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Acts 24:22-27

ByRicky Smith

February 23, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Wait on the Lord

Acts 24:22-23
22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

Seasons of waiting are times of growth

II. Will to Learn

Acts 24:24-25
24 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. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment,

The will to learn is not a will to change

III. War of Worldviews

Acts 24:26-27
26 Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

We are called to tell the story. We can’t control whether or not it is received.

Three common excuses for rejection:

  1. Procrastination
  2. Deceived
  3. Pride

Next Steps

  • Choose to put your trust in Christ and follow His way and not your own.
  • Celebrate a season of waiting while you allow God to mature you.
  • Commit to be a faithful storyteller.

Deep Dive

  1. Acts 24:27 informs us that Paul was in prison for a long time, yet he did not waste time. Rather, he used the extra time to write letters to the churches that we now read as part of the New Testament. How can this demonstrate for us an attitude and viewpoint toward seasons of waiting?
  2. Part of Paul’s message to Felix and Drusilla in Acts 24:24-25 was centered around moral behavior and self-discipline. Why does our conduct matter, and how does it impact our ability to show and share the love of Christ?
  3. Ultimately, Felix rejected the message of hope that Paul shared. How can we remain faithful to telling the story of Jesus, even though we cannot control whether or not the message is received?

Springboard

Read Isaiah 40:27-31

  1. Identify the characteristics of God that are described in verse 28 and 29. Write down a list of other characteristics of God that you recall.
  2. Discuss as a family how a deeper understanding of God can help us when times are hard.

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