In a sermon I once preached there was a point made about Paul’s dialogue with the Roman official Felix (Acts 24:24-27). I stressed that Paul taught Felix about God’s law, urged him to obey it, and warned him about the consequences if he did not. In fact, Paul’s warning about “judgment to come” was so forceful that “Felix trembled”. I emphasized that (despite popular opinion to the contrary) Paul saw the advantage of fear motivation in his effort to prompt Felix’s obedience. Other examples of such fear motivation can be found in a host of passages in both the Old and New Testaments.
A visitor to the services that day – a Christian – wrote the following response to the lesson: “Fear tactics would be great if they worked – but what is the bottom line? Did Felix obey the gospel? What about the world today – fear runs away – love draws. Yes, truth should be preached, but I believe more will be converted and stay with the positive love of God and all the blessings in Christ.”
It’s not hard to conclude that this lady did not like the sermon. She’s not the first, nor will she be the last, to find something wanting in a particular lesson. But more careful analysis reveals that she was not just faulting this sermon – she was, in fact, criticizing the inspired apostle himself! Look again – do you see it? She clearly implies that Felix would have likely obeyed if Paul had only had enough sense to put more emphasis on “the positive love of God”.
The truth remains – do not forget it – “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Think!
– by Greg Gwin