right works are not a replacement for right words. However, right works are foundational for right words. Turn with me to James 2:14. Recall to mind that these go hand in hand with our faith.
• James 2:14-16 : "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?"
- Paul concerned himself with their physical needs and then assures them that they would not be harmed at all. Paul displays incredible confidence in the Lord here, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that God would deliver on his promise.
- I long to hear this kind of confidence from men of God, especially in the environment that we live in today. I hear so much despair, even in Christian circles, about the economy and it's forecast.
- The Man of God, who is going to emulate Paul, is going to speak confidently of God's ability to carry out His word.

Conclusion

- Today, the Lord has given you wisdom. Speak it! Have a word of encouragement? Speak it! Have confidence in Christ's ability to act? Speak it!
- God has set you as a beacon of hope and light among a shipwrecked world. Don't miss your opportunity to fill your mouth with the wisdom, encouragement and confidence that fills your heart.

Session #21

Acts 23:3-26
"Three Strikes And..." • 5.12.09 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission, Session #21

Intro

- The chapters before us see the Apostle Paul in captivity. However, when one is of the caliber of Paul, it's hard to tell who is really captive and who is really free.
- One could look at these chapters as a fulfillment of the prophetic Word that God spoke over Paul's life at His conversion. Speaking to Annanias, the Lord spoke this:
• Acts 9:15 : "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'"
- Paul has been facing the Pharisees and the Sadducees. God used theological differences over the resurrection and Paul was relocated.
- Over the next several days however, a plot to kill Paul was discovered, involving 40 men who pledged not to eat or drink until Paul was killed. Sadly, they would die of starvation!
- God uses Paul's nephew to alert the Roman guards of the plot, who take extra precautions to safeguard Paul.
• Acts 23:23,24 : "And he called for two centurions, saying, 'Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.'"
- Chapter 24 contains the account of Paul's defense before the Roman governor Felix. Felix had an enormous amount of time with Paul, just over 2 years, until he was reassigned.
- Chapter 25 picks up with Paul's defense against the new governor, Festus, who inherited Paul's case. Festus is new to the area and he wants to charm the Jewish contingent by sending Paul back to Jerusalem. Paul is wise to his methods.
• Acts 25:10,11 : "So Paul said, 'I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.'"
- Festus is glad to deliver Paul, the Roman citizen to Caesar. But before that happens, Paul receives a third batch of visitors. King Herod Agrippa II and his wife Bernice come to visit.
- Agrippa finds out about Paul and wants to listen to what Paul says. For Paul, this must have been exciting, because people were always telling him that he should get Agrippa...Sorry!
- In chapter 26, Paul delivers his testimony to the captivated audience of Festus, Agrippa and Bernice, leaving nothing out, unashamedly proclaiming what God had done in Paul's life.
- At the conclusion of the chapter, this was their natural conclusion.
• Acts 26:30-32 : "When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, 'This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.' Then Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.'"
- The biblical data offers us so many options with regard to how we present God's intentional meaning. For example, one could look at these chapters as God's sovereign hand in delivering Paul.
- He used Theological, Personal, and Political means to deliver Paul. God is so creative in how he gets us from point A to point B.
- One might also point out God's sovereignty in bringing Paul to audiences of greater and greater influence. From the religious Jews, to Centurions, to Governors and Kings.
- What I want to consider though is the theme that we will all face and that is the responsibility to carry the name of Jesus before all types of people.
- Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, represent the same types of responses that we will receive when we represent the Lord to men.

I. Felix : The Mixed Motive (24:22-27)
II. Festus : The Messy Mindset (26:24,25)
III. Agrippa : The Missed Opportunity (26:26-29)

Text

I. Felix : The Mixed Motive (24:22-27)

• Acts 24:22-24 : "But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.' So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ." : Felix allowed Paul to speak in his own defense. When Paul spoke of the Way, Felix' ears perked up. He had a "more accurate" knowledge of the way.
- Felix was more than just aware of the Way. The words point to a "precise perception" of this group. He knew precise facts about the group and what they believed.
- Like most politicians, Felix was non-committal and compromising, allowing Paul certain freedoms while in bondage.
- In the meantime, he and his Jewish wife took the opportunity to listen to Paul. Their conversations always came back to the crux of Paul's existence, namely the topic of faith in Christ.
- Paul was not starstruck or intimidated by the Governor and his wife. He was given the audience and he took advantage.
- Paul made great use of the audiences that he had, never missing a beat. But Felix still held the cards and his position.
• Acts 24:25 : "Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, 'Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.'"
- Day after day, Felix and Paul exchanged points and questions, carrying on a running conversation about these topics.
- Felix wanted to know about being right with God. For all the power of the Roman Empire and the worship that honored a Pantheistic profile, Rome could not empower it's people for righteousness.
- Self-Control or temperance was also on Felix' mind. How much was too much? What did God think about excesses? Again, the Romans specialized in excess.
- Felix, perhaps most aware of his guiltiness in the first two, knew, like all sinners know, that there is a judgment to come.
- When Paul touched on these subjects, Felix was affected. Felix was terrified. He was brought under the power of the Word and the Word brought fear and an expectation of dread.
- God's Word will do the work when we use it properly. The truth exchange will always reap the benefit of conviction by the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Perhaps you have seen this in your experience. The Felix in your life is affected. He knows that you are right. He knows that God is real and that He expects something from them.
- What does he do? Just like Felix, he sends you away! He needed time to get some composure back, to get some air, to get some "real world" advice to set him straight!
- "When I get it back together, I'll call you." He did call Paul...a lot.
• Acts 24:26,27 : "Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound." : Ah, the real motive! Felix figured that there might be a personal buyout by Paul. He used Paul's eagerness for his advantage.
- Two years went by and Paul personally preached to Felix. Felix, like so many others, moved on without giving Paul or us the satisfaction of a conversion.

II. Festus : The Messy Mindset (26:24,25)

• Acts 26:24,25 : "Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!' But he said, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.'" : Festus was not as enamored with Paul. Paul gave his testimony both to Festus and Agrippa from the beginning to the end.
- His story, as we know, includes a mid-day vision of Jesus, a crucified Jew, who Paul asserted, was actually alive.
- This Jesus not only met with Paul, but gave Him standing orders that Paul had obeyed to that very day! Festus must have thought, "Oh, is that all!?"
- Festus literally said, "You are a raving maniac!" You are insane to believe this stuff! Festus cannot believe this. It is beyond all reason and comprehension to him.
- He is a natural man. A skeptic. Festus can't imagine what would make such an intelligent man so insane! You've had this experience haven't you?
- Everything is going well in your conversations with Joe Heathen. You have established credibility. You have shown how much you care and how "real" you are.
- Then you talk about the reason that you are the way that you are, namely that Jesus Christ lives in you, reigns in your emotions through His Holy Spirit and encourages you daily through His inspired Word!
- When you think about it, to the natural man, this is crazy! And yet, you and I hold to this.
- Perhaps you will remember what that was like for you before you were so "experienced." You also had to take a leap.
- Let me explain something to you: There is no one on the face of the Earth that does not live by faith. By faith, we believe that there is a God who is personal and does expect something from us.
- In contrast, the unregenerate person by faith, believes some other condition exists whereby he can enter into bliss, ie. good karma, spiritual evolution, etc.
- When one examines the evidence, looking at it logically, Christianity makes the most sense. To Festus, the only explanation is that all of Paul's learning has driven him to insanity. Paul offers an alternate explanation. Turn with me to I Corinthians 1. Paul explains the mindset of the world.
• I Corinthians 1:18 : "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
- Turn again to II Corinthians 4. Again, if we can understand and sense the truth of God's salvation, why is that not happening in the world? Here is Paul's answer.
• II Corinthians 4:3,4 : "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."
- Paul answers, "I speak the words of truth and reason."
- It's often a temptation to believe that we are on the side of unreasonable faith. Paul reminds us that when we face Festus type people, that we can have confidence that we have a reasonable basis for what we believe.

III. Agrippa : The Missed Opportunity (26:26-29)

• Acts 26:26-29 : "For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.' Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You almost persuade me to become a Christian.' And Paul said, 'I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.'" : Agrippa was a man who ruled at least a fourth of Palestine.
- He was the last of the Herod family. As such, the story of Jesus of Nazareth was well known. Paul asserts that the history of what happened was well known at that time and in that room.
- "Nothing was done in a corner." Jesus' death, burial and resurrection was a historical fact in that room, on that day. Please note that King Agrippa did not object.
- He did not stand up and say, "That is a silly legend and we all know it!" These people lived closest to the time of Jesus and here accept the validity of Paul's claims by their silence.
- Turn with me to I Corinthians 15. Paul makes it clear that this resurrection was not some private event.
• I Corinthians 15:3-8 : "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time."
- Here, Paul comes to his close. He singles out King Agrippa. He appeals to the prophets.
- Agrippa knew about the prophets and what they said. He has the greatest amount of light and Paul presses him, saying, "I know that you believe."
- It has happened so many times, when you see the struggle between taking the leap and staying where it's safe. The man or woman who sees the logic and puts the pieces together, wants desperately to believe, but is afraid to.
- Agrippa then utters one of the saddest lines in the entire Bible: "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."
- I am not sure what you might be thinking at this point. Paul, the Apostle, the writer of over half of our New Testament, has had three chances. Felix was interested, Festus, dismissive.
- At the least, Felix was in the ballpark. But Agrippa. He was right there! He had all of the light, the history, the context and still he persists in his choice to reject Jesus Christ.
- As such, he is the latest and final Herod to come to that conclusion.
- The first Herod, Herod the Great, mentioned in Matthew 2, called the wise men together to hear where Jesus was born, only to plot deceitfully to murder him. Herod the Great chose his own lust for power over Christ.
- Later, Herod Antipas is called by John the Baptist to repent from his sin of adultery. Herod liked to hear him and tried to protect him, but ultimately behaded John because of a woman. Herod Antipas chose his own lust for women over Christ.
- In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I, tried to destroy the church by killing James, only later to be killed by intestinal worms from within.
- Finally, Herod Agrippa II, the man standing before Paul, has the chance to reverse course, to come to surrender to the Jesus that his family has rejected. Paul has given cogent, intelligent reasoning, but Agrippa is still unable to cross the threshold into salvation.

Conclusion

- In your world, you will come across the Felix' of the world, who are interested, but only as much as it benefits them.
- Festus will think that you are insane and will dismiss you immediately.
- Agrippa will seem close, but still not close enough. This chapter does not necessarily encourage us, especially since Paul loses all three cases.
- The point isn't to win. It's to participate. Paul kept preaching, not because of the success that he had, but because of the Word that he could not keep to himself.
- I pray that we will be equally motivated.