Radio

How to Defend yourself (Acts 24:1-21)

Dennis Kreiss, March 14, 2020
Part of the Acts - The Spreading Flame series, preached for Growing Together Radio

Defend yourself
How to defend yourself when accused
Acts 24:1-21

The Heart of the Matter

You’ve heard the Scriptures like “Turn the other cheek,” and “If your enemy asks for your shirt, give him your cloak as well.” And you wondered is it wrong to defend ones self? There is a time to be silent, and there is a time to give a defense. When your time comes, God wants you to give the best defense of your Christian character possible. Of course the best defense is a blameless life.

Background of the Book

Paul is moving through the Roman court system. The commander at Jerusalem felt compelled to move Paul to a higher authority and so he is now in the Court of Felix the Governor. On his big day the lawyers came streaming into the courtroom and tried their razzle-dazzle on the Judge. But Paul defended his actions clearly and thoroughly. His Character was on the line and as it turns out, that was his best defense.

Teaching Points

You may one day be accused!

#1 The tactics may be underhanded - Beware of their tactics 1…

#2 The charges may be _______________ 5…

The Lawyer attempted to pin the problem of ____________ on Paul!

Don’t be unnerved by the charges

#3 The Spin may surprise you. 6…

You should use your best defense

Matthew 10:16 - The best defense you have is ___________ in you

He reviewed the evidence and defended his _______________ 11..

#1 The timeline – Paul’s activities were easily traced

#2 Corroborating evidence - All the evidence was in Paul’s favor

He defended his ________________ 14…

Your Character is vital to your defense

Paul had the character of a Christian and lived like one.

You can be expected to live up to your character

He explained his ________________ 17…

#1 He brought famine relief to Jerusalem

#2 He came to purify Himself in the temple

It’s OK to be convicted of being a ________ not a criminal - 1 Peter 4:14-16

You may or may not be acquitted

Even if you are innocent, you might not go free

Whatever the outcome, give the jury something to think about

The Bottom Line

No matter what others may dredge up, don’t be afraid of the evidence; appeal to your good character, explain your real motives and remind them of your past good conduct. If you claim innocence, be willing to let others examine your words and actions. And remember, your Christ Like Character is on trial… live life in such a way that people can see Jesus in you.

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Earlier: Same day: Later:
« How God takes care of His own None The Last Days of the Last Good King of Judah »
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