Essence of a Godly Life

Acts 24:14-16

May 10, 1998

 

Introduction:

 

1. Paul faces the provincial governor and his Jewish accusers.

 

2. Threefold charges:

 

     a. A trouble-maker who causes riots (v. 5), as such, they imply political overtones; they wanted him viewed 

        as a political, rather than theological offender:  they had no weight for ridding themselves of him 

        otherwise.

     b. Ringleader of religious sect (v. 5) - here they point a negative picture of "The Way."  He was out front in 

        this strange aberration.

     c. Attempted to desecrate the temple (v. 6) - another false charge which Paul points out was not provable.  

        They also fail to admit they really tried to lynch him. 

 

3. Distorted charges; a bribable judge; the pressure of a defense...

 

It is in the heat of trials, opposition, and accusation that the true essence of our lives rises to the surface.  Paul does not backpedal, make excuses, or compromise his stand in Christ.  Sometimes we learn much about ourselves in times like this.  We may not be pleased.  Or we may be surprised!

1. We can despair

2. Or we can make corrections

 

Here we find Paul making his confession before them. 

 

I. Devotion to the Lord God

 

Everyone is devoted to something or someone:  that which we prize above all else will be the focus of our worship.

 

1. Consider worship as an act of service before God

 

It is not performance but a life offered in devotion and adoration to the Lord.  Word used refers to "temple worship."  Here Paul points to his worship of the Lord through the prescribed practices of Jewish worship.

 

     a. So, he was identifying the basis of his faith being in the same God whom the Jews professed to worship.

    b. He was not part of a new religion or even an aberration.

    c. So he connects the false idea of a sect. 

 

2. Shows the historical nature of this worship

 

"Fathers" - patriarchal, so it's not new.  It does not involve another God.  A godly man is devoted in worship to the living God.  His understanding of God and his practice of worship is not novel, but historically provable. 

 

II. Belief in the Scriptures

 

Obviously, there was no New Testament at this point.  The Old Testament was the Scriptures of the early church.  They held them in high regard as the Word of God. 

 

1. Professes a continuing belief in Scriptures.  

 

We do not "outgrow" the Word.  We do not get to the point where the Word is not needed.  Some grow cold in believing the Word, so be faithful in reading, studying, obeying.  Regularly meditate upon the Word. 

 

e.g. English Reformation, Scriptures smuggled by ships from Antwerp, some imprisoned and killed, rooms ransacked, Christians hunted, Roman Catholic hierarchy afraid.

 

2. Shows eternal value of Law and Prophets (Gospel)

 

Law reveals God's character and demands, our responsibilities and our unworthiness.  Prophets point to judgment due to sin and redemption through the Messiah. 

 

Paul clearly found the gospel in the Old Testament Scriptures.

 

Use of perfect passive participle, "that is written," points to the permanent authority of that which was written.

 

III. An Abiding Hope in God

 

1. Points to trust, dependence, faith in the Lord.

 

The reason for his confidence...

The sphere of his confidence...

 

2. Eternal purposes of God

 

Viewed in resurrection of righteous and wicked.  Shows man's accountability to God.

 

3. His confidence of being raised with the righteous rested only upon Jesus Christ

 

IV. An Ambition to Maintain a Clear Conscience

 

1. See personal responsibility in one's walk

     "I also do my best to maintain always..."

 

2. Demonstrates great effort

     "Maintain" - take pains to do something, exercise, drill (as in troops); carries idea of moral strictness.

     I Corinthians 9:24-27

 

3. Dual focus of blamelessness

 

     a. Before God - be careful to obey

    b. Before Men - be careful not to give offense (I Corinthians 6:1-10)

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