Several days after Paul defended himself against the charges of the religious leaders before Felix, Felix's wife, who was Jewish, sent for Paul to listen more about his faith in Christ Jesus. So Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. As Felix listened to what Paul was sharing, he became afraid of what Paul was sharing because he was familiar with the teaching of the Lord Jesus. Felix probably heard it before. He ordered Paul to stop sharing and told him he would call again. Felix knew that Paul was innocent of all the charges the religious leaders accused him of, but he didn't release Paul because he wanted Paul to bribe him, so he talked with Paul frequently. Two years passed, and Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. Felix wanted to please the Jews, so he left Paul in prison. (Acts 24:24-27).
Felix and his wife were examples of people who were very close to being saved but far from salvation. They have heard the gospel but refuse to accept it and believe in the Lord Jesus. Hearing the gospel or knowing about Jesus is not enough to be saved from our sins. The Bible says that we must believe in our hearts that Jesus is our Lord and Savior by surrendering our lives to Him (John 3:16). Many people know the Bible and go to church, but they refuse to surrender their lives to the Lord; as a result, they are still not saved. Here's what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven." When we are truly saved by our faith in our Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit will come upon us, giving us a new heart to want to know God and follow His ways.
We must examine our hearts to see if we truly believe in Jesus by surrendering our lives to Him before it is too late. The judgment of God is coming to those who refuse to believe in Jesus. Felix was afraid to listen more about what Paul was sharing because He didn't want to commit to believing in Jesus. Only God can see our hearts, and He knows if we truly believe in Him. I pray that you will truly believe in Jesus by surrendering your life to Him today. Let go of controlling your life and let God guide you to the right path. This world has nothing to offer, only things that can never satisfy us. Only Jesus can satisfy the longing of our hearts.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) Do I truly believe in Jesus? What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Why is it too difficult for me to believe and surrender my life to Jesus?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you know my heart, for nothing is hidden from you. Please help me to believe and surrender my life to you. Today, I believe in you by surrendering my life to you. I believe that you are my Lord and Savior, and I submit my life to you. Please change my heart and help me to know you through your Word and to pursue fellowship with other believers. Thank you for saving me. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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