Engaging a Skeptical World: Paul's Model in Athens
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the Apostle Paul's experience in Athens, the city that first hosted the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Athens was a hub of intellectual and religious diversity, filled with idols and statues representing various gods. Paul, distressed by the city's idolatry, chose not to retreat but to engage. He reasoned in synagogues and marketplaces, addressing both Jews and Gentiles, including Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. These philosophers, intrigued by Paul's teachings, invited him to speak at the Areopagus, a prominent place for discussing new ideas.
Paul's approach in Athens provides a model for us on how to share the gospel in a skeptical world. He began by acknowledging the Athenians' religious fervor, even quoting their poets to build common ground. He then pointed out the insufficiency of their idols, emphasizing that the true God does not dwell in man-made temples. Finally, Paul presented the hope found in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, offering a relationship with a living God.
Paul's method can be summarized as "Yes, but no, but yes." He affirmed the Athenians' desire to connect with the divine (Yes), highlighted the inadequacy of their current practices (No), and then pointed them to the true source of life and hope in Jesus (Yes). This approach is crucial for us today as we navigate conversations with those who do not share our beliefs. We must find common ground, address the insufficiencies of worldly solutions, and point people to the ultimate hope in Christ.
Paul's efforts in Athens yielded mixed results. Some sneered, others were curious, and a few believed, including Dionysius and Damaris. This reminds us that while we may not always see immediate, large-scale conversions, every individual who comes to faith is significant. We are called to be faithful witnesses, sharing the gospel in all areas of our lives, from the church to the marketplace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Engage, Don't Retreat: Paul was distressed by the idolatry in Athens but chose to engage rather than retreat. This teaches us that when faced with a culture that does not share our beliefs, we should not withdraw but actively engage, sharing the gospel with conviction and love. [31:49]
2. Build Common Ground: Paul began his address by acknowledging the Athenians' religious fervor and even quoted their poets. This shows the importance of finding common ground and understanding the cultural context of those we are trying to reach. Relatability can open doors for deeper conversations about faith. [55:36]
3. Address Insufficiencies: While affirming the Athenians' desire to connect with the divine, Paul pointed out the inadequacy of their idols. Similarly, we must gently but clearly address the insufficiencies of worldly solutions, pointing out that true fulfillment and salvation cannot come from man-made constructs. [58:45]
4. Present the Ultimate Hope: Paul concluded by presenting the hope found in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead. This teaches us to always point people to the ultimate source of life and hope, emphasizing the transformative power of a relationship with the living God. [01:00:37]
5. Faithfulness Over Results: Paul's efforts in Athens yielded mixed results, but he remained faithful. This reminds us that our role is to be faithful witnesses, regardless of immediate outcomes. Every individual who comes to faith is significant, and we must trust God with the results. [01:03:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:35] - Introduction and Olympic Games
[29:16] - New Olympic Sports and Memes
[30:20] - Series Introduction: Axe Odyssey
[31:03] - Paul's Context in Athens
[31:49] - Engaging a Diverse Audience
[32:35] - Real-Life Applications
[33:22] - Articulating Our Faith
[34:08] - Paul's Observations in Athens
[35:09] - The Forest of Idols
[37:26] - Paul's Conviction and Action
[39:17] - Philosophers' Curiosity
[40:52] - The Marketplace of Ideas
[42:36] - Paul's Courageous Witness
[44:16] - Where is Your Testimony?
[46:02] - Mars Hill and the Areopagus
[47:31] - Stoics and Epicureans
[49:10] - Paul's Address to the Athenians
[52:25] - Yes, but No, but Yes
[55:36] - Building Relatability
[58:45] - Addressing Idolatry
[01:00:37] - Presenting the Hope in Jesus
[01:03:57] - Mixed Results and Faithfulness
[01:11:37] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 17:16-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's initial reaction when he saw the city of Athens filled with idols? ([35:09])
2. How did Paul engage with the people of Athens, and where did he choose to speak to them? ([31:49])
3. What was the response of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to Paul's message? ([39:17])
4. Who were the two individuals mentioned by name who believed Paul's message in Athens? ([50:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul chose to start his message by acknowledging the Athenians' religious fervor? How did this help him build common ground? ([54:06])
2. What does Paul's method of "Yes, but no, but yes" teach us about addressing the beliefs of others? How can this approach be effective in modern conversations about faith? ([52:25])
3. How did Paul address the insufficiency of the Athenians' idols, and what was his main argument against them? ([58:45])
4. What significance does the resurrection of Jesus hold in Paul's message to the Athenians, and why was it a pivotal point in his argument? ([01:00:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Paul chose to engage with the culture of Athens rather than retreat from it. In what ways can you actively engage with the culture around you to share the gospel? ([31:49])
2. Paul built common ground by acknowledging the Athenians' religious fervor and quoting their poets. How can you find common ground with people who have different beliefs from you? ([55:36])
3. Reflect on a time when you encountered someone with different beliefs. How did you address the insufficiencies of their worldview, and how could you improve your approach in the future? ([58:45])
4. Paul presented the hope found in Jesus Christ as the ultimate solution. How can you clearly and effectively communicate the hope of the gospel in your conversations? ([01:00:37])
5. Paul's efforts in Athens yielded mixed results, but he remained faithful. How do you stay motivated to share your faith even when you don't see immediate results? ([01:03:57])
6. Think about a specific person in your life who does not share your beliefs. What steps can you take this week to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith? ([33:22])
7. How can you prepare yourself to share the gospel in various settings, such as your workplace, school, or social gatherings? What practical steps can you take to be ready for these opportunities? ([44:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Engage, Don't Retreat
When faced with a culture that does not share our beliefs, it can be tempting to withdraw and isolate ourselves. However, Paul's example in Athens teaches us the importance of engaging with conviction and love. Despite being distressed by the idolatry he saw, Paul chose to reason with both Jews and Gentiles, addressing their beliefs and presenting the gospel. This active engagement is crucial for us today. We are called to step into conversations, not shy away from them, and share the hope we have in Christ. By doing so, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us. [31:49]
Acts 17:16-17 (ESV): "Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt tempted to retreat from sharing your faith. How can you take a step towards engaging with love and conviction in that situation today?
Day 2: Build Common Ground
Paul's approach in Athens began with acknowledging the Athenians' religious fervor and even quoting their poets. This strategy of building common ground is essential for effective communication of the gospel. By understanding and relating to the cultural context of those we are trying to reach, we can open doors for deeper conversations about faith. Relatability can break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue. As we engage with others, let us seek to understand their perspectives and find common ground that can lead to discussions about the hope we have in Christ. [55:36]
Acts 17:22-23 (ESV): "So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has different beliefs or cultural background. How can you find common ground with them to open up a conversation about faith?
Day 3: Address Insufficiencies
While Paul affirmed the Athenians' desire to connect with the divine, he also pointed out the inadequacy of their idols. This balance of affirmation and challenge is crucial in our conversations about faith. We must gently but clearly address the insufficiencies of worldly solutions, highlighting that true fulfillment and salvation cannot come from man-made constructs. By pointing out these inadequacies, we can guide others towards the true source of life and hope in Jesus Christ. Let us be bold in addressing the shortcomings of worldly solutions while offering the transformative power of a relationship with the living God. [58:45]
Acts 17:24-25 (ESV): "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
Reflection: Reflect on an area in your life where you have relied on worldly solutions. How can you acknowledge its insufficiency and turn to God for true fulfillment?
Day 4: Present the Ultimate Hope
Paul concluded his address by presenting the hope found in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead. This ultimate hope is the cornerstone of our faith and the message we are called to share with others. In a world filled with uncertainty and temporary solutions, the hope of a relationship with the living God offers true and lasting transformation. As we engage with others, let us always point them to the ultimate source of life and hope in Jesus, emphasizing the power of His resurrection and the promise of eternal life. [01:00:37]
Acts 17:30-31 (ESV): "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
Reflection: Think of someone who is struggling with hopelessness. How can you share the hope of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of eternal life with them today?
Day 5: Faithfulness Over Results
Paul's efforts in Athens yielded mixed results, with some sneering, others curious, and a few believing. This reminds us that our role is to be faithful witnesses, regardless of immediate outcomes. Every individual who comes to faith is significant, and we must trust God with the results. Our faithfulness in sharing the gospel is what matters, not the number of conversions we see. Let us remain steadfast in our witness, knowing that God is at work in ways we may not always see. [01:03:57]
Acts 17:32-34 (ESV): "Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, 'We will hear you again about this.' So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt discouraged by the lack of visible results in your efforts to share the gospel. How can you refocus on being faithful in your witness, trusting God with the outcomes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God wants more for this city. God has a heart for these people, and someone needs to say something. And right now, I am God's appointed man for the job." [37:26] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being." [49:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is something beyond the pleasure of this life, Epicureans. There is a reason to have passion and joy, Stoics. in Jesus." [01:02:07] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Keep building bridges. Keep finding common ground. And keep pointing to Jesus, the one risen from the dead. Yes." [01:05:58] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ. And if the world is going to get to the yes of Jesus, which is our prayer, if they're going to get to the yes of recognizing the hope in him, then you and I, church, cannot afford to say no." [01:05:58] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul saw a forest of idols. That's the way that a number of other English translators would render this verse. It's like idols, like statues are pop, pop, popping out of the ground all around him. And for Paul who grew up in a Jewish tradition, who said that you shall not make a graven image of anything in heaven above, earth beneath, or the waters below, this would have been terrifying." [35:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul does not simply accommodate himself to the way things are in Athens. It's not like, well, in Athens, do as the Athenians. Paul doesn't say, well, this is never going to work. I'm going to go to my hotel room and take a nap. No, the Holy Spirit works within Paul and stirs him to conviction that this is not right." [37:26] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What would it feel like for you to go and preach in the halls of Oxford or MIT? Would you be able to share? Would you be able to share your faith in Times Square? What about Tiananmen Square? Would you be comfortable witnessing on the Vegas Strip or on the sidewalks along Rodeo Drive? This is what Paul is doing. He is not doing what you do when you come to church in which you are part of a cloud of allies. Instead, he is going into the crosswinds of spiritual adversaries." [42:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Yes, but no, but yes. It's a kind of conversation you already have, probably not recognizing those terms, but it's the sort of thing you do a lot. As a parent, you might yes but no but yes with your kids. In the past, I've had to say to my children, yes, I recognize that you are hungry and that it will soon be time to eat, but no, five rolls of Smarties and both halves of a pack of Twix are not what you really need right now. But yes, your mother and I are preparing a nutritious dinner, of meats and fruits and vegetables for you." [52:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul says, looking at these two quotes, these guys are on the right track. I can identify. You want to have a relationship with God. Pop culture. I want to take just a minute to kind of be personal about this. Because it's worth affirming the feedback forms that I get once in a while. Sometimes people sit at their computer, and they write to elmbrook.org feedback, and they address it to me, and they say this, Pastor Tim, we really like your preaching, but could you please just eliminate all of the cultural references from your sermons?" [55:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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