Text: 1Co 10:11
A. Marcus Antonius Felix - Governor of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Perea (A.D. 52-59).
Corruption of Felix (Act 23:26-24:27). a. His corruption hindered him from acquitting Paul. He wanted a bribe from Paul to release him (Act 24:26). He was more concerned with pleasing the Jews than to execute justice (Act 24:27). b. His corruption hindered him from accepting the gospel. Paul preached to him about faith in Christ (Act 24:24). Paul preached to him of righteousness (Act 24:25). Paul preached to him of self-control (Act 24:25). Paul preached to him of judgment to come (Act 24:25). However, he was unwilling to change his character to accept the gospel (Act 24:25).
Character of a Christian (2Ti 2:24). a. Character is essential in obeying the gospel. Some do not want to obey the gospel because they are rebellious (Eze 12:2) Some do not want to obey the gospel because they hate the reprove from the word of God (Isa 30:9-11; Joh 3:19-21). Some do not want to obey the gospel because they love pleasure more than God (2Ti 3:4,7; 1Jo 2:15-17). b. Character is essential in serving the Lord. One who would teach others must first teach himself (Mat 7:15; Rom 2:21-23). One who would take care of the church must first take care of his house (1Ti 3:5). One who would serve must first prove himself worthy (1Ti 3:10).
B. Pontius Pilate - Governor of Judea (A.D. 26-36).
Cowardice of Pilate (Mat 27:11-31; Mar 15:1-20; Luk 23:1-25; Joh 18:2819:16). a. His cowardice hindered him from acquitting Jesus. He was afraid of the consequences of releasing Jesus (Mat 27:24; Joh 19:12). He was more concerned with pleasing man than God (Mar 15:15). b. His cowardice hindered him from accepting the truth. He learnt that Jesus is the King (Joh 18:37). He learnt that Jesus is the Christ (Mat 27:17,22). He learnt that Jesus is the Son of God (Joh 19:7) However, he did not have the courage to seek and stand up for the truth (Joh 18:38). B.
Courage of a Christian (Psa 27:14). a. Courage is essential in obeying the gospel. Some do not want to obey the gospel because they are afraid of man’s opinion (Joh 5:44; Act 5:29). Some do not want to obey the gospel because they are afraid of being ridiculed by their friends (1Pe 4:4). Some do not want to obey the gospel because they are afraid of opposition from their families (Mat 10:34-37). b. Courage is essential in serving the Lord. One must not be afraid to reprove false doctrine (Rom 16:17). One must not be afraid to rebuke sin (2Ti 4:2). One must not be afraid to require discipline (Mat 18:15-17; 2Th 3:6,14).
C. Porcius Festus - Governor of Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Perea (A.D. 59-61).
Callousness of Festus (Act 25:1-26:32). a. His callousness hindered him from acquitting Paul. He was content to pass on the case of Paul to Caesar (Act 25:25). He was content to pass on the case of Paul to Herod Agrippa II (Act 25:26). b. His callousness hindered him from accepting the gospel. Festus learnt that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. (Act 2:36; 26:15,23). However, Festus probably believed the words of Paul but was unwilling to make the commitment to become a Christian (Act 26:27-28).
Commitment of a Christian (Rom 12:11). a. Commitment is essential in obeying the gospel. Some do not want to obey the gospel because following Christ requires constant self-denial (Luk 9:23). Some do not want to obey the gospel because following Christ requires constant self-sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Some do not want to obey the gospel because following Christ requires constant self-giving (2Co 8:5). b. Commitment is essential in serving the Lord. One who is committed will not turn back (Luk 9:62). One who is committed will not give excuses (Pro 22:13; 26:13). One who is committed will give of his best effort (Ecc 9:10).