08. Felix, When I Have a Convenient Time
The People Who Almost Followed Jesus · Part 08
Acts 24:24-27
There may be few words more dangerous than these:
“Not now.”
Felix had an extraordinary opportunity.
The apostle Paul stood before him and spoke about faith in Jesus Christ.
Felix listened.
Then Paul began reasoning with him about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.
And suddenly, this powerful Roman governor became afraid.
Acts 24:25 says:
“Felix was terrified, and answered, ‘Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.’”
Felix was not bored.
He was not indifferent.
He was not confused.
He was convicted.
The message had reached his heart.
But instead of responding to what God was showing him, Felix postponed the decision.
“When it is convenient…”
That sentence should frighten us.
Conviction Does Not Guarantee Obedience
We sometimes assume that if someone feels deeply convicted, transformation will automatically follow.
Felix proves otherwise.
He trembled.
But he did not repent.
He felt the weight of truth.
But he did not surrender.
He knew something needed to change.
But he chose delay.
And that may be one of the most dangerous spiritual conditions imaginable:
To feel conviction strongly enough to know God is speaking, yet repeatedly refuse to obey Him.
There are people who have cried during sermons.
People who have felt the Holy Spirit pressing something upon their hearts.
People who have promised God:
“I will change.”
“I will forgive.”
“I will surrender this.”
“I will start following Jesus seriously.”
“I will begin making disciples.”
“I will obey… someday.”
But someday keeps moving.
We Want Obedience on Our Terms
Felix wanted another conversation with Paul.
Just not now.
He wanted truth when truth was convenient.
He wanted God without disruption.
He wanted conviction without surrender.
And we can do exactly the same thing.
We say:
“Jesus, I will obey You when…”
When life slows down.
When the children are older.
When work is less demanding.
When I have enough money.
When I feel more prepared.
When I understand everything.
When I am less afraid.
When following You costs me less.
But Jesus never called us to follow Him when it becomes convenient.
He called us to follow Him.
What Has God Already Told You?
This question may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary:
What has God already convicted you about that you keep postponing?
Is there someone you need to forgive?
A sin you need to abandon?
A relationship you need to make right?
A habit you know dishonors God?
A person you need to share Jesus with?
A disciple you need to begin investing in?
A calling you keep resisting?
A step of obedience you have discussed with God for months, or years?
You may not need another sermon.
You may not need another conference.
You may not need another Bible study.
You may already know what God is asking you to do.
The issue may simply be:
Will you obey?
The Convenient Time May Never Come
Felix continued talking with Paul afterward.
But Scripture never records Felix surrendering his life to Christ.
The moment of trembling passed.
The conviction that once frightened him apparently became easier to live with.
That is the danger of postponed obedience.
The first time God confronts us, our hearts may tremble.
The next time, perhaps a little less.
Eventually we can hear the same truth that once shook us, and feel almost nothing.
Not because truth has changed.
Because we have practiced saying no.
Conviction continually resisted can become conviction continually ignored.
That is why Scripture repeatedly emphasizes today.
Not someday.
Not when conditions improve.
Not when discipleship becomes easier.
Today.
Felix Almost Responded
Felix came close.
He listened to an apostle.
He heard the truth.
He experienced conviction.
He trembled.
But being convicted is not the same as being converted.
Being moved is not the same as obeying.
Knowing what Jesus wants is not the same as surrendering to Him.
Felix’s tragedy can become ours whenever we answer Jesus:
“Later.”
Because one of Satan’s most effective strategies may not be convincing us to say “No” to Jesus.
It may simply be convincing us to say:
“Not yet.”
The Challenge
What has Jesus already asked you to do?
What are you waiting for?
A better opportunity?
Less risk?
More certainty?
More comfort?
A convenient time?
Felix waited for convenience.
Scripture never tells us that his convenient time arrived.
Do not assume yours will.
If the Holy Spirit is speaking, respond while your heart is still tender.
If Jesus is asking for surrender, surrender.
If there is something to repent of, repent.
If there is someone to forgive, forgive.
If there is someone to reach, reach them.
If Jesus is calling you to make disciples, begin.
The safest response to conviction is obedience.
Do not tell Jesus:
“When I have a convenient time…”
Tell Him:
“Yes, Lord. Today.”
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