Morals and Self-Control

Readings:
II Chronicles 19
Acts 24:17-27

Focus:
Acts 24:25: "But when the discourse turned to questions of morals, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became alarmed and exclaimed, 'Enough for now! When I find it convenient I will send for you again.'"

When Paul was in prison at Caesarea, Felix, the Roman procurator, often sent for him to talk to him. Felix was well educated and already knew quite a bit about the Christian movement. (He also hoped that Paul would give him a bribe.)

But Felix didn't like it if the talk became too personal, too much concerned with the ways in which Felix himself might have to change his life. When Paul started discussing morals and self-control, Felix hastily cut off the conversation.

There are a lot of people like that today. People don't want to hear about self-control. In fact, we are so aware of this that we usually don't even bring up the subject to begin with. Yet what a need people have to hear God's word for their lives. What a difference it could make between empty, frustrating lives that are always going wrong, and happy, fulfilled lives, if we only had the courage to tell them what they need to hear!