The Lay Preacher Acts 24:24-25 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul… Learn — I. THE POSSIBILITY OF HEARING THE GOSPEL FROM WRONG MOTIVES (ver. 24). Felix sent for Paul, not from a sincere desire to know the truth, but to gratify his own whims. We hear the gospel from wrong motives — 1. When we regard it as a pleasing change in the daily routine of life. It afforded diversion for Felix and Drusilla. 2. When we hear it from interest or curiosity in the preacher, or service, or subject. 3. From a desire to please or oblige others. 4. From self-interest. Felix looked for ransom money (ver. 26). 5. From a false conception of the gospel, as moderating the severity of the law, and giving license to sin. II. THE POSSIBILITY OF HEARING THE GOSPEL FROM WRONG MOTIVES DEMANDS THE UTMOST FAITHFULNESS OF THE PREACHER. Paul knew the character of his audience, and saw the vast importance of the opportunity. He reasoned of — 1. "Righteousness" to the venal judge — a man on whose favour he was humanly dependent, but whom faithfulness will not permit him to flatter. 2. "Temperance" — soberness, chastity, to this immoral pair. 3. "Judgment to come" — to the unrighteous judge. III. FAITHFULNESS IN THE PREACHER WILL CERTAINLY BE INFLUENTIAL. "Felix trembled." He had not expected such a discourse, and never before heard such, particularly from the lips of a prisoner. 1. His conscience was aroused. He trembled — a proof that there was something good in him that felt itself drawn by the good. There is hope in such cases, if the conscience stricken will put forth suitable effort. 2. The power of God's Word was vindicated (Psalm 119:120; Hebrews 4:12, 13). IV. THE UTMOST FAITHFULNESS MAY FAIL OF ABSOLUTE SUCCESS. "Go thy way." How hard to break away from sin! He hesitated — postponed — and was lost. Felix is a sad representation of many hearers. 1. He trembled. 2. And yet he remained as he was. (The Lay Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. |
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