Daily Devotions
When You Suspect Someone Is Interested In Money and Not the Gospel
Reading for November 22nd: Acts 24-26
And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you." At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.
Acts 24:25-26
I've had quite a few studies in the past where I felt like I was dealing with a Felix type individual. They did not study with me because they were wanting to hear the truth, but because they were poor and hoped I would give them some money.
What do you do when you suspect someone is simply studying with you for money? I think the answer is right here in this text. Paul reasoned with Felix about the gospel, even though he probably suspected ulterior motives. What Felix did with the gospel was not Paul's responsibility. Paul's job was not to judge motives but to preach the gospel.
Father, remove from our hearts a judgmental spirit that withholds bread from souls who need it. Help us to be willing to reason with any and all who are willing to study with us from your Word, no matter how impure their motives may seem to be.
