Scripture Reading: Acts 24:14–16
Introduction
A. Considering his miserable state when Ananias met him, how could Saul say he had “lived in all good conscience before God” (Acts 23:1)?
B. We must make sure that we don’t resist knowledge of the truth for the sake of our own personal comfort.
Discussion
I. Consider Saul’s impeccable reputation.
A. He was a famous man (Acts 9:26–27; 22:19–20).
B. He was a respected man (Philippians 3:5–6; Acts 26:10).
C. He was an educated man (Acts 22:2; cf. 5:34).
II. There were plenty of things goading Saul toward the truth.
A. First there were the Scriptures that he though he knew so well (John 5:39–40, 46–47).
B. There were the powerful testimonies of Christian men like Stephen (Acts 7).
C. There were concerns about the Jewish faith itself.
D. Add to this the fact that some of his own kinsmen had already converted to Christianity (Romans 16:7).
III. What was holding him back?
A. Unpleasant things awaited him if he converted (Galatians 1:14).
B. He was held back by ignorance (Romans 10:1–3)
C. Knowing the truth was well worth what that knowledge cost him (Philippians 3:7–11; John 8:32–33).
Conclusion
A. When God’s word challenges you, how do you take that challenge?
B. When the truth is the last thing you want to hear, do you have the faith, courage, and strength to accept it?