Preaching Faith in Christ

Felix “sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have convenient season, I will call for thee,” Acts 24:24-25.  Felix heard about faith in Christ and I’m going to preach about faith in Christ.  

Paul’s Reasoning about Faith in Christ

In Acts 24:25.  Paul reasoned of:

Righteousness

People generally think that they are righteous.  When you ask people if they want a tract, they often reply “I’m good.”  A lady at the seawall yesterday said she figured she’d be in heaven because she’s “lived a good life.”  That’s a typical reply.  A good life won’t get you to heaven.

When you are questioned about or caught doing something wrong, you’ll justify yourself or you’ll condemn the person who’s questioned you.  That’s typical.  Back in the days of the judges, “every man did that which right in his own eyes.” Solomon said, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man…”. You’re not right with God.  The Pharisees killed Jesus when he confronted them with their unrighteousness.

Faith in Christ gives you the righteousness of God.  The reason more people don’t jump at the opportunity to have his righteousness is that they won’t admit that their own righteousness is as filthy rags, Is 64:6, or as dung, Phil 3:8.  We know that God’s righteousness is perfect.  The Lord will exchange your sin for his righteousness if you’ll accept Jesus as your Savior.

Temperance

Temperance is moderation or control over your lusts and appetites.  If you are intemperate, you won’t admit that you have a problem.  Some will say, “I can handle my liquor.” Or, “I’m not obese; I’m just overweight.”  Or, “I’m not hooked on drugs, nicotine, sex, or whatever.”  Most people basically live after the flesh.

When you want to quit living after the flesh, it takes faith in Christ to quit.  He gives you the strength and grace to stop and have victory over sin.  Thank the Lord we are no longer under the remedy Jesus offered in Matthew, “If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off,” Matt 5:30.  

A fellow recently told me about a friend of his who got saved.  His life has completely changed; he’s a different man.  He changed by simply putting his faith in Christ.  Snd you will, too.

Judgment

Judgment to come for people alive today will be either the White Throne Judgment or the Judgment Seat of Christ.  The white throne judgment will be after the millennial reign of Jesus on earth.  

If you don’t believe on the Lord Jesus Christ before you die, you will be judged at the white throne judgment.  Since your name won’t be found written in the book of life, you will be cast into the lake of fire, forever.  It takes faith in Christ to escape this fire.

If you do believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ.  This is a judgment for what you have done for Jesus since you have been saved.  According to Eph 2:8-10, Jesus created you unto good works.  If you haven’t done anything for Jesus since you have been saved, you will suffer loss at this judgment, though you will still be saved.

Felix’s Reaction

In Acts 24:25, Felix trembled, he was under such heavy conviction, Acts 24:25.  What is your reaction?  When I preached to a bunch of teens in Alto Frio they visibly reacted.  Preachers have seen men whose knuckles were white as they held on to the back of a pew during the invitation.  

The Holy Spirit reproves of sin, righteousness and judgment.  Often his reproving disturbs you.  And it should.  Any reaction you have is better than none at all, even if you feel like throwing an egg at the preacher.

Felix’s Response

In Acts 24:25, Felix told Paul, “Go thy way for this time.”  Felix delayed responding to the message.  And not just once.  He sent for him often.  Felix thought he could deal with his dilemma at a convenient season.  He never did. Instead, Felix died and went to hell.  He became hard to the reproving work of the Holy Spirit in preaching.

Herod heard John the Baptist repeatedly, but he never responded.  He eventually cut John’s head off.  Agrippa heard Paul and said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”  The Philippian jailer, on the other hand, responded and said, “What must I do to be saved?”

What is Your Response to Faith in Christ?

Will you receive Jesus Christ and be saved?  See how to have Eternal Life. If you are saved, will you respond to the Holy Spirit and change accordingly?  Is there some sin of intemperance or some lack of service for the Lord that you need to change today?  Then don’t delay; don’t put it off.  Respond now.