Taking the Stand: Unwavering Conviction

Acts 24
Standing with unwavering conviction requires us to…

Don’t be fearful; be faithful (1-9)
- high priest doesn’t personally come unless its urgent, so obviously he’s trying to make a point
- Tertullus may have been a Roman (?) lawyer
  - tactic to intimidate Paul and Felix
- v3-4: facts show direct opposite of what the Jews are buttering Felix up with
  - Josephus describes Felix as horrible person — immoral, cruel, cunning politician
- when you’re living faithfully for Jesus, the opposition will try to slander you in their attacks
  - Paul lived faithfully to Jesus
  - Harvest pillar #4: Unafraid witness; sharing good news with boldness
- Paul was a threat to their way of life and beliefs
- the more faithful you are, the larger a threat you become
- tactic of limiting a star player’s time and space
  - whatever space Paul was placed, he was used greatly!
  - how are we using our own time?
  - are we using our positions and space to make impact for the gospel?
    - be a dangerous threat for Jesus
Don’t be quiet; be clear (10-21)
- v10: Paul was not defensive when he was giving his defence!
  - how you express your conviction matters
  - when you express your faith, are you joyful?
- v11-12: counters false accusations and leans into the evidence/proof
  - when you get attacked, your character will be maligned and emotions will be a critical aspect to control
    - control your emotions!
    - call out what’s true and untrue
- opposition to faith provides opportunity to provide clarity
  - clarity of what you believe and why is paramount to your faith and witness
    - simple faith leads to simple answers, as opposed to firmly rooted faith and convictions
- v14-16: condensed version of what every believer should believe
  - v14: “I believe the Way” = “I believe in Jesus, what he claimed, did and will do”
  - our convictions should be shaped by scripture and scripture alone
  - Jesus is the Way to future hope
  - “resurrection of just and unjust” = “I believe we will all stand before God”
    - all our beliefs sound ridiculous in our secular culture
  - v16: “I believe in practising what I preach”
  - v21: “I’m on trial because of what I believe”
- Princeton revoked Tim Keller’s award because of views on role of women in ministry and LGBTQ
  - award would allow winner to give lecture; Keller not getting award but asked if he could still speak…he’s going to present the clear truth and Gospel
- we need to be clear on what we believe and study
- if you can’t explain it, you don’t understand it
  - if your roots are deep, you won’t be swayed
  - when you’re done studying/reading, go and explain it to someone!
Don’t be deterred; be determined (22-27)
- v22: Felix very fearful of going against Jews, so he defers judgment and puts Paul in house arrest
  - Paul ends up staying in this prison for 2 years, yet does not become deterred
- v27: Felix obviously didn’t care about Paul, but rather just monetary gains and self
- v24: Drusilla was 3rd wife of Felix, while Felix was her 2nd husband
  - both were immoral in this adulterous relationship
  - Paul trying to persuade his own captors of the love and truth through the Gospel, presenting specific topics to Felix & Drusilla
- Rom 3:10
- Rom 1:18
- Paul’s pattern of speaking truth are key components
  - ultimately talks about judgment
    - not talking about judgment is to not give the full story of the gospel
- “alarmed” = “terrified”?
  - Felix chose to send Paul away rather than immediately repent
    - being weighed on holy scale, believing repentance vs continuing rejection
    - tragedy of never coming with sin before holy God (Mt 5)
    - tragedy of disrespecting the reality of Gospel
- dangerous to not respond in moment of conviction