“Then Felix, who understood the facts concerning the Way more accurately, adjourned their hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case……..” While Paul was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will send for you.”” Acts 24:22, 25 NET https://bible.com/bible/107/act.24.22-25.NET
Felix was a believer in the Way but not a follower of Jesus. A believer meant he understood what was taught about faith in Jesus to please God but had not committed himself to the obedience of faith. What is the obedience of faith? Probably the things Paul taught him that demonstrated true repentance and faith in God. Following Jesus means living as Jesus did. Jesus was pure, holy, and righteous. Followers of Jesus must likewise seek to live the same way. Righteousness is obedience to God’s will recorded in God’s word, so the Christian, the disciple of Jesus, must know God’s word to live according to God’s will. Living in obedience to Jesus will require self-control, for our flesh is naturally rebellious against the things of God. We must deny ourselves, taking up our cross, if we will follow Jesus as He commands. Self-control is a necessary empowerment from the Holy Spirit for living the Christian life. Why do we concern ourselves with such living? A judgment is coming for all people. Christ will reject those who reject Christ at that judgment to live forever away from Christ in eternal torment and punishment. Christ will weigh those in Christ for reward determining their wealth and status before Him and His people who will live forever with Him on the new earth. Our treasure in heaven will be revealed with some managing one, five, and ten or more cities based upon their effort to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. All people are judged, but not all will receive the same outcome. All will meet Jesus face to face, some to be sent away from Him forever and some to live with Him forever.
