Engaging Culture: Sharing the Gospel with Urgency
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we continue our series "Unfinished Story," focusing on the Book of Acts, specifically chapters 16 and 17, which detail Paul's second missionary journey. This journey, filled with both triumphs and trials, showcases God's unwavering presence and work through Paul and Silas. They experienced growth in Derbe and Lystra, where Timothy joined them, and in Philippi, where Lydia and her household came to faith. However, they also faced beatings and imprisonment, yet God used these hardships to bring a jailer and his family to faith.
In Thessalonica, many Jews accepted the gospel, but a riot forced Paul and Silas to flee to Berea, where both Jews and prominent Greeks believed. Despite opposition, God's work was evident. Paul then found himself alone in Athens, a city rich in culture, philosophy, and idolatry. His spirit was provoked by the pervasive idolatry, not out of anger towards the people, but frustration at their deception.
Paul's response was to engage with the people, reasoning in synagogues and marketplaces, and eventually addressing the Areopagus. He used culturally relevant points, like the altar to the unknown god, to introduce them to Jesus. His message was rooted in the power of the gospel, culturally relevant, and carried a sense of urgency. Paul emphasized that God commands all people to repent and follow Jesus, as a day of judgment is coming.
We, too, live in a culturally rich but spiritually deceived environment. Like Paul, we should be provoked not by anger towards people, but by a desire to share the truth of Jesus. We must trust in the power of the gospel, make it relevant to our culture, and act with urgency. God is still at work today, just as He was then, and He wants to use us to reach those around us. Let's be motivated to share the good news and invite others to experience the hope and joy found in Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Work in Triumphs and Trials: Throughout Paul's journey, God was at work in both the successes and the hardships. Whether it was the growth of churches or the conversion of individuals like Lydia and the jailer, God's presence was evident. This reminds us that God is always working, even in our difficult times, to bring about His purposes. [32:14]
2. Provoked by Deception, Not People: Paul's spirit was provoked by the idolatry in Athens, but his anger was directed at the deception, not the people. This teaches us to channel our frustration towards the spiritual deception around us, rather than the individuals who are deceived. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. [40:59]
3. Cultural Relevance in Sharing the Gospel: Paul used culturally relevant points, like the altar to the unknown god, to connect with the Athenians and introduce them to Jesus. This shows the importance of contextualizing the gospel message without changing its core truth. We must find ways to make the gospel relatable to our contemporary culture. [54:40]
4. Urgency in the Gospel Message: Paul emphasized the urgency of repentance and following Jesus, as a day of judgment is coming. This urgency should drive us to share the gospel with those around us, knowing that their eternal destiny is at stake. We are commanded to spread this message, not merely invited to do so. [58:12]
5. God's Unseen Work: Even when it seems like God is not working, He is often preparing the way in unseen ways. The altars to the unknown god in Athens, placed there hundreds of years before Paul arrived, were used by God as a tool for Paul's message. This encourages us to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. [01:04:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:51] - Introduction: The Fox Boys Preaching
[30:25] - Unfinished Story: The Book of Acts
[31:19] - Paul's Second Missionary Journey
[32:14] - Triumphs and Trials in Derbe, Lystra, and Philippi
[33:46] - Opposition in Thessalonica and Berea
[34:29] - Paul's Arrival in Athens
[35:38] - Athens: A City of Idolatry and Culture
[39:59] - Paul's Spirit Provoked by Idolatry
[42:08] - Our Response to Cultural Deception
[43:29] - Christ's Love Compels Us
[45:42] - Paul's Engagement in Athens
[46:36] - Addressing the Areopagus
[47:21] - Paul's Message: Power of the Gospel
[50:50] - The God of Creation
[52:28] - True Fulfillment in Jesus
[53:34] - Cultural Relevance in the Gospel
[55:36] - Changing Methods, Unchanging Message
[57:16] - Urgency in Repentance
[58:12] - Command to Repent
[59:29] - Assurance Through the Resurrection
[01:01:53] - The Unknown God Altar
[01:04:32] - God's Unseen Work
[01:05:12] - God's Continued Work Today
[01:07:18] - Call to Action: Sharing the Gospel
[01:10:28] - Invitation to Respond
[01:21:47] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:16-34
2. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's reaction when he saw the city of Athens full of idols? ([35:38])
2. How did Paul engage with the people of Athens, and where did he reason with them? ([35:38])
3. What was the significance of the altar to the unknown god in Paul's message to the Athenians? ([47:21])
4. What did Paul emphasize about God's command to all people in his message at the Areopagus? ([58:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul's spirit was provoked by the idolatry in Athens, and how did this influence his approach to sharing the gospel? ([39:59])
2. How does Paul's use of culturally relevant points, like the altar to the unknown god, help in communicating the gospel message effectively? ([54:40])
3. What does Paul mean when he says that God now commands all people everywhere to repent, and why is this message urgent? ([58:12])
4. How does the concept of being Christ's ambassadors, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:20, relate to our role in sharing the gospel today? ([44:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced both triumphs and trials. How did you see God's work in those situations, similar to Paul's experiences in Derbe, Lystra, and Philippi? ([32:14])
2. When you look around at the cultural and spiritual environment in your community, what provokes your spirit? How can you channel that frustration into a desire to share the truth of Jesus? ([42:08])
3. Paul used culturally relevant points to connect with the Athenians. What are some culturally relevant ways you can share the gospel in your context without compromising its core truth? ([54:40])
4. Considering the urgency of the gospel message, what steps can you take this week to share the message of repentance and faith in Jesus with someone in your life? ([58:12])
5. Think about a situation where it seemed like God was not working. How can the story of the altars to the unknown god in Athens encourage you to trust that God is always at work, even when it is not visible? ([01:04:32])
6. How can you cultivate a heart that is compelled by Christ's love to see people not from a worldly point of view but as individuals in need of reconciliation with God? ([44:44])
7. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What specific action can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation or invite them to church? ([01:08:15])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Presence in Triumphs and Trials
Throughout Paul's second missionary journey, God was actively at work in both the successes and the hardships. In Derbe and Lystra, the churches grew, and Timothy joined Paul and Silas. In Philippi, Lydia and her household came to faith, and even in the midst of beatings and imprisonment, God used these trials to bring a jailer and his family to faith. This demonstrates that God's presence is unwavering, and He is always working to bring about His purposes, even in our difficult times. We can take comfort in knowing that our trials are not in vain and that God is using them for His glory and our growth. [32:14]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, and how might He be using it for His purposes?
Day 2: Provoked by Deception, Not People
Paul's spirit was deeply provoked by the idolatry he witnessed in Athens, but his frustration was directed at the deception, not the people. This teaches us to channel our frustration towards the spiritual deception around us, rather than the individuals who are deceived. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We should be moved by compassion for those who are lost and deceived, and our response should be to share the truth of Jesus with love and grace. [40:59]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you see spiritual deception. How can you respond with love and truth, rather than anger or frustration towards the people involved?
Day 3: Cultural Relevance in Sharing the Gospel
Paul effectively used culturally relevant points, such as the altar to the unknown god, to connect with the Athenians and introduce them to Jesus. This highlights the importance of contextualizing the gospel message without changing its core truth. We must find ways to make the gospel relatable to our contemporary culture, using language and examples that resonate with those we are trying to reach. By doing so, we can bridge the gap between the timeless truth of the gospel and the ever-changing cultural landscape. [54:40]
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."
Reflection: Think of a person or group in your life who may not understand the gospel. How can you use culturally relevant examples or language to share the message of Jesus with them?
Day 4: Urgency in the Gospel Message
Paul emphasized the urgency of repentance and following Jesus, as a day of judgment is coming. This urgency should drive us to share the gospel with those around us, knowing that their eternal destiny is at stake. We are commanded to spread this message, not merely invited to do so. The reality of the coming judgment should compel us to act with a sense of urgency and compassion, sharing the hope and salvation found in Jesus with those who do not yet know Him. [58:12]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you share the urgency of repentance and the hope of Jesus with them today?
Day 5: God's Unseen Work
Even when it seems like God is not working, He is often preparing the way in unseen ways. The altars to the unknown god in Athens, placed there hundreds of years before Paul arrived, were used by God as a tool for Paul's message. This encourages us to trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. We can have confidence that God is orchestrating events and circumstances for His purposes, and we should remain faithful and attentive to how He might be using us in His plan. [01:04:32]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt God was not working. How can you trust in His unseen work and remain faithful in your role in His plan?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The good news message of Jesus and his love for you addresses all the greatest needs in your life. Quit looking for satisfaction elsewhere. Because you're never going to find it." [52:28] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "True fulfillment and true satisfaction is only found in a relationship with Jesus. I hope you believe that today. And if you've never believed it before right now, I hope right now the Holy Spirit is opening up your heart. So that you can say, you know what, for some reason I think that's true." [52:28] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if instead we could be like Paul? What if we could have the same heart as Paul? What if our spirits could be provoked the same way as Paul? What if we could be irritated, not with the lost people around us, but not with the people themselves, but irritated with the fact that they're being deceived?" [43:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must never compromise or change the gospel message. It must always be our focus in reaching people for Jesus. We're not winning them to anything else. We're winning them. We're reaching them. We're promoting the gospel message." [56:29] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's no other way to be saved. There's no other way to go to heaven. Jesus himself said, I'm the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father except through me." [58:12] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul knew these idols. They were just these non-living things that were made from human hands. And he knew compared to Jesus, these idols, they offered nothing to the people. They could do nothing for the people. And in verse 16 it says that Paul, when he was walking around, I don't know if you noticed this, it says, his spirit was provoked within him. His spirit was provoked within him. The word provoked means not just that it was stirred up, but that it was irritated. It made him angry." [39:59] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul gets motivated. Paul gets fired up. Paul gets on his feet and he goes to battle. He goes. He starts reasoning with anyone who will listen to him about Jesus being the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Now the philosophers there, they didn't like or understand his teaching at all. So they took him to the Areopagus." [46:36] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The times of ignorance was the time when God has kept this plan of salvation through Jesus undisclosed. Before Jesus' resurrection. People didn't understand that you were saved through faith in Jesus. People were ignorant of Jesus the Messiah. The plan of salvation was kept a mystery throughout the ages. God wasn't ready to reveal it. But now that Jesus has died, he's resurrected. The days of ignorance are over. The mystery of Christ has been revealed." [57:16] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if God wants to use Landmark Church to reach thousands of people with the gospel in the next five years? Would we be ready? Would we be able to step up to that? Would we believe it? Would we be available to be used by him? Could it be that God's already working in ways that we can't see yet? Do we trust in the power of the gospel message? Are we willing to do what it takes to make it happen? To make that gospel message relevant to the next generation?" [01:07:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God does not waste a single minute in human history. He doesn't waste a minute in human history. Long before Paul arrived, God had those Athenians place those unknown god altars right there. Just right in place for Paul. Now at first glance for Paul and for those around, it might look like God's not working in Athens at all. Look at this place. It's just nothing but deception everywhere. What is going on? Why isn't God working here? But God had been working in ways that could not be seen." [01:04:32] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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