Indecision

Acts

We’ve all been there. You’re in the car with your spouse, trying to decide where to go for dinner. It starts simply enough. “Where do you want to eat?” But instead of an answer, you get another question. “I don’t know, what do you want?” So, you begin narrowing it down. Fast food or a sit-down place? Something quick or something slower? Burgers, Mexican, Italian? Back and forth it goes. You suggest one option. But it’s met with hesitation. Another gets a lukewarm response. Nothing quite lands. Meanwhile, you keep driving. You pass one restaurant, then another, circling familiar roads, still undecided. And at some point, the question isn’t really about food anymore. It’s about the reluctance to choose. Will you finally settle on something and move toward it. It’s a small thing, but it exposes something real. We’re often more comfortable hovering between options than committing to one.

When we come to Acts 24:1–27, we find a man in that very place. Felix listens carefully as accusations are brought against Paul, and then as Paul offers his defense. On one side, Paul is portrayed as a pest, a dangerous agitator, the leader of a suspect sect, and one who profanes what is holy. On the other, Paul presents himself as a preacher of the gospel, a follower of the Way, and one who stands purified before God with a clear conscience.

Felix hears both sides. He has access to the truth. And yet, he refuses to render a verdict.

That is where this passage presses on us. Because many have heard the gospel. Many have listened, considered, even felt its weight. But they remain in a place of indecision—putting off what demands a response.

This Sunday, we will consider what it means to sit in that place, and why the gospel does not leave room for it. The question is not simply what we think about Jesus, but whether we will finally come to a decision. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 24:1-27, Joshua 24:15, 1 Kings 18:21, Luke 12:16-21, Hebrews 3:7-12, and this article on Choosing Whom we will Serve.

As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Holy, Holy, Holy,” the Acclamation of Praise, “Jesus!  What a Friend for Sinners!” and the Hymn of Response “By Faith.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information

Text: Acts 24:1-27

Title: Indecision

Outline:

1. A Pest or a Preacher?
2. A Sect or the Way?
3. Profane or Purified?

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