VOID OF OFFENCE
TEXT:ACTS 24:14-27
🔑📖 KEY VERSE: "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (ACTS 24:16).
According to D.L. Moody,
"Christianity is not responsible for the deception that exists among professing disciples. You might just as reasonably hold the Cunard Ship Company for the suicide of a passenger who jumps overboard one of their vessels at sea. Had the person remained on the vessel, he would have been safe; and had the disciple remained true to his principles, he would never have turned out a hypocrite".
In the given text, Apostle Paul stoutly defended his faith before Felix. He explained that he was being persecuted for the worship of God and the hope of the resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. His Christian belief, made him to have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Though a prisoner, Paul never failed to preach the gospel. As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Felix trembled at the message but never repented. Instead, he wanted gratifications in order to loose Paul from his bonds.
Truthfulness is a virtue admired by God and man. When someone learns to be sincere in speech and deeds like Paul, he will experience unique freedom that comes from knowing the truth. Although our inward part is invisible to the mortal eye, it is naked before God. No wonder a lie is more painful when concealed; it boils within and gnaws the conscience. Paul could have varied his witness because of the enormous pressure he faced, but not him. He turned the platform as an occasion to preach the gospel.
To have a heart void of offence, first, you must be saved.Then, pray for a purified heart through the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
✍ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is virtuous to always stand for the truth despite the risks.
📖📖📖 COVER to COVER: MATTHEW 22; MARK 12
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