More Than A Sightseer

More Than A Sightseer

Text: Acts 17:16-34

Introduction

Paul now have traveled from Thessalonica and Berea and turning the world upside down, has now found himself in the city of Athens on his way to Corinth and waiting for Silas and Timothy to rejoin Him.

It is during this waiting period that we want to focus our attention. What important truths we will glean and apply to our lives all stems from Paul Biblical paradigm of what his main objective should be no matter where he is; proclaiming the gospel of Jesus.

1) There Was A Great Need For The Gospel

A. Background of the city of Athens

At this particular time, Athens was in a period of decline.

What used to be the center of culture and education is now a culture of paganism fueled by idolatry, novelty, and philosophy.

When it came to Athens, there were plenty of deities to choose from.

One person once said, ‘…in Athens it was easier to find a god than a man.’

(v16) Now you can understand why Paul saw what he saw.

QUESTION — When you look at the sculptures and architecture of Athens, what do you think? Beautiful works of art?

When Paul saw the beautiful artwork, he knew that it was tied directly to their religion.

Sadly, in spite of the wealth of culture and wisdom, they DID NOT know the one true God!

B. The philosophies of the city

Two main philosophies:

Epicureans & Stoics

Epicureans:

Materialistic & atheist

Main life goal = pleasure

Stoics:

Embraced a one WORLD GOD.

Focused on personal discipline and self-control.

Main focus = follow one’s reasoning, be self-sufficient, not altered by feelings and circumstances.

Essentially, PRIDE was the central point of their worship.

INTERESTING FACT — the first two leaders of the Stoics school committed suicide!!

2) Paul’s Open Eyes & Broken Heart

A. What Paul believed about his life’s purpose is seen with clarity

Paul waited with a heart for the gospel.

Paul saw a need worthy of His investment.

Paul did not allow his ministry to keep him from gospel ministry.

When your heart has reached the point where it is focused on the gospel, you will start living that way!

Waiting with a gospel heart is to not stay neutral with the gospel in your heart!!!

Notice THE WHY Paul was STIRRED

His eyes were open to the city’s spiritual deadness.

“wholly given to idolatry” = idol FILLED!!!

Paul recognized an opportunity to share the gospel.

Synagogue with Jews

God-fearing Gentiles

Common folk in the market

He met with those who would freely meet with him.

He wasn’t chasing after a FLAME experience. He satisfied with causing a spark.

Gospel sparks turn into gospel flames!!

B. Paul’s gospel initiation prompted Gospel interest

(vv18-19) Epicureans & Stoics

Notice how they miss-understood the gospel message:

They called Paul a “babbler” (birds picking up seed) = Someone who cobbles a variety of teachings, combines them together and teaches as his own.

Never underestimate the amount of confusion in your town about the gospel of Jesus Christ!!!

These people simply thought this was just another NEW THING to tickle their intellect.

3) Paul’s Defense Of The Gospel

A. Paul began where there were

He begins with a soft compliment:

“I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious”

This meaning, “you are piously religious in all things.”

Meaning, you are showing and expressing reverence to a deity.

He then points out their ignorance of the ONE TRUE LIVING GOD.

He references their altar to “the unknown god.”

He makes the point, “how can you worship a god you don’t know?”

B. Paul unveils the one true living God

(v24) He first draws their attention to God’s greatness.

Paul explains God’s greatness by going back to the beginning; Creation.

God answers what secular science can’t; Where did I come from? Why am I here? Do I have real purpose?

God is the sovereign creator and sustainer.

God is not distant from His creation nor locked in His creation (in temples made by hands).

God is not too great where He is not concerned with our greatest needs.

(v25) He continues by revealing God’s goodness.

Paul probably think back to when he proudly served God.

He later learned that it was God who served men!

God calls his children to service, but is not dependent on our service.

God is the one and only self-sufficient being!!!

Life and breath in all living things.

James 1:17 “17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Matthew 5:45 “45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Romans 2:4 “4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Romans 1:18–25 KJV 1900

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

God is the ruler of the human race and nations (vv26-29)

God did not create different races in effort to distinguish between who is valued more.

God created ONE race with ONE blood who are all in need of ONE Savior; Jesus Christ.

God is sovereign over all of life’s existence and endurance.

God controlled the boundaries of all nations.

(v27) God never put a spot on the globe where the gospel could not reach and where He could not be found!

(v28) Paul teaches them that a DEAD idol has no power to put LIFE into a LIFELESS body or soul!!!

Paul logically concludes that if we (and we are) made in God’s image, it is ridiculous to make gods in ours!!!

He clearly explains the beauty of God’s grace (vv30-34).

God has been patient with man’ sin and ignorance.

Acts 14:16 “16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.”

This does not mean that men were not guilty but that God held back divine wrath.

In due time God sent a Savior; Jesus Christ. Now He commands all men to repent.

The resurrection was the validation of a soon coming judgement.

The resurrection was the doctrine most COULD NOT ACCEPT.

The body was a prison / happier to leave the body.

They believed in immortality but not resurrection.

4) The People’s Decision

By saying decision, I don’t want you to think I am reducing faith to just a mindful decision.

It is a trusting, relying, completely depending decision towards Jesus Christ in order to be born again.

There were three different decisions:

Some laughed and mocked and did not take Paul seriously.

Others showed interest, but would hear more another time.

There were those you genuinely believed on Jesus Christ and were saved.

Now, the worst thing you could do at this point is compare the results between Thessalonica and Berea against those of Athens.

There may have been more shallow soil than deep. However, the gospel found deep soil and rooted in!

It is not our job to base our commitment on whether or not we think the soil is deep, but rather to share the gospel and let the seed fall where it may.

Your opportunity is to declare the GOOD NEWS. It is God’s job to draw the sinner.

WE STILL NEED WITNESSES!!!

Where is your Athens today?