Acts 26:24-32
March 15, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
I. Out of Your Mind
Acts 26:24
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.”
Acts 26:19-23
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
1 Corinthians 2:14
14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.
Worldviews collide over:
Skepticism
Sin
Social
1 Corinthians 1:18
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
II. Out in the Open
Acts 26:25-26
25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
Be bold and open to share the hope of the world every day
Romans 10:14
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
III. Out or In
Acts 26:27-32
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” 30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
Next Steps
- I confess that today is the day of salvation and I choose to put my trust in Jesus as my King.
- I commit to openly express my faith this week and proclaim the Good News of Jesus to others.
Deep Dive
- Read 1 Corinthians 2:14 and discuss how you have observed the truth of the Gospel being rejected by your friends and family. How can we specifically pray for them?
- Acts 26:25-26 describes the boldness and courage of Paul. How can we follow this example and passion to proclaim the Gospel to our world every day? Compare this to Romans 10:14 and our responsibility to share.
- Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 and discuss the urgency of our need to proclaim the Gospel and the urgency of others to respond.
Springboard
- Challenges in life are often called “a storm.” Some storms come when we think we are doing everything right. Why does God allow us to be challenged like this? Read James 1:2-3 for insight.
- In a storm, it is sometimes difficult to see, and life is similar. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 for insight. Someone in the family should share how God helps show a path out of the storm in your life.
- A storm may be caused by our own poor choices. Read Galatians 6:7 and discuss what we learn about God’s character and why He allows us to experience just consequences.
