Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

BIDDING GOOD-BYE TO GOD

1. To get the true signification of this polite rejection of Paul's appeal, we must remember:
   1. The impression Paul's appeal had made upon the conscience of that cold and sin-hardened governor -
      1. Felix trembled.
      2. He was visibly affected by the appeal of Paul's testimony - Acts 24:25; Dan. 5:6
   2. The power of the truth laid Felix's life open; his conscience tormented him to a point where he lost self-control.
   3. He realized that he will have to give an account of the life he wasted - 2 Cor. 5:10
2. In turning down Paul's appeal, Felix committed a threefold sin:
   1. He sinned against the appeal of the Holy Spirit - Heb. 3:7-9
   2. He sinned against an awakened conscience - John 8:9; Dan. 5:22
   3. He turned down his God-given opportunity to be saved - 2 Cor. 6:1-3; Luke 21:36

1. Why did Felix bid God good-bye?
   1. He was intelligent enough to know that he was a great sinner, doing things that were wrong.
   2. He knew, further, that he faced ultimate ruin, as it was.
   3. He felt in his own soul that a higher power was speaking to his conscience.
   4. It was when he rejected the appeal of God's message that he said "good-bye" to God.
   5. We have no record that he ever called anyone to teach him more of God's word.
2. Felix is a type of unknown thousands who go through similar experiences:
   1. How many thousands have been in my services, deeply moved by the word of God, yet never obeyed the truth.
   2. This is a serious mistake.
   3. How seriously God takes the rejection of light shed in the hearts of men is plainly indicated in the Bible -
      1. Luke 14:16-24
      2. Luke 17:26-29; Matt. 24:37-39

1. When you tell God good-bye, you do not want Him to help and guide you. You want to be one of the ungodly: EXAMPLES -
   1. Cain told God good-bye - Gen. 4:16
   2. Many of the early followers of Christ told God good-bye - John 6:66
   3. Judas told the Lord good-bye - John 13:30; Matt. 27:1-3
2. When we bid good-bye to God:
   1. We cut ourselves off from the source of life and light - John 1:4-11
   2. We cut ourselves off from Him who alone can save us from sin and death - Matt. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:3
   3. What will we do when we have to appear before the judgment seat of Christ? 2 Cor. 5:10
   4. We need an advocate, an intercessor; and if we say good-bye to God, we are without any representation - 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1-3
   5. What will you do with Jesus who died for you? Gal. 2:20; Matt. 27:22
   6. When you tell God good-bye, you cut yourself off from the very source of life, light, and truth.
   7. You lose hope - 1 Thess. 4:13
   8. Salvation - Acts 4:12; Matt. 1:21; 1 Tim. 1:15
3. When people tell God good-bye they reveal:
   1. That they do not like to fellowship with Him.
   2. They, in fact, hate Him.
   3. That was the case of Esau, of Cain, and many who live among us today.