I WAS NOT DISOBEDIENT TO THE VISION FROM HEAVEN
Acts 26:1-32, Lesson 29
Key Verse: 26:19 NIU UBF 2-22-09
“So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.”
Chapter 26 is Paul’s defense before King Agrippa. Paul was on trial. Yet Paul does not try to save himself. Paul tries to save Agrippa by sharing a gospel message undergirded by his own personal testimony. Essentially, it is a one-to-one Bible study between Paul and Agrippa. Today we learn Paul’s gospel faith and shepherd’s heart that is not squelched even when under trial. Through it we learn how to testify to all kinds of people, including kings. Most of all, we learn that God has given us a great vision and, like Paul, we should not be disobedient to the vision from heaven.
First, Paul’s Hope In The Resurrection (1-11).
In verses 1-3 Paul begins his defense before King Agrippa. Let’s read them together, “ 1Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2"King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.” First, who is King Agrippa? This was Herod Agrippa ll, son of Herod Agrippa l, and a descendant of Herod the Great. He had power over the temple, controlled the temple treasury and could appoint and remove the High Priest. Bernice was the sister of Herod Agippa ll. She married her uncle, Herod Chalis, became a mistress to her brother Agrippa ll, and then became a mistress to the emperor Vespasian’s son, Titus. Here Agrippa and Bernice had made an official visit to Festus.
In Paul’s opening address, Paul acknowledged that Agrippa knew the Jewish customs and controversies well. So Paul freely explained his conflict with the Jewish leaders. At one time he was one of them, a member of the strictest sect–the Pharisees. Pharisees were known for their extreme self-discipline, devotion to study and loyalty to Judaism. From a young age they had to memorize at least the first five books of Moses. When his friends came over to ask him to come out to play his mom would say, “Not now, little Saul is memorizing the Scripture.” Later on they studied all kinds of theology and secular subjects. They appeared religious and pious. But Jesus revealed their true face. Jesus once told the Pharisees that they did not study the Bible to know Christ and have life (Jn 5:40). Rather, they studied the Bible to acquire knowledge by which they gained a privileged position in the Judaistic system. The desire to hold political power and gain economic benefit made them blind Bible students who could not find God through their Bible studies.
When Jesus came as the Messiah, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Mark 1:15) the Pharisees’ question was, “How will this affect my job and my position in my society?” They knew that if Jesus were the Messiah he would fulfill the law and the prophets. Then there would be no more need for the temple, the priestly system or sophisticated interpretations of oral laws passed down for centuries. In other words, the Pharisees would be out of a job and all they have given their hearts and their lives towards will come to not. When they realized this, they rejected Jesus’ claim aggressively. But Jesus never compromised with them. They needed to trust Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” He taught that they were like old wineskins. They need to repent, accept the new wine of the gospel. They need to be ready to be retrained for new roles in the Christian church and relocate if necessary. But they got stuck in their fixed ways. Jesus could not use the likes of these. And so Jesus started a new history with twelve disciples. Jesus was sure that his disciples, who were flexible and dynamic, would inherit the blessing of God for world mission. Eventually they would conquer the world with the gospel, but first there would be a transition in God’s history, shifting from Judaism to the Christian church, especially the Gentile church, which Paul had pioneered. So we can understand why the Pharisees felt threatened by this gospel ministry.
Before conversion, Paul, too, thought that he should oppose Jesus. He even thought he was doing God’s will. In verses 9-11 he describes his activity. Let’s read these verses, “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.” He kidnapped and tortured sincere Christians. Paul tried to force Christians to blaspheme. It was nothing but the work of the devil. He said, “In my obsession against them....” He could not stop thinking about Christians day and night. His consuming thought was to wipe them off the face of the earth. Now, the Jewish religious leaders who opposed Paul were doing the same thing. Sometimes we wonder why anti-Christians work so earnestly against the gospel instead of just forgetting about Christians and freely enjoying their lives in the world. It is because they suffer from the same obsession that Paul had, an obsession that leads to demon possession. When Paul saw the misery of the Jewish leaders, he had compassion on them for he knew that it was only by the great mercy of God that he was saved from the same darkness that was enslaving their hearts. Paul realized that what they really needed was a changed hope that the gospel could bring.
When Paul met the Risen Christ, he found the hope of resurrection. He said in 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Jesus’ resurrection is God’s victory over death. Jesus’ resurrection opened the way to eternal life in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is forever. 1 Peter 1:3,4, reads, “ 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,” Paul was on trial because he had this hope. The real issue between Paul and the Jewish leaders was about hope. Paul had a living hope in the kingdom of God. They had a dead hope in the system of Judaism. They were like a monkey that is hunted in India. Do you know how some people hunt monkeys? They get a jar with an opening, only big enough for a monkey to hardly push his extended fingers through. When the monkey sticks his hand into a hole to grab some nuts, example, he can not get his hand out without letting go of the nuts. In his illusion, he thinks that he can possess the handful of nuts forever and he never lets go. Finally the hunter comes along and grabs him. This happens to all who cling to dead hope in the perishing world. They never let go and death and judgment are soon to follow. Paul wanted to share his living hope with those entrapped under the power of death. And he knew that is former colleges were not far from this living hope. That is why he says in verse 8. “Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” They were so close and yet so far.
According to one news reporter, 82% of Americans call themselves Christians. A good many of them are “cultural Christians” who believe in Jesus to have a better life in this world. They hope to get a nice wife or a decent husband, a good education, a good job, and so on. However, a genuine Christian is one whose hope is in the kingdom of God through the resurrection of Christ. Christians who have resurrection hope are powerful and free. They can testify to Jesus’ name before governors and kings, before presidents, before family, friends and classmates, whatever the consequences may be. Now America is in a fierce spiritual battle; it is a battle for the soul of our nation. We are becoming like Europe where over one million people a year are leaving the church. We are slowly becoming like the Roman Empire. Christians must be the salt of the earth, the light of the world. This will be costly. But with hope in the resurrection we can stand for God’s truth as Paul did. Jesus is the only hope in this generation wallowing in the darkness. May God help us teach God’s word as it is, with resurrection faith. Amen.
Second, The Risen Christ Had Compassion On Paul (12-15).
In verses 12-15 Paul explained how he met the Risen Christ. “ On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15"Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?'” When he was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, he saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around him and his companions. This bright light was the presence of the holy God (1Jn 1:5). When this bright light of the Risen Christ shone on Paul, it illuminated his dark inner person…fully. This divine light of the Risen Christ changed Paul into a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17) After this, Paul could be a light to the Gentiles, pointing to the great light, Jesus. We see many dark and dirty things in this world. We are burdened with our own sinful natures. But when we look at the light of Christ through sincere prayer and Bible study, he renews our souls, makes in to new creations and light to others.
The Risen Christ spoke to Paul. He said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” The Risen Christ knew Paul by name. He is our personal God. The Risen Christ helped him realize what he was doing. He was persecuting God Almighty, the glorious Risen Christ. Then the Risen Christ said, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” It was an exact description of Paul’s inner life. A goad was a sharp prod used to drive draft animals forward by pricking their backsides. Most animals go forward when prodded, but some are rebellious. They kick against the goads. They resist to the point of self-destruction.
Outwardly, Paul looked like a pious man trying to do the will of God as he knew it. But inwardly, he was suffering more than those he persecuted. Each time he damaged a Christian, he damaged his own soul more. His life was too hard to endure any longer. The Risen Christ understood his suffering. The Risen Christ visited him to help him surrender to the sovereign call of God. The Risen Christ had great compassion on this most rebellious man. This compassion melted Paul’s heart and he recognized Jesus as the Lord. Paul surrendered to the compassion of Christ. It also became the foundation for Paul to be a compassionate shepherd for so many. We must stop and realize how the Risen Christ is so compassionate toward each one of us. We may not meet him in a blaze of light, like Paul did. But when we simply believe his word of promise, he comes into our hearts, forgives our sins and makes us compassionate shepherds.
Third, The Risen Christ Appointed Paul As His Servant (16-19).
Meeting the Risen Christ was a dramatic experience for Paul. He might have felt he needed time to digest its meaning. But the Risen Christ said in verse 16, “Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.” The Risen Christ wanted Paul to stand up before him as a new creation, ready to begin his new life…right away. The Risen Christ immediately appointed Paul as a servant of God, as a witness of the Risen Christ. It was the most successful example of raising a disciple in history. In a few minutes, he was changed from God’s enemy into the Apostle Paul, God’s chosen servant for world salvation. From this point on, Paul lived the rest of his life with this clear identity. He was a servant of Christ Jesus, set apart for the gospel of God.
Paul knew that his drastic transformation would have consequences. The Jews would want to kill him. However, the Risen Christ promised Paul, “I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles” (17a). The Risen Christ would rescue him. No one is wiser than the Risen Christ. No one is stronger than the Risen Christ. When the Risen Christ says he will rescue a person, that person will be rescued. Paul accepted this promise of protection in his heart. Paul entrusted his life to the Risen Christ. From that time on, he boldly went wherever the Risen Christ sent him, with the full assurance of God’s protection.
The Risen Christ saved Paul to use him as a blessing to the whole world. Verses 17b-18 say, “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” The world is in the darkness and under the power of Satan. God sent Paul to turn people from darkness to light, from Satan to God. The Risen Christ wanted all people of all nations to hear the gospel and be saved. The Risen Christ wanted God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. This was the vision of the Risen Christ. Paul was chosen to carry out this vision.
Fourth, “I Was Not Disobedient To The Vision From Heaven” (19-23).
How did Paul respond to God’s vision? Look at verse 19. “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.” In saying this, he was acknowledging God’s sovereignty in world salvation work. He did not choose Jesus. Jesus chose him. Jesus appointed him for the mission when he was living as Jesus’ enemy. Paul did nothing but surrender to the grace and calling of Jesus. It was God who was carrying out the work of world salvation. Sometimes Paul could do nothing. Once he said, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2Cor 1:8b,9). Paul believed that when he was not disobedient, God would intervene. When he depended on God with resurrection hope, God empowered him with God’s strength. So he did not credit himself with a positive obedience, but only as one who totally depended on God.
Let’s examine the facts of God’s protection to Paul. After his conversion, Paul began to preach the gospel in Damascus, where he had been planning to persecute Christians. He preached so boldly and decisively that the Jewish leaders tried to kill him. So he escaped in a basket. Later, he went to Jerusalem and preached. Again, the unbelieving Jews wanted to kill him. He had to escape. He went to all Judea. Then he went to the Gentiles through three mission journeys. It was God’s power, especially the resurrection power of Christ, that had brought him thus far. Now he was on the way to Rome. These are the facts. Can you trust Jesus with your life and ministry?
Paul’s gospel ministry was not his own idea. It was God’s work according to the vision from heaven. It was also rooted in God’s promises in Scripture. It was part of what Moses and the Prophets foretold. Look at verses 22-23. “But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen–that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” Having vision for yourself should never begin, “I feel God is calling me to this.” It is never based on feelings, but on the facts. It must be based on the facts of the history of what God has been doing, the facts of what God is presently doing in your life and the facts of the word of God. As a ministry, God has given us a vision from heaven to establish a Jesus centered house church on every campus in Canada and the United States. We have vision to establish North America as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. For us at NIU UBF, we have vision to establish a life giving discipleship ministry, at NIU, through 1:1 Bible study and house church ministry. In God’s time we can be used to pioneer the D.E.A.R. area, (DeKalb, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford) Indeed God wants to turn the hearts of young people from the darkness of sin and death to the light of Jesus. God is using our one-to-one Bible study to do so. Still, it is a fierce spiritual battle that few want to join in. Sometimes we wonder if it is worth the cost. Sometimes we feel helpless. Sometimes we feel alone. Sometimes we cannot say, “I was obedient.” But at least we must say, “I was not disobedient.” When we depend totally on God and have resurrection hope we can be used by God, like Paul was. May God grant Julie resurrection faith and hope to plant the seeds of the prayer at Wabansee Community College in Aurora as she studies accounting there.
Fifth, Paul Appeals To King Agrippa (24-32).
At this point, Festus interrupted Paul, saying, “You are out of your mind Paul.” In modern terms it would be, “You are crazy!” To the unspiritual man, resurrection, God’s vision, and eternal life do not make sense. (Or if they can understand it, they think it is useless.) However, Paul used this interruption wisely. Paul said, “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” (25-27) Paul believed that Agrippa, deep down in his heart, had a holy desire and boldly appealed to it. Paul wanted Agrippa to make a decision of faith to accept Jesus as his Savior. Agrippa realized this. Surprised, he said, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (28) Paul replied, “Short time or long–I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (29) Here we see Paul’s earnest prayer for King Agrippa and all in attendance. Paul had a broken shepherd heart for them. Paul had a prayer for them to be children of God and servants of the gospel, just as he was. Where did it come from? It was from the Risen Christ, who had compassion on him when he was lost in the darkness of his sin.
In this passage we learned the importance of resurrection hope. The things of the world all perish, spoil and fade away. But through the resurrection of Christ, God gives us the kingdom of God as our inheritance, which is everlasting. This is our true hope. We also learned that God has given us a vision from heaven. It is to pioneer every campus in Canada and the United States with the gospel of Jesus through 1:1 Bible study and a “Jesus Centered” house church ministry. Ours is NIU. We did not choose God. God chose us to be his servants. May God help each one of us totally depend on God so we may not be disobedient to his vision.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
NIU Tragedy Memorial Message- One Year Later
Focus Your Eyes On Jesus And Number Your Days Aright
Key verse: Hebrews 12:2 2-14 -09 NIU Memorial Message
Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
February 14th is a day to celebrate love. But due to the events that occurred one year ago, this day has become, for many, a day of tragedy instead. Can this day ever be redeemed to be a day of love again? Yes. For those with eyes to see, February 14th is still a day of God’s love and we will see why. On Saturday, NIU sponsored a day of events and programs intended to remember those whom we lost. It was time to reflect on the tragedy that affected our campus and our community. These events are important because they promote healing in the hearts of the Huskie community and the people of DeKalb. There were many events that some of us attended. There was the commemorative ceremony at the NIU Convocation Center, entitled, “NIU remembers: A Legacy of Character.” There was the Art Exhibit entitled, “Today, We Are All Huskies.” There was the presentation of the Memorial Wreaths at the Martin Luther King Commons. There was the unveiling of the proposed memorial garden. And there was the Candle light vigil and reception also in the Martin Luther King Commons which our family, Tim and Carrie attended. In memory of the five students’ giving spirits, and in tribute to the generosity of the community that rallied around the campus, there was the beginning of a campaign of kindness called the “Huskies Acts of Kindness.” Hundreds of people performed random acts of kindness (to counter the random act of violence.) and posted small notes on a board. The question is, how can we see God’s love in the past events and in all events? How can we see God’s good conquering evil? What can be our response in light of the past events? Let us see.
Part l: Focus On Jesus And You Will See That Good Does Conquer Evil. (Hebrews 12:2)
Last week, at Haish gym, I noticed that one of my friends was on the tread mill without the television on . I asked him why there was no TV, when it seems that everyone watched TV, as they trotted off their miles. His wife said, “He doesn’t like watching TV. There is too much bad news.” Our conversation drifted towards how our society is being desensitized because of horrific images and how important it is for us to fill our minds with good things. I asked one friend if they went to any of the NIU shooting memorials. He said, “No, I would rather try to forget things like that.” In a sense, we really do have to struggle hard to protect our hearts. The Bible says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Php 4:8). The Bible also says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Prov 4:23) But for us, we can not just forget about what occurred. NIU is our mission field, and the students of NIU are the flock of our pasture. We need to face what happened, see God through all of the terrible events, find meaning in it and respond accordingly. We need to have a personal response to this tragedy that draws us closer to God and closer to each other.
Let’s review on what happened. On Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 3pm, a former Masters Degree student, entered into the Cole Hall lecture theater, 15 minutes before the end of class. There were 100 students in the 300 seat auditorium. He stepped onto the stage and began to shoot. The shooting only lasted a couple of minutes, but before it ended, 21 people were shot. Two were dead along with gunman, who had shot himself. Another three students died later. Dead are 20 yr old Gayle Dubowski, 20 yr old Catalina Garcia, 32 yr old Julianna Gehant, 19 yr old Ryanne Mace, and 20 yr old Daniel Parmenter. These students were in the prime of their lives, with promising and bright futures. They were well on their way to be sources of blessing to their communities. One was a reliable fraternity brother; another, a twenty year-old recognized for her deep faith; another a young woman who mentored others who shared her Hispanic background; another a former soldier studying to be a teacher and yet another, an honors student planning to be a counselor. Each of the five students killed in the shootings is remembered as caring and generous. They left a legacy of character. Our society did loose a treasure when we lost these students. But how can we tear free from the grip of darkness, that threatens to overshadow our hearts, and see God’s goodness conquering evil?
We know a God who works all things out according to his purpose. History does show that good does triumph over evil. So, the question remains, how can we interpret the good purposes of God in a heinous event? I liken our attempt to see the good in a senseless act to trying to see the 3-D images in a stereogram algorithm. Have you ever seen these pictures? At first, the picture appears to be a mess of blurred lines and a pile of images that don’t seem to make sense at all. They are chaotic and seem to have no meaning. It looks like a complicated mess actually. But hidden within these images are 3 –D images. I asked one lady at work if she ever saw one of these pictures. She said that she only saw it once. When I first saw these things I lied that I could see it. I said, “Oh yeah, I see it. Wow!” But really I could not. Everyone said, “You’re lying.” And I was. The technique to see the 3-D images is really an art. In order to see these images you need to first believe there is something there and then focus your eyes beyond the images themselves. They appear a little blurred and you look cross eyed, but you need to keep your eyes focus in that virtual spot and draw closer and closer to the image. Then, after many attempts, suddenly you are amazed to see a 3-D picture that you never imagined could be there. It slowly immerges out of the blurred lines and the chaotic patterns. If it is your first time, you are amazed. You exclaim, “I see it! I see it!” and nobody thinks you are lying this time. You can’t believe that it was there, all the time, right under your nose. You invite others to see it, but many can not.. And so it can be a very personal experience. Once you see it, it is like riding a bicycle, you know what to do….focus, draw near, keep focusing and voila! There it is! …even with a totally different picture. It becomes easier and easier.
And so it is with finding the meaning and the good in senseless tragedies. Events in this world seem chaotic and senseless. But we have to believe that there is some good to be found and seek it out. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is basic Christian faith to believe the God works for the good of those who love him…in all things. “All things” means, “All things.” ….the good and the bad and even the terribly ugly. There is something good that does come out of tragic events. Think about the senseless evil acts perpetrated against Jesus himself. All he tried to do was preach about the kingdom of heaven, raise disciples and draw people to himself and to his kingdom through his sacrificial love. The devil hated Jesus. Evil men tried to persecute Jesus. Eventually the devil used evil men to inflict unimaginable suffering on Jesus. He was mocked flogged and crucified. How horrific! What good can be seen in this? But there was! Through Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection eternal salvation was procured for all who put their faith in Jesus. There is good to be sought out and discovered in all things.
We need to make an effort to see beyond the events, beyond the chaos, and focus on Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 reads, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We need to keep our focus on Jesus and draw closer to him, never breaking our focus. If we don’t give up, then eventually we will see something in the events that we never thought were there before. What we see is very personal. Some may not see it or understand it. You may not fully understand it yourself. But God eventually opens our hearts to understand why and find meaning and direction in the midst of chaos. It is between you and God. Not only that, we can train ourselves to see the good in future tragedies that we all are surely going to face in our lives. These are unavoidable and so, why not be prepared?
At first, the events of 2/14/08 seem senseless, but one year later we can begin to see some of the good that occurred.. Let us take a brief survey of the facts. From the speech of President of Peters, at the candlelight vigil, it is obvious that the NIU and DeKalb/Sycamore communities are drawn closer than ever. The moto, “Forward, Together Forward.” revealed the resolute Husky Spirit. The whole community struggled to not let this tragedy define them, but rather to let love and togetherness define them. There is a sense of closeness and love among the people of our communities. This day has become a day filled with random acts of kindness. The five students left behind a legacy of character. There were yearly scholarships, of $4000 each, created for 5 NIU students generated out of a trust fund. These five students were honored today for their character, their ambitions and their service to Northern Illinois University and the world around them. A garden, with a curved peaceful walkway and five illuminated sections of cardinal, red granite will be built. More than 20 dawn redwood, white oak and evergreen trees will be planted at the site, which will also include benches for visitors. Additionally, a sculpture will be commissioned for the Memorial Garden. I plan to have many 1:1 Bible studies in the peace and the beauty of this garden. All year long there was a “Peace Room” at the student building. Methodist churches, from across Illinois, knitted 500 prayer scarves that were handed out at the NIU. Heroic acts of caring were revealed by our first responders at NIU and at Kish Hospital. I believe that many people have put their hope and trust in Jesus through this event. The list of good things that come out of this keeps growing. Can you see them? Believe that they are there; make an effort to seek them out by focusing on Jesus then God will open the eyes of your heart to see that, in Christ, God’s good does indeed conquer evil.
Part ll: Teach Us To Number Our Days Aright… (Ps 90:12a)
How tempting it is to just think about tragedies and have no personal response. We simply say to ourselves, “Oh, that’s terrible” and then move on. But there is a proper response and a personal lesson to be learned, a lesson with eternal consequences. How should we respond when five, promising, young students loose their lives? Listen to a few excerpts from Psalm 90.
“ Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God…. 10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span [a] is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away… 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days…. 16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. 17 May the favor [b] of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90: 1,2, 10, 12, 14, 16-17)
Last year I wrote about being proactive and reaching out to others before something bad happens. This year I want to encourage us all to “number our days aright.” We are living in a society where we don’t like to think about the end of our days. We avoid the subject of death. Those at the end of their lives are mostly out of sight in nursing facilities. We shy away from the dying. Students are noted for thinking that they are immortal. They think that their 40’s and 50’s are so far away that they will never reach them. Most think they will live to 90, go to university, own a house, get married, out live my parents and not outlive my children and that they will be able to enjoy things like traveling and visiting friends and relatives freely, all of their lives. The five students also may have had hopes like this. They never imagined that their young lives would come to an end in a matter of minutes. But they were. So may ours. We must learn number our days aright, be satisfied with God’s love, reveal God’s glory to others and serve God’s purpose in our lives.
The topic of numbering our days aright is dealt with in one of Jesus’ parables. In Luke 12b there was a certain rich man. The ground produced a good crop. This was God’s grace. But he thought of the crop as his own possession. He decided to retire early in Luke 12:19. He thought to himself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But in verse 20, God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” At the moment he was the most wealthy, he died. He could not bring his treasure with him. He was taken from this world to stand before God. Sobering isn’t it? He should have saw the end of his days and numbered his days aright.
So how can we number our days aright. In Luke 12 verses 29-31 Jesus tells us how, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” This is related to what Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In numbering their days aright, Jesus’ disciples must be different than ordinary people. The disciples of Jesus must seek the kingdom of God as of top priority. When we do so, he gives us all that we need in abundance. The kingdom of God is our ultimate reward! Briefly, let us think about the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is built by the blood of Jesus; it is forever (Rev 5:12). In this kingdom there are no tears or sorrows (Rev 21:4). There, we dwell with our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy eternal life with him. In his kingdom, the grace of Jesus, and the peace of God abound. While on earth, we live, by faith, as holy pilgrims. Such is the life of those who number
their days aright.
There is another characteristic of people who number their days aright, within Luke 12. In verse 33 Jesus goes on to tell his disciples, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” Faith in God’s kingdom must lead us to live sacrificially for the glory of God and for the sake of God’s people. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (34) When we number our days aright, we can be really useful in the work of God. Let us decide, today, to number our days aright right now! “For he (God) says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is
the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:2)
In conclusion, when faced with tragedies, let us focus our eyes on Jesus and never stop. Let us see the good in every tragedy. Let us number our days aright, deciding to seek God’s kingdom first and serve God’s purpose in our lives well. Especially, at this time, let us pray for the families of those who were slain. Pray for the healing of the hearts of all in the NIU community. And pray that the students’ legacies may continue to be legacies of character, love and service for years to come.
Key verse: Hebrews 12:2 2-14 -09 NIU Memorial Message
Shp Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
February 14th is a day to celebrate love. But due to the events that occurred one year ago, this day has become, for many, a day of tragedy instead. Can this day ever be redeemed to be a day of love again? Yes. For those with eyes to see, February 14th is still a day of God’s love and we will see why. On Saturday, NIU sponsored a day of events and programs intended to remember those whom we lost. It was time to reflect on the tragedy that affected our campus and our community. These events are important because they promote healing in the hearts of the Huskie community and the people of DeKalb. There were many events that some of us attended. There was the commemorative ceremony at the NIU Convocation Center, entitled, “NIU remembers: A Legacy of Character.” There was the Art Exhibit entitled, “Today, We Are All Huskies.” There was the presentation of the Memorial Wreaths at the Martin Luther King Commons. There was the unveiling of the proposed memorial garden. And there was the Candle light vigil and reception also in the Martin Luther King Commons which our family, Tim and Carrie attended. In memory of the five students’ giving spirits, and in tribute to the generosity of the community that rallied around the campus, there was the beginning of a campaign of kindness called the “Huskies Acts of Kindness.” Hundreds of people performed random acts of kindness (to counter the random act of violence.) and posted small notes on a board. The question is, how can we see God’s love in the past events and in all events? How can we see God’s good conquering evil? What can be our response in light of the past events? Let us see.
Part l: Focus On Jesus And You Will See That Good Does Conquer Evil. (Hebrews 12:2)
Last week, at Haish gym, I noticed that one of my friends was on the tread mill without the television on . I asked him why there was no TV, when it seems that everyone watched TV, as they trotted off their miles. His wife said, “He doesn’t like watching TV. There is too much bad news.” Our conversation drifted towards how our society is being desensitized because of horrific images and how important it is for us to fill our minds with good things. I asked one friend if they went to any of the NIU shooting memorials. He said, “No, I would rather try to forget things like that.” In a sense, we really do have to struggle hard to protect our hearts. The Bible says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Php 4:8). The Bible also says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Prov 4:23) But for us, we can not just forget about what occurred. NIU is our mission field, and the students of NIU are the flock of our pasture. We need to face what happened, see God through all of the terrible events, find meaning in it and respond accordingly. We need to have a personal response to this tragedy that draws us closer to God and closer to each other.
Let’s review on what happened. On Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 3pm, a former Masters Degree student, entered into the Cole Hall lecture theater, 15 minutes before the end of class. There were 100 students in the 300 seat auditorium. He stepped onto the stage and began to shoot. The shooting only lasted a couple of minutes, but before it ended, 21 people were shot. Two were dead along with gunman, who had shot himself. Another three students died later. Dead are 20 yr old Gayle Dubowski, 20 yr old Catalina Garcia, 32 yr old Julianna Gehant, 19 yr old Ryanne Mace, and 20 yr old Daniel Parmenter. These students were in the prime of their lives, with promising and bright futures. They were well on their way to be sources of blessing to their communities. One was a reliable fraternity brother; another, a twenty year-old recognized for her deep faith; another a young woman who mentored others who shared her Hispanic background; another a former soldier studying to be a teacher and yet another, an honors student planning to be a counselor. Each of the five students killed in the shootings is remembered as caring and generous. They left a legacy of character. Our society did loose a treasure when we lost these students. But how can we tear free from the grip of darkness, that threatens to overshadow our hearts, and see God’s goodness conquering evil?
We know a God who works all things out according to his purpose. History does show that good does triumph over evil. So, the question remains, how can we interpret the good purposes of God in a heinous event? I liken our attempt to see the good in a senseless act to trying to see the 3-D images in a stereogram algorithm. Have you ever seen these pictures? At first, the picture appears to be a mess of blurred lines and a pile of images that don’t seem to make sense at all. They are chaotic and seem to have no meaning. It looks like a complicated mess actually. But hidden within these images are 3 –D images. I asked one lady at work if she ever saw one of these pictures. She said that she only saw it once. When I first saw these things I lied that I could see it. I said, “Oh yeah, I see it. Wow!” But really I could not. Everyone said, “You’re lying.” And I was. The technique to see the 3-D images is really an art. In order to see these images you need to first believe there is something there and then focus your eyes beyond the images themselves. They appear a little blurred and you look cross eyed, but you need to keep your eyes focus in that virtual spot and draw closer and closer to the image. Then, after many attempts, suddenly you are amazed to see a 3-D picture that you never imagined could be there. It slowly immerges out of the blurred lines and the chaotic patterns. If it is your first time, you are amazed. You exclaim, “I see it! I see it!” and nobody thinks you are lying this time. You can’t believe that it was there, all the time, right under your nose. You invite others to see it, but many can not.. And so it can be a very personal experience. Once you see it, it is like riding a bicycle, you know what to do….focus, draw near, keep focusing and voila! There it is! …even with a totally different picture. It becomes easier and easier.
And so it is with finding the meaning and the good in senseless tragedies. Events in this world seem chaotic and senseless. But we have to believe that there is some good to be found and seek it out. Romans 8:28 reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is basic Christian faith to believe the God works for the good of those who love him…in all things. “All things” means, “All things.” ….the good and the bad and even the terribly ugly. There is something good that does come out of tragic events. Think about the senseless evil acts perpetrated against Jesus himself. All he tried to do was preach about the kingdom of heaven, raise disciples and draw people to himself and to his kingdom through his sacrificial love. The devil hated Jesus. Evil men tried to persecute Jesus. Eventually the devil used evil men to inflict unimaginable suffering on Jesus. He was mocked flogged and crucified. How horrific! What good can be seen in this? But there was! Through Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection eternal salvation was procured for all who put their faith in Jesus. There is good to be sought out and discovered in all things.
We need to make an effort to see beyond the events, beyond the chaos, and focus on Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 reads, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We need to keep our focus on Jesus and draw closer to him, never breaking our focus. If we don’t give up, then eventually we will see something in the events that we never thought were there before. What we see is very personal. Some may not see it or understand it. You may not fully understand it yourself. But God eventually opens our hearts to understand why and find meaning and direction in the midst of chaos. It is between you and God. Not only that, we can train ourselves to see the good in future tragedies that we all are surely going to face in our lives. These are unavoidable and so, why not be prepared?
At first, the events of 2/14/08 seem senseless, but one year later we can begin to see some of the good that occurred.. Let us take a brief survey of the facts. From the speech of President of Peters, at the candlelight vigil, it is obvious that the NIU and DeKalb/Sycamore communities are drawn closer than ever. The moto, “Forward, Together Forward.” revealed the resolute Husky Spirit. The whole community struggled to not let this tragedy define them, but rather to let love and togetherness define them. There is a sense of closeness and love among the people of our communities. This day has become a day filled with random acts of kindness. The five students left behind a legacy of character. There were yearly scholarships, of $4000 each, created for 5 NIU students generated out of a trust fund. These five students were honored today for their character, their ambitions and their service to Northern Illinois University and the world around them. A garden, with a curved peaceful walkway and five illuminated sections of cardinal, red granite will be built. More than 20 dawn redwood, white oak and evergreen trees will be planted at the site, which will also include benches for visitors. Additionally, a sculpture will be commissioned for the Memorial Garden. I plan to have many 1:1 Bible studies in the peace and the beauty of this garden. All year long there was a “Peace Room” at the student building. Methodist churches, from across Illinois, knitted 500 prayer scarves that were handed out at the NIU. Heroic acts of caring were revealed by our first responders at NIU and at Kish Hospital. I believe that many people have put their hope and trust in Jesus through this event. The list of good things that come out of this keeps growing. Can you see them? Believe that they are there; make an effort to seek them out by focusing on Jesus then God will open the eyes of your heart to see that, in Christ, God’s good does indeed conquer evil.
Part ll: Teach Us To Number Our Days Aright… (Ps 90:12a)
How tempting it is to just think about tragedies and have no personal response. We simply say to ourselves, “Oh, that’s terrible” and then move on. But there is a proper response and a personal lesson to be learned, a lesson with eternal consequences. How should we respond when five, promising, young students loose their lives? Listen to a few excerpts from Psalm 90.
“ Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God…. 10The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span [a] is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away… 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days…. 16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. 17 May the favor [b] of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90: 1,2, 10, 12, 14, 16-17)
Last year I wrote about being proactive and reaching out to others before something bad happens. This year I want to encourage us all to “number our days aright.” We are living in a society where we don’t like to think about the end of our days. We avoid the subject of death. Those at the end of their lives are mostly out of sight in nursing facilities. We shy away from the dying. Students are noted for thinking that they are immortal. They think that their 40’s and 50’s are so far away that they will never reach them. Most think they will live to 90, go to university, own a house, get married, out live my parents and not outlive my children and that they will be able to enjoy things like traveling and visiting friends and relatives freely, all of their lives. The five students also may have had hopes like this. They never imagined that their young lives would come to an end in a matter of minutes. But they were. So may ours. We must learn number our days aright, be satisfied with God’s love, reveal God’s glory to others and serve God’s purpose in our lives.
The topic of numbering our days aright is dealt with in one of Jesus’ parables. In Luke 12b there was a certain rich man. The ground produced a good crop. This was God’s grace. But he thought of the crop as his own possession. He decided to retire early in Luke 12:19. He thought to himself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But in verse 20, God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” At the moment he was the most wealthy, he died. He could not bring his treasure with him. He was taken from this world to stand before God. Sobering isn’t it? He should have saw the end of his days and numbered his days aright.
So how can we number our days aright. In Luke 12 verses 29-31 Jesus tells us how, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” This is related to what Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In numbering their days aright, Jesus’ disciples must be different than ordinary people. The disciples of Jesus must seek the kingdom of God as of top priority. When we do so, he gives us all that we need in abundance. The kingdom of God is our ultimate reward! Briefly, let us think about the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is built by the blood of Jesus; it is forever (Rev 5:12). In this kingdom there are no tears or sorrows (Rev 21:4). There, we dwell with our Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy eternal life with him. In his kingdom, the grace of Jesus, and the peace of God abound. While on earth, we live, by faith, as holy pilgrims. Such is the life of those who number
their days aright.
There is another characteristic of people who number their days aright, within Luke 12. In verse 33 Jesus goes on to tell his disciples, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” Faith in God’s kingdom must lead us to live sacrificially for the glory of God and for the sake of God’s people. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (34) When we number our days aright, we can be really useful in the work of God. Let us decide, today, to number our days aright right now! “For he (God) says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is
the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor 6:2)
In conclusion, when faced with tragedies, let us focus our eyes on Jesus and never stop. Let us see the good in every tragedy. Let us number our days aright, deciding to seek God’s kingdom first and serve God’s purpose in our lives well. Especially, at this time, let us pray for the families of those who were slain. Pray for the healing of the hearts of all in the NIU community. And pray that the students’ legacies may continue to be legacies of character, love and service for years to come.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Acts 25 Message
“I Appeal To Caesar!”
Acts 25: 1-27 Lesson 28
Key verse 25:11 By Jay Irwin NIU UBF 2/8/09
“If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
In today’s passage Paul stands on trial before governor Festus. The Jewish religious leaders were plotting to murder him, but God protected Paul and put words in his mouth as he testified boldly to the resurrection of Jesus. This passage teaches us important lessons regarding the justice of God, God’s protection, and the difference that faith in the resurrection makes in our lives. I pray that each of us may understand what it means to have the justice of God in our hearts and stand firm in any adverse situation. Let’s pray.
Part I, Paul’s trial before Governor Festus
The first 5 verses of chapter 25 paint a grim picture for us of Paul’s situation after having been arrested for preaching the gospel. Look at verses 1-5. Let’s read these verses responsively, “1Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong." The Jewish religious leaders were still operating under their oath to ambush and kill Paul. They had been looking for a way to fulfill their plan, but had no way of doing so until now. When Festus became the new governor of the land, they thought they could get Festus to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for a trial there. Their request seemed honest and simple, but their motives were devious and they would kill Paul on his way there. God knew of this evil plan, and blocked Paul from being transferred. Festus insisted that he would listen to Paul at Caesarea where Paul was being held in prison. God protected his servant Paul from the evil plots of the religious leaders.
This teaches us that God is a God who protects his servants and people. God protected many other prophets as well throughout history. When David was being pursued by king Saul, God protected David on numerous occasions. One time is psalm 41 he said, “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.” David trusted that God would protect him from all harm, especially from his immediate enemies. God is also protecting his servants today in our times. Can you think of ways that God has protected you or is protecting you these days?
Personally, I can see God’s hand of protection upon my life these days as well. God protected Carrie and I financially despite the hard economic times by allowing me to get hired at the Geek Squad and Carrie to get a temporary Spanish job at Geneva high school. He also recently blessed us with an apartment to make a spiritual environment and an inheritance from Carrie’s grandmother, this will help us as we prepare for the new baby boy on the way, due in June. God has also helped me to find spiritual protection from the devil’s temptations through my new year’s key verse Psalm 143:9, “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you.” I also pray for God’s protection upon my Bible students, Danny, Anthony, and Mark so that they would continue faithful Bible study and grow in God’s words. Let’s pray that God would open our eyes to see his protection in our day to day lives and give thanks to him for it.
Look at verses 6-7, Augustine can you read those verses for us please, “6After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.” The Jews accused Paul vehemently before governor Festus, but they could not prove anything they were saying. This probably means that they had no witnesses, nor did they have specific details such as times, dates, people, or places. Their claims were exaggerations and farces that they were using to try to make a case for Paul being guilty of committing a crime. They might have accused him with remarks like, “He causes uproars and riots among our people everywhere!”, “He disgraces and dishonors the Jewish religion by preaching about the resurrection of Jesus!”, “He brings Gentiles into the temple courts, defiling the holy temple!”, “He claims that there is a king greater than Caesar, named Jesus who was crucified some time ago!” We are not sure what they said exactly, but we do know that their charges were serious.
In verse 8 Paul makes his defense to the Jews’ accusations by saying, “8…"I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." In reality, such a bold and clear response did not come from Paul but from the Holy Spirit, for Jesus himself promised his disciples in Mark 13:11 saying, “11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
At times we too are at a loss as to what to say in difficult situations. When we are inviting students to Bible study on campus, sometimes we are not sure how to invite them exactly. Or when we talk to our family members about the gospel, at times we are not quite sure about what to say or how to say it. Likewise, sometimes the problems that people have are overwhelming to us and we don’t even know how to respond to them. Well, such situations are perfect opportunities for us to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us just the right words to speak to them.
Paul clearly explained that he had not done anything wrong against the Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. Paul used to be a Pharisee and he deeply respected God’s laws. As a follower of Jesus, he lived by faith, but he also still upheld the law in his practical life. Likewise, Paul had not brought Trophimus into the temple area as the Jews had assumed, instead he had only been seen together with him. He preached about Jesus not as a political king or as a rival to Rome, but as a spiritual king whose kingdom was not of this world. Festus replied by saying in verse 9, "…Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?" There was no reason for Paul to need to go back to Jerusalem to be tried again. Festus wasn’t really interested in seeing justice done regarding Paul’s case, he only wanted to do the Jews a favor and look good in their eyes. It was clear that Paul was innocent and that the charges brought against him were exaggerated and ungrounded. This was an official roman court, but justice was nowhere to be found; instead it was full of a spirit of false accusation and condemnation. How did Paul answer Festus’ question?
Sarah, can you read verses 10-11a please, “Paul answered, “I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them…" Paul repeated himself by saying he had done nothing wrong. He also understood that in court justice should be done. It is just for a guilty criminal to be punishment for his crimes, while an innocent criminal should be released without being punished. Paul was not afraid to die, and would accept death as the just punishment for any crime he might have committed.
Paul’s trial before governor Festus makes us think about issues of justice and righteousness. In this world, Paul was accused falsely and condemned. In this world Satan accuses people night and day. The devil is our accuser and he accuses people before God constantly. He makes us feel that we are condemned, and he enslaves us by our fear of death. Spiritually speaking, we are treated very unjustly by the devil and by the principle of this world if it were not for Jesus and his infinite justice. God is a God of justice, who saves us from the unjust treatment of the devil. The Bible declares that the foundation of the kingdom of God is justice and righteousness. Psalm 84:19 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” After meeting Jesus personally God put his justice and righteousness in Paul’s heart. Before, Paul had trusted in his own legalistic righteousness and tried to be justified based on his own good works. But he was only left feeling condemned and enslaved by his covetous desires. He must have felt guilty and burdened like a man on trial, but he came to put his faith fully in the righteousness that came from God through the blood of Jesus. Through this, Paul could have a clear sense of God’s justice which vindicated him before God and made him bold and fearless before these corrupted leaders. Even though he was guilty as a sinner before God’s court, having broken God’s holy laws, he was not afraid or intimidated by their condemning accusations. Instead, he stood his ground and believed that God would justify him and would make things right, even though that is not what was being done throughout his court case. God was on his side, and in God’s way justice would be done. God had freed him from spiritual condemnation in his heart that came from his sins. Though men tried to accuse him, God forgave him completely. And God would bring about his perfect justice through it all.
It is very important for us to trust in the justice of God in our lives as well. God is just, which means that he always does what is right. When people sin they feel guilty and their consciences condemn them. To sin is to commit a crime against God and it requires that we be punished and even put to death. Imagine if you were on trial in God’s court for all the crimes you committed throughout your lifetime, what would you say in your defense? Through we would try to say a lot, honestly, none of us would have anything to say except, “I’m guilty!”
However, Christ died in our place and took the punishment upon himself that we all deserved. His death frees us from the condemnation of our own hearts and consciences which always accused us before we knew Jesus personally. Jesus came to make the guilty innocent and to take all the offenses of humanity upon himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” When we repent of our sins and trust God’s justice given through Christ, then God does what is right; he frees our hearts from guilt and condemnation and we can be free to testify boldly about Christ in any situation.
Does the devil ever accuse you of things you have done wrong? How do you respond to such accusations? Are you ever accused by worldly people falsely? How do you respond to them? We should respond with humility and boldness, being firm in our faith in the justice and righteousness of God that Christ brought into our lives. We should not be intimidated or pushed around, but instead we should overcome the world with the grace that God has poured out into our hearts. We should be bold not to justify ourselves, but bold to proclaim the gospel. I pray that all of us today would trust in God’s justice and that God will do what is right and just in our lives.
One example of trusting in God’s justice can be seen in the life of a young Pakistani girl named Shafia. Voice of the Martyrs wrote about her heart-moving story. Her brother was killed and she was held captive by a violent kidnapper who tried to force her to convert from Christianity to Islam. In a section entitled “Trusting God’s justice” she shared her experience, she said,
“Previously, when I was pursuing my court case against my brother’s killers and against the person who raped me, I did not forgive them. I wanted to take revenge… Then, I read and heard in the Word that we should forgive our persecutors. It was very difficult for me to forgive them. This took about a year. Now, I have forgiven those who persecuted me. The Lord can do anything. He will do justice with me.” (VOM Feb 09, pg. 5)
Shafia found that through trusting in God’s justice in her life, she could forgive those who had wronged her and she could have peace for the future. Although she had been wronged by people, God had made things right in her heart. She knew that God would work things out in her life and would bring about his righteousness for her in his good time. This is the same work that God wants to do in our lives as well. We can know that even though we may have to pass through many injustices during this life, God has filled our hearts with his righteousness and justice. He is preparing us for life in the eternal kingdom to come where his justice and righteousness will endure forever.
Then, empowered by God’s grace, justice, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, Paul makes a bold statement by saying, “I appeal to Caesar!” Festus talked things over with his council, and being bound by Roman law, could only consent to Paul’s appeal to Caesar. So, Festus said, “…You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
The decision of Festus to send Paul to Caesar in Rome was actually God’s will. Because of the fact that Paul was a roman citizen, he had the right to have his case heard by Caesar himself in Rome. This would be like someone requesting that their case be heard by the Supreme court. But when we think about the bigger picture here, we know that God was working to send the gospel to all nations. What better way to send the gospel out than to have Paul sent to Rome, protected from the murderous Jewish leaders so that Paul could share the gospel with numerous Roman rulers, and even Caesar himself. If these leaders accepted the gospel then this would have a great impact on Rome and even the whole world, since Rome was the most powerful nation on earth at that time.
Part II, Festus consults king Agrippa about Pauls’ case
After a couple days, King Agrippa and Bernice came to honor governor Festus. Festus spoke to Agrippa about Paul’s case, telling him about how the Jews had accused Paul and how Paul had defended himself. Carrie, can you read verses 18-19 "18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” Festus didn’t fully know how to handle Paul’s case since the Jews were accusing Paul of numerous religious issues, which were things he was not familiar with. From Festus’ account, the Jews saw Jesus as “…a dead man…”, but Paul saw Jesus as one who was alive. This distinction reveals what difference faith in the resurrection makes in our lives.
The resurrection proves that Jesus did not die in vain and that everything he said was true. Jesus had not just died randomly like any old criminal on the cross, nor had he suffered pointlessly at the San Hedrin. Rather, Jesus had overcome sin, death, hell, and the grave by his powerful resurrection from the dead and was now alive. The message of the resurrection stuck in Festus’ mind as the key point of what Paul was on trial about.
Sometimes, it seems hard to know how believing in Jesus’ resurrection makes a difference in our lives today. The Bible says that Jesus died and rose again, but what difference does that make to us? The difference is that worldly people are influenced by us through our faith in the resurrection. If Paul would have never converted from Judaism to Christianity, governor Festus, king Agrippa, and many other Roman leaders would have never have heard the gospel. Through the resurrection Paul’s life was totally changed around.
God also wants to change our lives around entirely too, but that can only happen when we fully accept and believe that Jesus not only died, but that he also rose again. Our Christian life doesn’t stop at the forgiveness of our sins, instead it continues on with the victorious life over sin and death that Jesus wants to live out in us through the power of his resurrection. Faith in the resurrection is what makes us have an impact in the lives of unbelievers. Our friends might not remember a lot about us, but they will remember that we believe in a living Lord with whom we have a dynamic love relationship. Let’s pray that each of us may believe in the resurrection of Jesus and see what a difference that makes in our lives this week and beyond.
Agrippa requested to hear Paul for himself, so Festus made arrangements for Agrippa and the others who had come to stay there to hear Paul for themselves. In verses 23-27, we see the introduction to Paul’s trial before king Agrippa and numerous other Roman officials. Festus confessed that he had found nothing in Paul deserving the death penalty, and that he hoped that something definite could be written about Paul’s case as the arrangements were made to send him off to Caesar.
In conclusion, Acts 25 teaches us that God protects us in adverse situations. We should trust that God will give us words and wisdom to say in difficult situations through the Holy Spirit. It also reminds us of what God did through Christ to justify us and make us righteous despite our wrongs and crimes against heaven. Through trusting in God’s justice, our hearts are made strong and bold. Finally, we learned that faith in the resurrection makes a difference in our lives by allowing us to make an impact upon those around us.
One Word: Trust in God’s justice
Acts 25: 1-27 Lesson 28
Key verse 25:11 By Jay Irwin NIU UBF 2/8/09
“If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
In today’s passage Paul stands on trial before governor Festus. The Jewish religious leaders were plotting to murder him, but God protected Paul and put words in his mouth as he testified boldly to the resurrection of Jesus. This passage teaches us important lessons regarding the justice of God, God’s protection, and the difference that faith in the resurrection makes in our lives. I pray that each of us may understand what it means to have the justice of God in our hearts and stand firm in any adverse situation. Let’s pray.
Part I, Paul’s trial before Governor Festus
The first 5 verses of chapter 25 paint a grim picture for us of Paul’s situation after having been arrested for preaching the gospel. Look at verses 1-5. Let’s read these verses responsively, “1Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2where the chief priests and Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. 3They urgently requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. 4Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. 5Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong." The Jewish religious leaders were still operating under their oath to ambush and kill Paul. They had been looking for a way to fulfill their plan, but had no way of doing so until now. When Festus became the new governor of the land, they thought they could get Festus to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for a trial there. Their request seemed honest and simple, but their motives were devious and they would kill Paul on his way there. God knew of this evil plan, and blocked Paul from being transferred. Festus insisted that he would listen to Paul at Caesarea where Paul was being held in prison. God protected his servant Paul from the evil plots of the religious leaders.
This teaches us that God is a God who protects his servants and people. God protected many other prophets as well throughout history. When David was being pursued by king Saul, God protected David on numerous occasions. One time is psalm 41 he said, “The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.” David trusted that God would protect him from all harm, especially from his immediate enemies. God is also protecting his servants today in our times. Can you think of ways that God has protected you or is protecting you these days?
Personally, I can see God’s hand of protection upon my life these days as well. God protected Carrie and I financially despite the hard economic times by allowing me to get hired at the Geek Squad and Carrie to get a temporary Spanish job at Geneva high school. He also recently blessed us with an apartment to make a spiritual environment and an inheritance from Carrie’s grandmother, this will help us as we prepare for the new baby boy on the way, due in June. God has also helped me to find spiritual protection from the devil’s temptations through my new year’s key verse Psalm 143:9, “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you.” I also pray for God’s protection upon my Bible students, Danny, Anthony, and Mark so that they would continue faithful Bible study and grow in God’s words. Let’s pray that God would open our eyes to see his protection in our day to day lives and give thanks to him for it.
Look at verses 6-7, Augustine can you read those verses for us please, “6After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. 7When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove.” The Jews accused Paul vehemently before governor Festus, but they could not prove anything they were saying. This probably means that they had no witnesses, nor did they have specific details such as times, dates, people, or places. Their claims were exaggerations and farces that they were using to try to make a case for Paul being guilty of committing a crime. They might have accused him with remarks like, “He causes uproars and riots among our people everywhere!”, “He disgraces and dishonors the Jewish religion by preaching about the resurrection of Jesus!”, “He brings Gentiles into the temple courts, defiling the holy temple!”, “He claims that there is a king greater than Caesar, named Jesus who was crucified some time ago!” We are not sure what they said exactly, but we do know that their charges were serious.
In verse 8 Paul makes his defense to the Jews’ accusations by saying, “8…"I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." In reality, such a bold and clear response did not come from Paul but from the Holy Spirit, for Jesus himself promised his disciples in Mark 13:11 saying, “11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
At times we too are at a loss as to what to say in difficult situations. When we are inviting students to Bible study on campus, sometimes we are not sure how to invite them exactly. Or when we talk to our family members about the gospel, at times we are not quite sure about what to say or how to say it. Likewise, sometimes the problems that people have are overwhelming to us and we don’t even know how to respond to them. Well, such situations are perfect opportunities for us to rely on the Holy Spirit to give us just the right words to speak to them.
Paul clearly explained that he had not done anything wrong against the Jewish law, the temple, or Caesar. Paul used to be a Pharisee and he deeply respected God’s laws. As a follower of Jesus, he lived by faith, but he also still upheld the law in his practical life. Likewise, Paul had not brought Trophimus into the temple area as the Jews had assumed, instead he had only been seen together with him. He preached about Jesus not as a political king or as a rival to Rome, but as a spiritual king whose kingdom was not of this world. Festus replied by saying in verse 9, "…Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?" There was no reason for Paul to need to go back to Jerusalem to be tried again. Festus wasn’t really interested in seeing justice done regarding Paul’s case, he only wanted to do the Jews a favor and look good in their eyes. It was clear that Paul was innocent and that the charges brought against him were exaggerated and ungrounded. This was an official roman court, but justice was nowhere to be found; instead it was full of a spirit of false accusation and condemnation. How did Paul answer Festus’ question?
Sarah, can you read verses 10-11a please, “Paul answered, “I am now standing before Caesar's court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them…" Paul repeated himself by saying he had done nothing wrong. He also understood that in court justice should be done. It is just for a guilty criminal to be punishment for his crimes, while an innocent criminal should be released without being punished. Paul was not afraid to die, and would accept death as the just punishment for any crime he might have committed.
Paul’s trial before governor Festus makes us think about issues of justice and righteousness. In this world, Paul was accused falsely and condemned. In this world Satan accuses people night and day. The devil is our accuser and he accuses people before God constantly. He makes us feel that we are condemned, and he enslaves us by our fear of death. Spiritually speaking, we are treated very unjustly by the devil and by the principle of this world if it were not for Jesus and his infinite justice. God is a God of justice, who saves us from the unjust treatment of the devil. The Bible declares that the foundation of the kingdom of God is justice and righteousness. Psalm 84:19 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” After meeting Jesus personally God put his justice and righteousness in Paul’s heart. Before, Paul had trusted in his own legalistic righteousness and tried to be justified based on his own good works. But he was only left feeling condemned and enslaved by his covetous desires. He must have felt guilty and burdened like a man on trial, but he came to put his faith fully in the righteousness that came from God through the blood of Jesus. Through this, Paul could have a clear sense of God’s justice which vindicated him before God and made him bold and fearless before these corrupted leaders. Even though he was guilty as a sinner before God’s court, having broken God’s holy laws, he was not afraid or intimidated by their condemning accusations. Instead, he stood his ground and believed that God would justify him and would make things right, even though that is not what was being done throughout his court case. God was on his side, and in God’s way justice would be done. God had freed him from spiritual condemnation in his heart that came from his sins. Though men tried to accuse him, God forgave him completely. And God would bring about his perfect justice through it all.
It is very important for us to trust in the justice of God in our lives as well. God is just, which means that he always does what is right. When people sin they feel guilty and their consciences condemn them. To sin is to commit a crime against God and it requires that we be punished and even put to death. Imagine if you were on trial in God’s court for all the crimes you committed throughout your lifetime, what would you say in your defense? Through we would try to say a lot, honestly, none of us would have anything to say except, “I’m guilty!”
However, Christ died in our place and took the punishment upon himself that we all deserved. His death frees us from the condemnation of our own hearts and consciences which always accused us before we knew Jesus personally. Jesus came to make the guilty innocent and to take all the offenses of humanity upon himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” When we repent of our sins and trust God’s justice given through Christ, then God does what is right; he frees our hearts from guilt and condemnation and we can be free to testify boldly about Christ in any situation.
Does the devil ever accuse you of things you have done wrong? How do you respond to such accusations? Are you ever accused by worldly people falsely? How do you respond to them? We should respond with humility and boldness, being firm in our faith in the justice and righteousness of God that Christ brought into our lives. We should not be intimidated or pushed around, but instead we should overcome the world with the grace that God has poured out into our hearts. We should be bold not to justify ourselves, but bold to proclaim the gospel. I pray that all of us today would trust in God’s justice and that God will do what is right and just in our lives.
One example of trusting in God’s justice can be seen in the life of a young Pakistani girl named Shafia. Voice of the Martyrs wrote about her heart-moving story. Her brother was killed and she was held captive by a violent kidnapper who tried to force her to convert from Christianity to Islam. In a section entitled “Trusting God’s justice” she shared her experience, she said,
“Previously, when I was pursuing my court case against my brother’s killers and against the person who raped me, I did not forgive them. I wanted to take revenge… Then, I read and heard in the Word that we should forgive our persecutors. It was very difficult for me to forgive them. This took about a year. Now, I have forgiven those who persecuted me. The Lord can do anything. He will do justice with me.” (VOM Feb 09, pg. 5)
Shafia found that through trusting in God’s justice in her life, she could forgive those who had wronged her and she could have peace for the future. Although she had been wronged by people, God had made things right in her heart. She knew that God would work things out in her life and would bring about his righteousness for her in his good time. This is the same work that God wants to do in our lives as well. We can know that even though we may have to pass through many injustices during this life, God has filled our hearts with his righteousness and justice. He is preparing us for life in the eternal kingdom to come where his justice and righteousness will endure forever.
Then, empowered by God’s grace, justice, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit, Paul makes a bold statement by saying, “I appeal to Caesar!” Festus talked things over with his council, and being bound by Roman law, could only consent to Paul’s appeal to Caesar. So, Festus said, “…You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!"
The decision of Festus to send Paul to Caesar in Rome was actually God’s will. Because of the fact that Paul was a roman citizen, he had the right to have his case heard by Caesar himself in Rome. This would be like someone requesting that their case be heard by the Supreme court. But when we think about the bigger picture here, we know that God was working to send the gospel to all nations. What better way to send the gospel out than to have Paul sent to Rome, protected from the murderous Jewish leaders so that Paul could share the gospel with numerous Roman rulers, and even Caesar himself. If these leaders accepted the gospel then this would have a great impact on Rome and even the whole world, since Rome was the most powerful nation on earth at that time.
Part II, Festus consults king Agrippa about Pauls’ case
After a couple days, King Agrippa and Bernice came to honor governor Festus. Festus spoke to Agrippa about Paul’s case, telling him about how the Jews had accused Paul and how Paul had defended himself. Carrie, can you read verses 18-19 "18When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” Festus didn’t fully know how to handle Paul’s case since the Jews were accusing Paul of numerous religious issues, which were things he was not familiar with. From Festus’ account, the Jews saw Jesus as “…a dead man…”, but Paul saw Jesus as one who was alive. This distinction reveals what difference faith in the resurrection makes in our lives.
The resurrection proves that Jesus did not die in vain and that everything he said was true. Jesus had not just died randomly like any old criminal on the cross, nor had he suffered pointlessly at the San Hedrin. Rather, Jesus had overcome sin, death, hell, and the grave by his powerful resurrection from the dead and was now alive. The message of the resurrection stuck in Festus’ mind as the key point of what Paul was on trial about.
Sometimes, it seems hard to know how believing in Jesus’ resurrection makes a difference in our lives today. The Bible says that Jesus died and rose again, but what difference does that make to us? The difference is that worldly people are influenced by us through our faith in the resurrection. If Paul would have never converted from Judaism to Christianity, governor Festus, king Agrippa, and many other Roman leaders would have never have heard the gospel. Through the resurrection Paul’s life was totally changed around.
God also wants to change our lives around entirely too, but that can only happen when we fully accept and believe that Jesus not only died, but that he also rose again. Our Christian life doesn’t stop at the forgiveness of our sins, instead it continues on with the victorious life over sin and death that Jesus wants to live out in us through the power of his resurrection. Faith in the resurrection is what makes us have an impact in the lives of unbelievers. Our friends might not remember a lot about us, but they will remember that we believe in a living Lord with whom we have a dynamic love relationship. Let’s pray that each of us may believe in the resurrection of Jesus and see what a difference that makes in our lives this week and beyond.
Agrippa requested to hear Paul for himself, so Festus made arrangements for Agrippa and the others who had come to stay there to hear Paul for themselves. In verses 23-27, we see the introduction to Paul’s trial before king Agrippa and numerous other Roman officials. Festus confessed that he had found nothing in Paul deserving the death penalty, and that he hoped that something definite could be written about Paul’s case as the arrangements were made to send him off to Caesar.
In conclusion, Acts 25 teaches us that God protects us in adverse situations. We should trust that God will give us words and wisdom to say in difficult situations through the Holy Spirit. It also reminds us of what God did through Christ to justify us and make us righteous despite our wrongs and crimes against heaven. Through trusting in God’s justice, our hearts are made strong and bold. Finally, we learned that faith in the resurrection makes a difference in our lives by allowing us to make an impact upon those around us.
One Word: Trust in God’s justice
Acts 24 Message
Paul’s Hope In The Resurrection
Acts 24:1-27 Lesson 27
Key verse 24:15
“...and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the
righteous and the wicked.”
Today, Paul stands on trial before Governor Felix. Paul did not try to save himself. Instead, he sought to please God. He also shepherded Governor Felix with the gospel truth. We can learn Paul’s hope in the resurrection of the dead and his shepherd heart for one lost person, like Felix May God bless our study today.
First, Paul Was Imprisoned Without A Charge (1-13).
As we studied, Paul was taken to Caesarea by 470 Roman soldiers. It was a spectacular rescue, demonstrating that God was with Paul. Paul was kept under guard in Herod’s palace. Then, five days after Paul’s arrival, his accusers–the high priest Ananias, together with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus–came to Caesarea and brought their charges against Paul. Tertullus must have been a famous trial lawyer. He knew how to work the crowd and manipulate the atmosphere in order to achieve his goal. His opening remarks were full flattery. He said, “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly” (2-4).
Tertullus spoke very eloquently but despite his fancy words, there was no basis to charge Paul. Look at verses 5-8. (We will also include the footnote in the bottom of the page.) “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander, Lysias, came and with the use of much force snatched him from our hands and ordered his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” When we look at this statement carefully, we notice that there are no facts mentioned. There is no date, place or specific action, but only groundless accusations, laced with loaded words, such as “ringleader.” and “Nazarene Sect”. He sensationalized the rumors to captivate the people, like a good newspaper reporter. What is more, Tertullus implies that if Lysias had not acted so ruthlessly, the whole matter could have been settled peacefully in Jerusalem. But the fact was, they would have killed Paul. Tertullus’ plan worked for as Tertullus spoke, the Jews joined in the accusations (9). He had used the crowd to serve his own diabolical purpose. He was revealing the character of the devil who is a lair and the father of lies and a murderer. (Jn 8:44)
Paul acknowledged Felix’s authority and spoke based on facts. When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me” (10-13). He had done nothing more in Jerusalem than go to the temple to worship God. Now, because of slanderous lies, he was now branded as a dangerous criminal. As Jesus had been slandered and falsely accused, Paul was also. It should not surprise God’s servants to be hated by the world. In fact, anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim 3:12) They will be hated. It is not because they did something wrong, but because the devil opposes God’s work. Jesus described his own persecution, by saying: “They hated me without reason” (Jn 15:25). There are some who think they can who think they can do the work of God without any persecution. They think that if they are nice enough and sincere enough then this world will accept their work and understand them. If this was possible then Jesus surely could have done it. We are not better than Jesus.
Second, Paul’s Faith In Jesus And In The Word Of God (14).
If Paul was only thinking about getting out of the situation, he could have stopped speaking after verse 13. But he did not. In verses 14-16, Paul continues with a personal testimony. In doing so, he reveals his faith in Jesus and in the word of God. Look at verse 14. “However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets....” Paul worshiped God, the God of Israel. He worshiped God as a follower of the Way. Here, “the Way” refers to Christianity. Ultimately it refers to Jesus himself. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Mk 15:38). This curtain represented the wall of separation between God and men because of sin. Jesus died for our sins. Now we can come to God and have a personal relationship with the living God through the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:20-22 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith....” Jesus is the way to God. Without Jesus no one can come to God.
Paul was not ashamed of Jesus or the ways of Jesus. When Paul said that he was a follower of the Way, he added, “which they call a sect.” This was a derogatory expression of the Jewish leaders to discredit Christianity, referring it as some unrecognized religious organization. They wanted to shame Christians and make them powerless and useless. It was the devil’s temptation. But Jesus had warned his disciples, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mk 8:38). Peter said, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1Pe 4:16). Paul was not intimidated by the devil’s pressure. Paul clearly identified himself as a follower of the Way, that is, Jesus Christ, though the corrupted said it was a sect. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes....” We must not be ashamed of Jesus, or Jesus’ words or the ways of Jesus before corrupted people. We must identify ourselves boldly as Jesus’ disciples. We must boldly go fishing on the campuses of our universities. We must boldly pray in Jesus’ name whenever we eat, at home and in public. We need to identify ourselves as Christians before our friends and family.
Paul also confessed his absolute faith in the Law and the Prophets, that is, in the Bible. Look at verse 14b, “…I believe everything that agrees with Law and that is written in the Prophets.” Paul had discovered that the Law and the Prophets pointed to Christ and found fulfillment in Christ. Paul’s faith in Christ was not based on his personal experience alone, or even on the life and ministry of Jesus alone. It was rooted in the Scriptures. Paul had mastered the faith that Jesus really wanted his disciples to have. (Jn 2:22) Jesus had said in Luke 24:44, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Jesus really wants us to believe, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1Co 15:3,4). When we believe God’s promise, rooted in his word, instead of focusing in on our present situation or our visible reality alone, we have faith that pleases God. Thank God that this does not depend on how we feel or on our present situation. What pleases God is that we believe the word of God simply because it is the word of God. May God help us believe the word of God like Paul did.
There are many people who are like Paul, who live by faith in the word of God, despite of hardships and persecutions. Think about our missionaries in the strictly Muslim nations of the Middle East. Because of strict government controls, they cannot go fishing on the campuses. They cannot even go onto the campuses. If they try to share the gospel openly, they will be deported. For them, it is a very real possibility that they may invest their whole lives in the mission without seeing any visible result. Sometimes it seems like they can do nothing. But they have faith in God’s word. They believe that one day God will bring the gospel light to those living in darkness. They may not see it with their own eyes. But they believe it. They struggle every day to overcome discouragement by holding onto the word of God.
We pray that God may make North America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Sometimes this seems irrational or unbelievable. It seems that this country is drifting towards at liberal atheism. But our faith is rooted in the promise of God (Ex 19:6; 1 Pet 2:9). God is pleased by our faith when we hold onto a personal promise of God. We must believe God’s victory for us in this world and final victory in heaven. Sometimes we despair about school, or the difficult financial situation, or the atmosphere where most people don’t seem to want to get to know Jesus, let alone serve him. May God help us to believe one promise of God from our heart and experience God’s victory. We have ups and downs in life. Our world is ever changing. But our faith in Jesus based on the Scriptures must be constant. With this faith we can study the word of God deeply, building up our Bible material. We can study hard. We can develop our music program. We can strengthen our house churches and train disciples, even in the midst of persecution….all because of our faith in Jesus and the words of God.
Third, Paul’s Hope In The Resurrection (15-21).
Paul goes on to speak of his hope in the resurrection of the dead. Look at verse 15. “...and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” This hope began to be realized when God raised Jesus from the dead. God proved that he is the almighty, living God and that Jesus is the living Son of God (Ro 1:4). Jesus said in John 5:28,29, “...a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” Everyone will be raised from the dead, both the righteous and the wicked. When we believe the word of God, we can have hope in the resurrection.
However, the devil deceives people to think that death is the end of everything. He fills their hearts with the fear of death and controls their lives with this fear. Hebrews 2:15 says, “...and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” The fear of death makes people fatalistic. The fear of death makes people despair. The fear of death makes people powerless. Hedonism and moral corruption are rooted in the fear of death. Selfishness is rooted in the fear of death. The fear of death makes us live by the moto: “Save yourself.” But Jesus unmasked the reality of death. He taught that death is like sleeping (Jn 11:11). When life on earth ends, our souls go to the Lord and our bodies go to the dust. In God’s right time, our bodies will be raised. But they will not be like they were before. They will be spiritual bodies worthy of the kingdom of God. They will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1Co 15:42-43). There will be no hair loss, wrinkles, deformities, or pot bellies. We will bear the glorious image of Christ within and without. When we have this hope, we can live the way God wants us to live.
How did Paul life when he had resurrection faith? Paul concluded in verse 16, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Our deeds will be remembered. All pains borne for the work of God will be recognized. God will crown us with glory and give us eternal life in the kingdom of God. When Paul had this hope, he did his best to live before God with a clear conscience. He lived to please God and to be a blessing to others every day. Resurrection hope is not just a theory. It is very practical. Resurrection hope leads us to struggle hard to keep our consciences clear before God and man. Resurrection hope helps us resist the hedonism of the present culture. Instead of despairing, we can study hard to get all A’s. We can joyfully teach the Bible one-to-one to our friends and classmates. We can live a pure moral life, holding onto a good conscience, trusting in God’s future blessing. We can teach our children the word of God and pray for them like St Augustine’s mother, Monica, or Franklin Graham’s mother, Ruth Graham did. We can deny ourselves as live as shepherds of God’s flock. We can trust God with our future and go as missionaries to a foreign country one day. May God help each of us to have resurrection hope and strive to keep our consciences clear, living before God each day.
Fourth, Paul’s One-To-One Bible Study With Felix (22-27).
After hearing Paul, Governor Felix adjourned the proceedings, saying he would wait for Lysias before making his decision. Most likely he was stalling. It was clear that Paul was innocent, but Felix had no strength to do what was right. A lifetime of moral compromise had rendered him powerless to make tough decisions. He was like Pilate, remaining indecisive, caught in a human dilemma. Several days later he brought his wife and they listened to Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. It was a small group Bible study. Felix seemed to like Bible study. He found the truth of God refreshing to his soul. At the same time, he must have liked Paul, sensing his godly concern and his shepherd-like heart towards him. When Paul had hope in the resurrection, he was free, even though his was under house arrest. He was free to minister to Felix and he taught Felix and his wife joyfully. When life dealt him lemons he made lemonade.
But this beautiful 1:2 Bible study came to an end before Felix could accept Jesus. Look at verse 25. “As 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.’” Felix was convicted of his sin. Satan used fear to keep him from his Savior , Jesus. Felix, like Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-18), had taken another man’s wife. Paul’s words were interesting until they focused on “righteousness, self control and the judgment to come.” Felix should have repented. But he postponed until a more convenient time. He is like some who study the Bible until the topics start to touch their own sin problem. Then they say, “Don’t call me. I will call you when I am ready.” Many people will be glad to discuss the Gospel with you as long as it doesn’t touch their lives too personally. I had a weekly Bible study with an atheist for over two years and another for one year. They have one common trait. They both avoided personal application of the Bible. Christians do this too…not just atheists.
The gospel requires a personal decision to repent and believe in Jesus. Parents cannot do this for their children. Shepherds cannot do this for their Bible students. Sooner or later, each person must decide personally to repent and accept Jesus. Those who postpone this decision run a great risk, for we don’t know if we will live through tomorrow. Our hearts may harden beyond recovery. Felix lived in indecision for two years. Then his indecision eventually became a rejection of Christ. Without Christ he could not escape the judgment to come.
As you teach the Bible you will find that some will resist or run. But this is what the Gospel is all about – God’s power to change lives. The gospel is not effective until it moves from principles and doctrines of the Christian faith, into a life changing faith. When someone resists or runs from your witness, do not despair but take heart, for you have succeeded in making the Gospel personal.
In this passage we learn that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Let’s believe this Bible truth and live before God as followers of the Way, followers of Jesus. With resurrection faith, let us keep a clear conscience before God as we live as shepherds for our people. And may we move from the theoretical to the personal in our Bible teaching and in our practical walk with Jesus.
Acts 24:1-27 Lesson 27
Key verse 24:15
“...and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the
righteous and the wicked.”
Today, Paul stands on trial before Governor Felix. Paul did not try to save himself. Instead, he sought to please God. He also shepherded Governor Felix with the gospel truth. We can learn Paul’s hope in the resurrection of the dead and his shepherd heart for one lost person, like Felix May God bless our study today.
First, Paul Was Imprisoned Without A Charge (1-13).
As we studied, Paul was taken to Caesarea by 470 Roman soldiers. It was a spectacular rescue, demonstrating that God was with Paul. Paul was kept under guard in Herod’s palace. Then, five days after Paul’s arrival, his accusers–the high priest Ananias, together with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus–came to Caesarea and brought their charges against Paul. Tertullus must have been a famous trial lawyer. He knew how to work the crowd and manipulate the atmosphere in order to achieve his goal. His opening remarks were full flattery. He said, “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly” (2-4).
Tertullus spoke very eloquently but despite his fancy words, there was no basis to charge Paul. Look at verses 5-8. (We will also include the footnote in the bottom of the page.) “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him and wanted to judge him according to our law. But the commander, Lysias, came and with the use of much force snatched him from our hands and ordered his accusers to come before you. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” When we look at this statement carefully, we notice that there are no facts mentioned. There is no date, place or specific action, but only groundless accusations, laced with loaded words, such as “ringleader.” and “Nazarene Sect”. He sensationalized the rumors to captivate the people, like a good newspaper reporter. What is more, Tertullus implies that if Lysias had not acted so ruthlessly, the whole matter could have been settled peacefully in Jerusalem. But the fact was, they would have killed Paul. Tertullus’ plan worked for as Tertullus spoke, the Jews joined in the accusations (9). He had used the crowd to serve his own diabolical purpose. He was revealing the character of the devil who is a lair and the father of lies and a murderer. (Jn 8:44)
Paul acknowledged Felix’s authority and spoke based on facts. When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me” (10-13). He had done nothing more in Jerusalem than go to the temple to worship God. Now, because of slanderous lies, he was now branded as a dangerous criminal. As Jesus had been slandered and falsely accused, Paul was also. It should not surprise God’s servants to be hated by the world. In fact, anyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim 3:12) They will be hated. It is not because they did something wrong, but because the devil opposes God’s work. Jesus described his own persecution, by saying: “They hated me without reason” (Jn 15:25). There are some who think they can who think they can do the work of God without any persecution. They think that if they are nice enough and sincere enough then this world will accept their work and understand them. If this was possible then Jesus surely could have done it. We are not better than Jesus.
Second, Paul’s Faith In Jesus And In The Word Of God (14).
If Paul was only thinking about getting out of the situation, he could have stopped speaking after verse 13. But he did not. In verses 14-16, Paul continues with a personal testimony. In doing so, he reveals his faith in Jesus and in the word of God. Look at verse 14. “However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets....” Paul worshiped God, the God of Israel. He worshiped God as a follower of the Way. Here, “the Way” refers to Christianity. Ultimately it refers to Jesus himself. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Mk 15:38). This curtain represented the wall of separation between God and men because of sin. Jesus died for our sins. Now we can come to God and have a personal relationship with the living God through the blood of Jesus. Hebrews 10:20-22 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith....” Jesus is the way to God. Without Jesus no one can come to God.
Paul was not ashamed of Jesus or the ways of Jesus. When Paul said that he was a follower of the Way, he added, “which they call a sect.” This was a derogatory expression of the Jewish leaders to discredit Christianity, referring it as some unrecognized religious organization. They wanted to shame Christians and make them powerless and useless. It was the devil’s temptation. But Jesus had warned his disciples, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mk 8:38). Peter said, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1Pe 4:16). Paul was not intimidated by the devil’s pressure. Paul clearly identified himself as a follower of the Way, that is, Jesus Christ, though the corrupted said it was a sect. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes....” We must not be ashamed of Jesus, or Jesus’ words or the ways of Jesus before corrupted people. We must identify ourselves boldly as Jesus’ disciples. We must boldly go fishing on the campuses of our universities. We must boldly pray in Jesus’ name whenever we eat, at home and in public. We need to identify ourselves as Christians before our friends and family.
Paul also confessed his absolute faith in the Law and the Prophets, that is, in the Bible. Look at verse 14b, “…I believe everything that agrees with Law and that is written in the Prophets.” Paul had discovered that the Law and the Prophets pointed to Christ and found fulfillment in Christ. Paul’s faith in Christ was not based on his personal experience alone, or even on the life and ministry of Jesus alone. It was rooted in the Scriptures. Paul had mastered the faith that Jesus really wanted his disciples to have. (Jn 2:22) Jesus had said in Luke 24:44, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Jesus really wants us to believe, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1Co 15:3,4). When we believe God’s promise, rooted in his word, instead of focusing in on our present situation or our visible reality alone, we have faith that pleases God. Thank God that this does not depend on how we feel or on our present situation. What pleases God is that we believe the word of God simply because it is the word of God. May God help us believe the word of God like Paul did.
There are many people who are like Paul, who live by faith in the word of God, despite of hardships and persecutions. Think about our missionaries in the strictly Muslim nations of the Middle East. Because of strict government controls, they cannot go fishing on the campuses. They cannot even go onto the campuses. If they try to share the gospel openly, they will be deported. For them, it is a very real possibility that they may invest their whole lives in the mission without seeing any visible result. Sometimes it seems like they can do nothing. But they have faith in God’s word. They believe that one day God will bring the gospel light to those living in darkness. They may not see it with their own eyes. But they believe it. They struggle every day to overcome discouragement by holding onto the word of God.
We pray that God may make North America a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Sometimes this seems irrational or unbelievable. It seems that this country is drifting towards at liberal atheism. But our faith is rooted in the promise of God (Ex 19:6; 1 Pet 2:9). God is pleased by our faith when we hold onto a personal promise of God. We must believe God’s victory for us in this world and final victory in heaven. Sometimes we despair about school, or the difficult financial situation, or the atmosphere where most people don’t seem to want to get to know Jesus, let alone serve him. May God help us to believe one promise of God from our heart and experience God’s victory. We have ups and downs in life. Our world is ever changing. But our faith in Jesus based on the Scriptures must be constant. With this faith we can study the word of God deeply, building up our Bible material. We can study hard. We can develop our music program. We can strengthen our house churches and train disciples, even in the midst of persecution….all because of our faith in Jesus and the words of God.
Third, Paul’s Hope In The Resurrection (15-21).
Paul goes on to speak of his hope in the resurrection of the dead. Look at verse 15. “...and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” This hope began to be realized when God raised Jesus from the dead. God proved that he is the almighty, living God and that Jesus is the living Son of God (Ro 1:4). Jesus said in John 5:28,29, “...a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” Everyone will be raised from the dead, both the righteous and the wicked. When we believe the word of God, we can have hope in the resurrection.
However, the devil deceives people to think that death is the end of everything. He fills their hearts with the fear of death and controls their lives with this fear. Hebrews 2:15 says, “...and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” The fear of death makes people fatalistic. The fear of death makes people despair. The fear of death makes people powerless. Hedonism and moral corruption are rooted in the fear of death. Selfishness is rooted in the fear of death. The fear of death makes us live by the moto: “Save yourself.” But Jesus unmasked the reality of death. He taught that death is like sleeping (Jn 11:11). When life on earth ends, our souls go to the Lord and our bodies go to the dust. In God’s right time, our bodies will be raised. But they will not be like they were before. They will be spiritual bodies worthy of the kingdom of God. They will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual (1Co 15:42-43). There will be no hair loss, wrinkles, deformities, or pot bellies. We will bear the glorious image of Christ within and without. When we have this hope, we can live the way God wants us to live.
How did Paul life when he had resurrection faith? Paul concluded in verse 16, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Our deeds will be remembered. All pains borne for the work of God will be recognized. God will crown us with glory and give us eternal life in the kingdom of God. When Paul had this hope, he did his best to live before God with a clear conscience. He lived to please God and to be a blessing to others every day. Resurrection hope is not just a theory. It is very practical. Resurrection hope leads us to struggle hard to keep our consciences clear before God and man. Resurrection hope helps us resist the hedonism of the present culture. Instead of despairing, we can study hard to get all A’s. We can joyfully teach the Bible one-to-one to our friends and classmates. We can live a pure moral life, holding onto a good conscience, trusting in God’s future blessing. We can teach our children the word of God and pray for them like St Augustine’s mother, Monica, or Franklin Graham’s mother, Ruth Graham did. We can deny ourselves as live as shepherds of God’s flock. We can trust God with our future and go as missionaries to a foreign country one day. May God help each of us to have resurrection hope and strive to keep our consciences clear, living before God each day.
Fourth, Paul’s One-To-One Bible Study With Felix (22-27).
After hearing Paul, Governor Felix adjourned the proceedings, saying he would wait for Lysias before making his decision. Most likely he was stalling. It was clear that Paul was innocent, but Felix had no strength to do what was right. A lifetime of moral compromise had rendered him powerless to make tough decisions. He was like Pilate, remaining indecisive, caught in a human dilemma. Several days later he brought his wife and they listened to Paul speak about faith in Christ Jesus. It was a small group Bible study. Felix seemed to like Bible study. He found the truth of God refreshing to his soul. At the same time, he must have liked Paul, sensing his godly concern and his shepherd-like heart towards him. When Paul had hope in the resurrection, he was free, even though his was under house arrest. He was free to minister to Felix and he taught Felix and his wife joyfully. When life dealt him lemons he made lemonade.
But this beautiful 1:2 Bible study came to an end before Felix could accept Jesus. Look at verse 25. “As 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.’” Felix was convicted of his sin. Satan used fear to keep him from his Savior , Jesus. Felix, like Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-18), had taken another man’s wife. Paul’s words were interesting until they focused on “righteousness, self control and the judgment to come.” Felix should have repented. But he postponed until a more convenient time. He is like some who study the Bible until the topics start to touch their own sin problem. Then they say, “Don’t call me. I will call you when I am ready.” Many people will be glad to discuss the Gospel with you as long as it doesn’t touch their lives too personally. I had a weekly Bible study with an atheist for over two years and another for one year. They have one common trait. They both avoided personal application of the Bible. Christians do this too…not just atheists.
The gospel requires a personal decision to repent and believe in Jesus. Parents cannot do this for their children. Shepherds cannot do this for their Bible students. Sooner or later, each person must decide personally to repent and accept Jesus. Those who postpone this decision run a great risk, for we don’t know if we will live through tomorrow. Our hearts may harden beyond recovery. Felix lived in indecision for two years. Then his indecision eventually became a rejection of Christ. Without Christ he could not escape the judgment to come.
As you teach the Bible you will find that some will resist or run. But this is what the Gospel is all about – God’s power to change lives. The gospel is not effective until it moves from principles and doctrines of the Christian faith, into a life changing faith. When someone resists or runs from your witness, do not despair but take heart, for you have succeeded in making the Gospel personal.
In this passage we learn that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Let’s believe this Bible truth and live before God as followers of the Way, followers of Jesus. With resurrection faith, let us keep a clear conscience before God as we live as shepherds for our people. And may we move from the theoretical to the personal in our Bible teaching and in our practical walk with Jesus.
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