1st Dec 2010

Acts 25:23-26:32 – Paul before Agrippa

• “You cannot ignore the problem but…”
• So Paul’s 4^th trial [2^nd informal one] begins.
• With pomp and ceremony Agrippa and Bernice enter the room and Paul is asked yet again to defend himself.
• Over time it seems Paul has learnt how to do this and ironically it seems he has learnt that the best way he can defend himself is by being less and less defensive.
• We see a man who used to purposely annoy and even lash out a little in his arguments, now wise up a little.
• He had the same old problem, the same old accusations, the same old enemy and the same old issues presented to him.
• But he had learnt that…
• You cannot ignore the problem but you can choose how you address it!
• Paul chooses to share his story with the hopes of converting his audience.
• They see him on trial, yet he sees himself on testimony.
• He is positive rather than negative. He paints the bigger picture.
• There are many problems I face in my life and here are some of the things I am learning through Paul’s various trials:
1. No matter whom you are, frustration only gets you into deeper problems.
2. The devil’s plans will backfire if you defend yourself in a Godly Spirit.
3. You can choose how you address your problems.
4. Aim high! [Paul has suddenly turned this from escaping death to the firsts steps in converting a King].
• Margaret Thatcher was once asked to describe Christianity in one word.
• She said… “choice’.
• She may not be my idea model of a Christian but I think her answer was brilliant.
• I love Jesus because I love choice.