Is there only One Way?

As we begin tonight it was worth noting the cultural backdrop that we come from.

Our world is becoming increasingly pluralistic with each passing generation.

No longer are there moral absolutes, but increasingly relativism is the guiding force of society.

Ultimately the supreme god of our society is tolerance.

This is just a quick analysis, in order to help us ask the question, do all religions point to the same God.

The goals for this message

See an apologetic at work

Recognize a false god

Understand the origin of false gods

See the exclusivity of Christ

To accomplish this we will examine Paul and his discussion with the religious leaders in Athens.

Acts 17:16-34

V. 16-17

Paul comes to the city and see that it is full of idols

Religious plurality was a staple of this community and all men were able to speak and sell idols for profit

Paul was provoked by the Spirit to go and reason with the Jews and the gentiles.

V. 18

Paul also conversed with some of the Epicureans and Stoics in the crowd

These were prominent philosophies, and they both promulgated the idea that happiness comes from within oneself. Epicureans believed it was from the avoidance of pain and anxiety in life, and Stoics believed it resided on ones response to their individual circumstance.

Paul received mixed reviews, some thought he was a scrapper of belief, and some others found themselves intrigued by his new teaching.

His new teaching was a big deal, as he needed to gain approval to do so or risk being arrested.

So Paul had to go and gain permission to speak.

V. 19-21

So Paul was brought before the Areopagus, so that they could inquire about the new religion he was talking about.

V . 22-23

Paul recognizes the rational pursuit of the divine the men were undertaking

It was clear to Paul that the city was very “religious” as it was filled with idols

There was one statue in particular that caught Paul’s attention, it was directed to the unknown God.

This is the God whom Paul says he come to make known.

V. 24-25

Paul begins by describing God and how He relates to His creation

Key things to note:

God is creator, omnipotent, and eternal

He is omnipresent

God does not need sacrifices, as He is self sufficient

Aseity

God did not make man because He was lonely. God has always existed in perfect triune harmony.

He is the sustainer of the universe

V. 26-27

Paul then goes on to discuss how God relates to us.

God is the originator of man

He is Lord of History and established our lives in the time and place we are in, in order to fulfill His will.

He did so, in order that we might fellowship with Him.

God made man to seek

The unregenerate man will not seek God, for while He wants god, he does not want the one true God

We instead seek the god of our own making, and this is the idictment Paul brings on them and all mankind

V. 28-29

Paul has established the one true God and now compares Him to idols

Paul reiterates the God is the origin of man to demonstrate that God cannot be made by man’s imagination or hands.

This is the violation of the 1st commandment that all who are outside of Christ are guilty of.

Any religion outside of Christianity is false and manmade because people develop a God that fits what they want

Romans 1:18–23 ESV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Man being in the image of God knows the truth, but supresses it in favor of the God of their own making

So how can we recognize this false god?

Morals align with sin

Focuses on human achievement

V. 30-31

The climax of Paul’s argument is the recognition of Christ being the one whom God will judge the world by and by the resurrection He has vindicated that He is the eternal Son of God and Savior of the world.

So restating the goals

We defend Christ with confidence knowing He is the only way, with a kind and gentle heart

We call out false gods that are made by the lost corrupt hearts of men

We proclaim Christ and Him crucified, and call all men to repent

Quoting our Savior Matt 7:13

Matthew 7:13 ESV

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.