11. Consider these contrasting responses to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Felix, Acts 24:24-25, and the Philippian Jailer. Acts 16:27-30.
NOTE: The Jewish princess [Drusilla, wife of Felix] well understood the sacred character of that law which she had so shamelessly transgressed, but her prejudice against the Man of Calvary steeled her heart against the word of life. But Felix had never before listened to the truth and, as the Spirit of God sent conviction to his soul, he became deeply agitated … But instead of permitting his convictions to lead him to repentance, he sought to dismiss these unwelcome reflections. The interview with Paul was cut short. “Go thy way for this time,” he said; “when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” How wide the contrast between the course of Felix and that of the jailer of Philippi! The servants of the Lord were brought in bonds to the jailer, as was Paul to Felix. The evidence they gave of being sustained by a divine power, their rejoicing under suffering and disgrace, their fearlessness when the earth was reeling with the earthquake shock, and their spirit of Christlike forgiveness, sent conviction to the jailer’s heart, and with trembling he confessed his sins and found pardon. Felix trembled, but he did not repent. The jailer joyfully welcomed the Spirit of God to his heart and to his home; Felix bade the divine Messenger depart. The one chose to become a child of God and an heir of heaven; the other cast his lot with the workers of iniquity.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 426.
12. If we respond positively to God’s rebukes, what divine blessing is shared with us, to the glory of God? Hebrews 12:10.
NOTE: ‘Jesus is the Sin-bearer. He takes away our sins, and makes us partakers of His holiness. O what tender, pitying love dwells in the heart of Christ toward the purchase of His blood! He is able to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. There is power in these precious promises, and we should co-operate with the working of Christ, devoting all our God-given talents to the service of the Master, that the Holy Spirit may work through us to the glory and honour of Christ.’ Peter’s Counsel to Parents, page 48.
LESSON INSIGHT: We were made in the image of God to bring honour to Him. It was God’s intention that we should be partakers of the life of God, the joy of God, and the holiness of God, but we have come very short of God’s plan. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring us a conviction of our shortcomings and to direct us back to our God-given purpose in the outworking of the Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT: ‘The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it - because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. ‘Acts of the Apostles, page 52.