Acts 24:10–27 (CSB)
10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied, “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me. 11 You can verify for yourself that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. 12 They didn’t find me arguing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city. 13 Neither can they prove the charges they are now making against me. 14 But I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets. 15 I have a hope in God, which these men themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men. 17 After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people. 18 While I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar. 19 It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Or let these men here state what wrongdoing they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 other than this one statement I shouted while standing among them, ‘Today I am on trial before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’ ” 22 Since Felix was well informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from meeting his needs. 24 Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. 25 Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, “Leave for now, but when I have an opportunity I’ll call for you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would offer him money. So he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. 27 After two years had passed, Porcius Festus succeeded Felix, and because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.
Don’t Wait to….
1. …Believe
in the Bible – 24:14
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (CSB)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2. …Believe in
– 24:15
John 5:28–29 (CSB)
28 Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of condemnation.
3. …Believe in
– 24:24
John 11:25 (CSB)
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.
4. …Believe in God’s
of Living – 24:25
a. Righteousness
Isaiah 61:10 (CSB)
10 I rejoice greatly in the LORD, I exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a groom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
b. Self-control
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (CSB)
24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. 25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. 26 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
5. …Believe in the
– 24:25
Hebrews 10:26–27 (CSB)
26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.
Conclusion: Procrastination
the mind and
the heart against the truth of the Gospel.
How do we receive Jesus Christ in our lives?
Step One – Recognize our need – we are all sinners.
Step Two – Be willing to turn from your sins.
Step Three – Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose again.
Step Four – Invite Jesus to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name, amen.
Discussion Questions
Discuss procrastination in general, and the procrastination for those who have put off becoming a Christian.
Read Acts 24:10-14. Many pick and choose what they want to believe and follow in the Bible. What are some things that are left out?
Read Acts 24:15-21. Belief in heaven is down drastically. How do you think that affects the hopelessness in our society today?
Read Acts 24:22-24. What do you think is the biggest roadblock for those who reject the Gospel?
Read Acts 24:25-27. Even though we have Christ’s righteousness as believers, why do we still need self-control?
How should we approach the topic of judgment if someone rejects the Gospel? What role does it play in evangelism?
Even as Christians, we procrastinate when it comes to living for Christ. What areas do you need to work on? What are you doing to grow?