Seeing Spiritual Blindness: Paul's Call to Action

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we journey through the streets of ancient Athens with the Apostle Paul, as he encounters a city steeped in idolatry. This narrative from Acts 17 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual blindness that can pervade even the most culturally advanced societies. Paul, a missionary at heart, finds himself in Athens not by his own design but by divine orchestration. Despite the weariness from constant persecution, his spirit is stirred by the pervasive idolatry he witnesses. This provocation is not born out of disdain for the people but out of a deep love for God and a burden for the souls lost in the worship of false gods.

Paul's experience in Athens challenges us to see the world through spiritual eyes. While Athens was filled with physical idols, our modern world is rife with more subtle forms of idolatry—success, pleasure, and self-sufficiency. These "functional saviors" promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty. As Christians, we are called to see beyond the surface, to recognize the spiritual void in our culture, and to respond with compassion and truth.

Paul's method of evangelism is instructive. He begins by finding common ground, using the Athenians' altar to an unknown god as a starting point to introduce them to the one true God. He speaks to their cultural context, quoting their poets and philosophers, yet he does not shy away from the hard truths of the gospel. He calls for repentance, emphasizing that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, desiring a relationship with each of us.

The response to Paul's message is mixed—some mock, others are intrigued, and a few believe. This reminds us that our role is to faithfully proclaim the gospel, leaving the results to God. We are not responsible for the growth of the seeds we plant, but we are called to sow them with courage and love.

As we reflect on Paul's example, we are challenged to examine our own lives for idols and to cultivate a heart that breaks for what breaks God's heart. We are invited to step into the messiness of the world, to be vulnerable, and to let our compassion propel us into action. In doing so, we become true missionaries, not just in name but in spirit, living out the gospel in a world desperate for hope.

Key Takeaways:

- Seeing with Spiritual Eyes: Like Paul in Athens, we are called to see the world through spiritual eyes, recognizing the idolatry and emptiness that pervade our culture. This awareness should provoke us to action, driven by a love for God and a burden for lost souls. [39:08]

- The Burden of Evangelism: True evangelism begins with a burden for people and the glory of God. Without this burden, our efforts will lack the compassion and urgency needed to reach a lost world. We must allow ourselves to feel deeply, even when it is uncomfortable, and let that drive us to share the gospel. [43:39]

- Engaging Culture with the Gospel: Paul's approach in Athens teaches us to engage culture thoughtfully, finding common ground while boldly proclaiming the truth. We must know the culture well enough to use it as a bridge to the gospel, yet remain uncompromising in our message. [51:37]

- The Call to Repentance: The gospel demands a response. It is not enough to discuss spiritual matters in theory; we must call people to repentance and a relationship with the living God. This message may offend, but it is the truth that sets people free. [55:21]

- Faithful Proclamation: Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting God with the results. We are not called to ensure success but to be obedient in sharing the message of Christ, regardless of the response we receive. [57:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:57] - Introduction to Athens
- [39:08] - Paul's Provocation in Spirit
- [40:50] - Seeing Idolatry in Athens
- [43:39] - The Burden for Souls
- [45:28] - The Call to Action
- [48:54] - Engaging with Stoics and Epicureans
- [51:37] - Paul's Gospel Approach
- [53:02] - God's Sovereignty and Nearness
- [55:21] - Confronting Idolatry
- [57:38] - The Mixed Response
- [59:46] - Modern Idolatry
- [01:02:07] - The Call to Repentance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 17:16-34
- Jeremiah 2:11-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Paul's initial reaction when he saw the idolatry in Athens, and what did it provoke him to do? [39:08]

2. How did Paul use the Athenians' altar to an unknown god as a starting point for his message? [51:37]

3. What were the different responses from the people of Athens to Paul's message? [57:38]

4. How does the sermon describe the modern forms of idolatry that are prevalent today? [59:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it significant that Paul was provoked in spirit by the idolatry he witnessed in Athens? How does this reflect his love for God and people? [39:08]

2. In what ways does Paul's method of finding common ground with the Athenians serve as a model for engaging with contemporary culture? [51:37]

3. How does the sermon suggest that Christians should respond to the spiritual void in modern culture? [45:28]

4. What does the sermon imply about the role of emotions, such as anger and sadness, in motivating evangelism and ministry? [43:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any "functional saviors" or modern idols that you might be unknowingly worshiping? How can you begin to address these? [59:46]

2. How can you cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the spiritual needs of those around you, similar to Paul's reaction in Athens? [39:08]

3. Think of a specific cultural context or group you are part of. How can you find common ground to share the gospel effectively, as Paul did with the Athenians? [51:37]

4. When was the last time you felt a burden for the spiritual state of someone else? How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [43:39]

5. Consider a situation where you might have been hesitant to share your faith due to fear of rejection or mockery. How can you overcome this fear and trust God with the results? [57:38]

6. Identify one area in your community where you see a spiritual void or idolatry. What practical steps can you take to engage with this issue and share the hope of the gospel? [45:28]

7. How can you ensure that your love for others does not grow cold, and what specific actions can you take to keep your heart open and compassionate? [43:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing the World Through Spiritual Eyes
Paul's journey through Athens reveals a city filled with idols, a reflection of spiritual blindness even in a culturally advanced society. This narrative challenges us to see beyond the physical and recognize the subtle forms of idolatry in our own lives, such as success, pleasure, and self-sufficiency. These "functional saviors" promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty. As Christians, we are called to see the world through spiritual eyes, recognizing the spiritual void in our culture and responding with compassion and truth. This awareness should provoke us to action, driven by a love for God and a burden for lost souls. [39:08]

Acts 26:17-18 (ESV): "Delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you may have placed a "functional savior" above God. How can you begin to shift your focus back to Him today?


Day 2: The Burden of Evangelism
True evangelism begins with a burden for people and the glory of God. Without this burden, our efforts will lack the compassion and urgency needed to reach a lost world. Paul’s spirit was stirred by the idolatry he witnessed in Athens, not out of disdain but out of love for God and a burden for the souls lost in the worship of false gods. We must allow ourselves to feel deeply, even when it is uncomfortable, and let that drive us to share the gospel. This burden compels us to engage with the world around us, sharing the hope and truth of Christ. [43:39]

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you intentionally pray for them and seek opportunities to share the gospel with them this week?


Day 3: Engaging Culture with the Gospel
Paul's approach in Athens teaches us to engage culture thoughtfully, finding common ground while boldly proclaiming the truth. He used the Athenians' altar to an unknown god as a starting point to introduce them to the one true God, speaking to their cultural context by quoting their poets and philosophers. We must know the culture well enough to use it as a bridge to the gospel, yet remain uncompromising in our message. This method of evangelism is instructive, showing us how to connect with others while staying true to the gospel. [51:37]

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: Consider a cultural trend or interest that you can use as a bridge to share the gospel. How can you start a conversation about faith using this common ground?


Day 4: The Call to Repentance
The gospel demands a response. It is not enough to discuss spiritual matters in theory; we must call people to repentance and a relationship with the living God. Paul emphasized that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, desiring a relationship with each of us. This message may offend, but it is the truth that sets people free. We are called to boldly proclaim this truth, inviting others to turn from their idols and embrace the life-giving relationship with God. [55:21]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on your own life and identify any areas where you need to repent and turn back to God. What steps can you take today to begin this process?


Day 5: Faithful Proclamation
Our responsibility is to faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting God with the results. Paul experienced a mixed response to his message in Athens—some mocked, others were intrigued, and a few believed. This reminds us that we are not responsible for the growth of the seeds we plant, but we are called to sow them with courage and love. We are not called to ensure success but to be obedient in sharing the message of Christ, regardless of the response we receive. [57:38]

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

Reflection: Think about a recent opportunity you had to share your faith. How can you trust God with the outcome and continue to be faithful in proclaiming the gospel?

Quotes


So John Stott said, We do not speak like Paul because we do not feel like Paul, and this is because we do not see like Paul. So that's the goal of this message this morning, to see what Paul saw when he was in Athens, to feel what Paul felt, and to speak how Paul spoke. [00:36:47]

Paul saw thousands of people on their way to hell because they did not know and worship the one true God. What Paul saw was a city given over to idols. And it's not just he saw the emptiness for the people. He saw that they were giving glory to things that was reserved for God. It made him angry. It grieved him. They were believing a lie and robbing God of the glory he rightfully deserved. So he was upset on behalf of the people, but he was upset on God's behalf. [00:40:56]

That's where ministry begins, with a burden for the glory of God and for the souls of men and women. This is where it all starts. You won't act if you don't feel, and you won't feel if you don't see clearly. [00:43:25]

To love is to be vulnerable. I say, good. Don't let yourself out there. Ministry is messy. The world is broken, and if Christians don't venture out into the mess, who's going to? If you're not willing to say, I'll go despite the fact that it breaks my heart, nobody else is going to go. [00:45:00]

Therefore, and that means based on what was previously said, because he was saddened or angry, because he saw that it was a mess, therefore he went into the synagogue first. He went into the Jewish center where there were Gentile worshipers too, and he opened the Old Testament. And he said, you know when it was talking about this here, it was actually talking about Jesus Christ. [00:46:10]

He showed them how Jesus can change their lives. And I don't think you or I really understand the agora or the marketplace. It wasn't price cutter. It was where people... People were at, where ideas were exchanged. It was the hub of culture. Tony Merida said, it contained everything, town officials deliberating, artists creating, business people dealing, the media reporting, the philosophers philosophizing. Everything happened in the marketplace. It was a public space for everything. So, you want a principle about sharing the gospel, go to where people are at. [00:46:52]

And Paul says, hey, you got this altar to the unknown God. You worship him in ignorance, but let me tell you who the real God is. So he finds this point of contact. This is how you share the gospel. You find something that you can have in common that you can bridge into a gospel sharing. And then he's going to give him a point of conflict. You worship, the wrong God. This is who you ought to be worshiping, and this is why. [00:50:44]

God, who made the world and everything in it, says he is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. He begins with creation. You see that the gospel message doesn't begin with sin. It begins with creation. God created you, and he created you to flourish, and your sin messed that up. The gospel doesn't begin in the Garden of Gethsemane. It begins in the Garden of Eden. [00:51:48]

He's saying, I put him where I put him, verse 27, so that they should seek the Lord in the hope that they might grope for him and find him, though he's not far from each one of us. There are people seeking the Lord in idols, but they're seeking like somebody groping in darkness. But I love that last phrase, God is not far from each one of us. [00:53:02]

You see, Paul's not preaching philosophy. He's preaching Christianity. He's preaching truth, and the truth demands a response. Repent. And the Areopagus, when he says something about the resurrection, they just mock him because the truth is they were too smart for the resurrection. You know, there's people under the sound of my voice that think they're too smart for Christianity, too enlightened. They want to stay in the clouds, and Paul asks them to act. [00:57:03]

A good lesson here is just because we do it right doesn't mean we're guaranteed good results. Your job is not to make seeds grow. Your job is to cast seeds, to preach, to proclaim. Fear God more than you fear men. I don't want to be mocked, but if it's true, and if I'm worried about pleasing God, then whatever it takes. [00:57:38]

These functional saviors can be any object of dependence we embrace that isn't God. They become the source of our identity, security, and significance because we hold an idolatrous affection for them in our hearts. They preoccupy our minds. What do you guys think about? Consume our time. Where do you spend your time? And our resources. They make us feel good and somehow even make us feel righteous. [00:59:22]

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Transcript
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