Almost Persuaded

Background Scripture: Acts 24–26
Lesson Scripture: Acts 26:19–32

Introduction

What is more tragic than to be almost persuaded of the truth? All humanity will face the Creator at the end of time without excuse. We will have no other foundation and nothing more to offer than the divine work of Christ. This lesson should foster fervency in us to boldly proclaim the truth while we allow the Holy Spirit to perform the work of grace in a quiet, effective way. Then sinners may come to repentance and be fully persuaded of the riches of Christ.

Key Verse

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (Heb. 3:15).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Paul spent the last few years of his life contending for the faith and giving the testimony of Jesus Christ. Paul loved the commandments of Jesus so well that his zeal to maintain the truth wholly possessed his purpose in life.

After purifying himself according to the law to enter the temple, Paul found himself assaulted and his life threatened. Because of his Roman citizenship, he was able to extricate himself temporarily from the clutches of those who sought his life. The resistance he faced for being faithful to Christ eventually forced him to become a ward of the state under Governor Felix.

For over two years, Paul spent much time in prison. Friends called upon him and curious individuals, some of whom were sincerely seeking truth, visited with him about his unwavering beliefs. Among these were Festus, the new regional governor; King Agrippa, who was merely a figurehead for the Jewish nation; and his wife, Bernice, who was a Jew. Paul had frequent access to these dignitaries as they brought in guests from time to time to be entertained by Paul’s strange doctrine.

These three individuals, together with Paul, can represent four conditions of the human heart. Paul was unwavering in his determination to serve Jesus. Festus’s condition was like the seed which fell on stony ground. He was a worldly man, a scoffer. He had no need for Paul or his strange religion. Bernice represents the shallow person who lives for the moment of pleasure. Self-centered and conceited, she wanted only to obtain that which would benefit her, with little consideration for God’s will. Agrippa, sadly, represents the heart that drew nigh to the threshold of grace, but due to personal considerations and an inability to sacrifice his flesh on the altar of salvation, allowed the most precious experience in life to slip through his fingers. He had an interest in the truth but lacked determination to follow through to salvation.

Practical Truths for Today

Experiencing the new birth fills us with faith, humility, and many other “fruits,” so that we can show forth the “praises of him who hath called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

Part of the mystery and beauty of mankind’s relationship with his Creator is that God created each of us a unique individual, free to choose the path in life that we decide to follow. We have a soul that is God-conscious and yearns for a relationship with Him. This consciousness brings us to a crossroad in life where we must lay all at the foot of the cross in full surrender to His will, or suffer the alternative—a life of misery, conflict, and self-destruction. Indeed, Paul, the only individual in our lesson who was faithful to the heavenly vision, earlier had resisted God’s leading until God confronted his strong will and misplaced zeal (Acts 9:5).

The Holy Spirit does not come in a forceful way and impose God’s will on us, treating us as those who must give mindless servitude to an omnipotent God. Our heavenly Father wants so much more for the crown of His creation. He desires a real and pure relationship with us. Therefore, we were created in His image so we could commune with Him. Unfortunately, that relationship was ruined by sin, but God redeemed us and retrieved us from the grasp of sin and Satan.

God knows our fleshly tendencies and where our will and affections are placed. Through His grace we are called to repentance, and the redemptive process is initiated. When we stand at the crossroads of life and death (Josh. 24:14–15), God wants us to choose the abundant life through Jesus, not an empty path outside of His will to face the difficulties of life alone and without respite.

Sometimes when we interact with those who are dear to us, we feel the cry of their heart. The struggles they experience are grueling, and we know their spiritual and mental suffering could end if they would fully surrender to God. We earnestly desire to lead them to the cross and force them into subjection. But this is not God’s way. We must remember God created them and seeks an uninhibited relationship with them. No amount of shaming, begging, or prodding will substitute for the work of God in their heart.

We want our children to have the same blessings we have received. However, we may go too far in our efforts to lead them to Christ. The way seems so simple to us, and we begin to describe what an encounter with God consists of. We may even prompt them to put away certain things that we think are a hindrance to conversion. Although these efforts are based in a fervent desire to lead them to God, we must be careful to not come between our children and the Holy Spirit. Our prayers, daily teaching, and example of Christian living are important but, in the end, the Spirit’s quiet leading will be the answer to their need. The apostle Paul preached mightily, but finally he had to turn Agrippa over to the One who can perform a wonderful work in the heart. We must give others the freedom to choose their destiny.

Illustration

Years ago, a young Christian had the privilege of embarking on a road trip with his father. Nights were spent in many congregations in both the United States and Canada. After the trip, the father was quiet and pensive. He told his son, “I cannot believe it. Everywhere we went, your people were the same.” A consistent, cumulative witness had been left by all the members along the way. The father was at the doorstep of surrender.

Then some brother did something that caused the father to become offended. He struggled to humble himself, forgive the brother, and accept God’s truth. However, he decided that the way was too difficult. Criticalness replaced his honesty and openness. His offense, although likely forgotten, led him down a path of hardness and apathy for his spiritual well-being.

May we willingly lead others to Jesus by giving a clear testimony of what He has done for us. Once at the gate of mercy, let us humbly commit them to God.

Questions

1. What efforts can we make to encourage others toward conversion?
2. Is it ever in place to rebuke a sinner who is stubbornly resistant?
3. How should a youth interact with older people or siblings who reject God’s grace?
4. Once persuaded of the truth, what causes us to fall from grace? How does one return to the truth in the light of Hebrews 6:4–6?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).