Acts 24
March 9, 2022
“Felix sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’” (v24-25)
Governor Felix calls for Paul - because “he was hoping for a bribe” (v26) - but instead, Paul gives him the gospel - including teaching on God’s righteous standard and the judgment to come! Even when speaking to someone who had the power to keep him in jail, Paul does not pull punches in his preaching. Paul expounds on God’s righteous standard in order to convict Felix of his sin and need for a Savior - even though it lands him in jail for “two years” (v27).
Father, I praise You this morning for Your righteousness, and that there is a judgment day coming, when You will judge all who refuse to align with Your righteous standard. And I give You thanks that, despite my sin and moral failures, You see me (through Christ) as righteous - so that I have nothing to fear in anticipation of this judgment. What good news! Like Paul, may I boldly preach the truth of Your righteousness and call ‘sin’ sin (even the sins our society has normalized) - even if the consequences for doing so become more severe in this society.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
