How to Defend yourself (Acts 24:1-21)
Dennis Kreiss, March 14, 2020Part 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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