100% Or More [but no less]

Acts 24:24-27

²⁴Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵As Paul discoursed on 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." ²⁶At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.  ²⁷When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

// THOUGHTS:

It’s sad to think that Felix, though he was well acquainted of The Way’s teaching, still did not change and converted.  For what reason?  People.  He was too afraid of what people would think about him. 

A few things we see here:

• Faith in Christ grows as we continue to hear his Word of truth.
• The Word of truth brings forth conviction to our hearts that causes us to change.
• Feeding our faith (ie. reading or hearing the Word) brings more hunger; we will want more.
• People could be a reason why a lot of people who have already heard the Gospel still do not “take the leap” of faith to become a Christian.

The main thing is that, Paul, did not give up.  Even though he was already in prison, he did not cease to preach the Gospel of Christ.  He willingly provided nourishment to Felix and his wife whenever he was called to speak about the Gospel.  Whether or not Paul knew that Felix would not convert anyways, he persevered and was faithful in doing his job.

// BELLE:

God has grown my faith through His Word and the application of what He has taught me.  I must not allow people to stop me from pursuing the will of God in my life.  He could be growing my faith on specific things in my life and He is continually working in my heart (just as He did with Felix and perhaps Drusilla).  I must not let anyone hinder me from doing what God has told me to do for the sake of pleasing them – especially if it’s going against what God has told me to do.  Obey the Lord alone – of course, with the confirmation that it is from God and not just my own leading or selfish motives. 

Just like Paul, I must be persistent in doing my job and enduring in the call that God has for me to teach and share the Word of God no matter what the reactions are with the people I am ministering with.

// LORD, thank you for the great example of Paul.  I pray that You will help me to follow his example as He has followed your Son’s example.  I pray that more than anything, I will be obedient to Your Word in all sides of it – nothing of me and nothing that stirs in me just to please people.  I pray that no matter what happens, my obedience to you is a total 100% – or more but no less!  Please help me and I believe that Your grace will enable me to do what You want me to do.  In Jesus’ name, amen.