"But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, 'Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you'" Acts 24:24-25.
Some subjects are real conversation-stoppers, and apparently Paul touched on three of them: righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment. These biblical topics can easily stop conversations today as well. When topics get too personal, people tend to shut down a conversation, and/or deflect to a less threatening subject. A five-time divorced woman at a well deflected her marital history to a less threatening conversation about worship (John 4:7-30).
Righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment are extremely uncomfortable subjects for the complacent. They touch on radical lifestyle choices and ultimate accountability. These are the terms and implications of a life of discipleship, and are threatening to those who might wish to follow Jesus on their own terms. These topics force us to consider whether we really want to surrender to Jesus through righteousness and self-control. They are important, but unsettling questions.
If you are still reading, then none of this has been a conversation stopper. You do have a heart's desire for radical discipleship through a lifestyle of righteousness and self-control. Through personal discipline and a generous dose of God's Spirit, our lives can be characterized by these qualities. And, coming judgment will hold no threat for us. Well done, good and faithful servant.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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