SUMMARY: No proof
OVERVIEW: Paul stands trial before Governor Felix and defends himself. There is no proof that Paul did anything wrong, but Felix keeps Paul imprisoned, yet allows him some freedoms.
BIG IDEA: Be faithful in challenging circumstances. Trust God for the results.
KEY VERSE: Acts 24:13–14 (Paul to Governor Felix)
These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing. But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
As you walk with me, provide abundant evidence of your love for me. Your faith in Jesus as your savior should be evident, even under challenging circumstances. What gifts and offerings have you given to the poor? When have you shared my message of hope with the hopeless? How have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control become evident in your life? Let your words and works be the proof of your faith.
Your gifts and strengths will build my church and encourage others, but did you know that I will reveal myself most significantly in your faults, your weaknesses, and your difficult circumstances? Yes, when you are weak, I will make you secure. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to hide your mistakes and failures. Focus on placing your faith in me rather than cultivating an image of perfection, working hard to be good, or changing your circumstances. Keep your eyes on me and seek to please me rather than those around you.
NEXT STEP
Ask God to help you put your faith into action today. Who can you encourage? What financial or material need can you meet in someone’s life today? What sacrifice can you make today for someone else? Ask God to show his strength in your weakness.
LYRIC VIDEO