Unnerved, but unmoved

“As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.’” Acts 24:25
Paul had a number of opportunities to present the gospel message to Felix, the governor. He was ‘well-acquainted’ with Christianity (Acts 24:22) but did not delve further into applying it to his own life. He was unnerved by what Paul had to say, but brushed him off until a time that was more ‘convenient’. Two years passed (Acts 24:27) but there is no mention of Felix coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Here we are told that Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come. On righteousness: God requires us to be sinless to enter heaven. Our righteousness is “as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). We need the righteousness of Christ to cover us in order to be able to stand before God. On self-control: our lives are not our own. We exist for God’s pleasure and for His purpose. To find that is the highest calling in anyone’s life. On the judgement to come: there is one deciding factor on that day – have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour or not?
Felix knew about the Way, but he did not know the Way. Christianity is not an intellectual thing. It needs to change us from the inside out. If the gospel message unnerves you, don’t ignore it, like Felix did. Do something about it.