Taking Jesus to the World: Paul's Blueprint

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Liberty! Today, we explored the journeys of Paul as recorded in Acts 17, focusing on his visits to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. These journeys are not just historical accounts but serve as a blueprint for how we can take Jesus to the world. We began by understanding the historical and cultural context of Greece, tracing its influence from the Old Testament prophecies in Daniel to the Hellenistic period that shaped the New Testament world. The Greeks gave us much, from language to education models, and even sports, but most importantly, they provided a backdrop for the spread of the Gospel.

Paul's strategy was to start in the synagogues, engaging the religious world by reasoning from the Scriptures about the necessity of the Messiah's suffering, death, and resurrection. This approach highlights the importance of having a local church that preaches Jesus, especially in our mobile world where people are constantly on the move.

Next, we looked at Paul's engagement with the business world. He took the Gospel to the marketplace daily, emphasizing that our faith should not be confined to church walls but should permeate every aspect of our lives. This daily engagement with the Word equips us to be Gospel influencers in our workplaces, schools, and communities.

Paul's visit to Berea showed us the importance of daily examining the Scriptures. The Bereans were more noble because they received the Word with eagerness and examined it daily. This daily discipline prepares us to take Jesus to the marketplace effectively.

Finally, we examined Paul's approach in Athens, the intellectual and cultural hub of the ancient world. Paul contextualized the Gospel, starting with the Athenians' own religious practices and leading them to the truth of the resurrection. He demonstrated that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive worldview that answers life's deepest questions.

In conclusion, taking Jesus to the world involves engaging the religious, business, and educational spheres with the transformative power of the Gospel. It requires daily commitment, contextual understanding, and a heart for people.

### Key Takeaways

1. Engaging the Religious World: Paul always started his ministry in the synagogues, reasoning from the Scriptures about the necessity of the Messiah's suffering, death, and resurrection. This approach underscores the importance of having a local church that preaches Jesus. In our mobile world, finding a church that centers on Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and community. [45:26]

2. Daily Engagement with the Word: The Bereans were commended for their noble character because they received the Word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily. This daily discipline is essential for spiritual growth and prepares us to take Jesus to the marketplace effectively. Daily time in the Word equips us to be Gospel influencers in our workplaces, schools, and communities. [51:54]

3. Taking Jesus to the Marketplace: Paul took the Gospel to the marketplace every day, emphasizing that our faith should not be confined to church walls. Christianity is a way of life that should permeate every aspect of our daily activities. Whether at the grocery store, gas station, or workplace, we are called to be Gospel influencers, bringing light to a world in darkness. [50:44]

4. Contextualizing the Gospel: In Athens, Paul contextualized the Gospel by starting with the Athenians' own religious practices and leading them to the truth of the resurrection. This approach shows the importance of understanding the cultural context and building bridges to share the Gospel effectively. Christianity answers life's deepest questions and offers a comprehensive worldview. [01:03:17]

5. Leadership and Influence: Leadership is about influence, and as Christians, we are called to be Gospel influencers in various spheres of life, including business, politics, media, sports, education, and law. Our church should be a launching pad for sending out Gospel influencers who will impact the world for Christ. It's not just about our seating capacity but our sending capacity. [57:00]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[38:23] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[39:16] - Introduction to Paul's Journeys
[40:17] - Historical Context of Greece
[41:17] - Influence of Greek Culture
[42:38] - Early Church Fathers and Councils
[43:48] - Taking Jesus to the Religious World
[45:26] - Paul's Message in Thessalonica
[47:33] - Persecution and Political Expediency
[50:07] - Turning the World Upside Down
[50:44] - Taking Jesus to the Business World
[51:54] - Daily Engagement with the Word
[53:10] - Liberty's Presence in the Marketplace
[55:08] - Vision for a Legacy Team
[57:00] - Leadership and Influence
[01:00:48] - Taking Jesus to the Educational World
[01:03:17] - Contextualizing the Gospel in Athens
[01:06:51] - In Him We Live and Move
[01:09:57] - From Creation to Judgment Day
[01:15:26] - Call to Believe and Prayer
[01:17:28] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:1-4 - "When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. 'This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,' he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women."
2. Acts 17:10-12 - "As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men."
3. Acts 17:22-23 - "Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: 'People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's strategy when he first arrived in Thessalonica, and what was the core message he preached? ([45:26])
2. How did the Bereans respond to Paul's message differently than the Thessalonians? ([51:54])
3. In Athens, how did Paul use the Athenians' religious practices to introduce the Gospel? ([01:03:17])
4. What were some of the cultural and historical influences of Greece mentioned in the sermon that provided a backdrop for the spread of the Gospel? ([40:17])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul always started his ministry in the synagogues when he entered a new city? How does this approach underscore the importance of a local church that preaches Jesus? ([45:26])
2. The Bereans were commended for their noble character because they examined the Scriptures daily. How does this daily discipline prepare us to take Jesus to the marketplace effectively? ([51:54])
3. Paul contextualized the Gospel in Athens by starting with the Athenians' own religious practices. How can understanding the cultural context help us share the Gospel more effectively today? ([01:03:17])
4. The sermon mentioned that leadership is about influence and that Christians are called to be Gospel influencers in various spheres of life. How can this perspective change the way we view our roles in our communities and workplaces? ([57:00])

#### Application Questions
1. Paul emphasized the necessity of finding a local church that preaches Jesus, especially in our mobile world. How can you ensure that you are connected to a church that centers on Christ, even if you move frequently? ([46:41])
2. The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily with eagerness. What steps can you take to develop a daily habit of engaging with the Word? How might this impact your ability to influence others with the Gospel? ([51:54])
3. Paul took the Gospel to the marketplace every day. Reflect on your daily activities—how can you intentionally bring your faith into your workplace, school, or community? ([50:44])
4. In Athens, Paul used the Athenians' own religious practices to introduce the Gospel. Think about the cultural context of your community. How can you use elements of your local culture to build bridges for sharing the Gospel? ([01:03:17])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of being Gospel influencers in various spheres of life, including business, politics, media, sports, education, and law. Identify one sphere where you feel called to make an impact. What specific actions can you take to be a Gospel influencer in that area? ([57:00])
6. The concept of leadership as influence was emphasized in the sermon. How can you develop your leadership skills to better influence others for Christ in your daily life? ([57:00])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of contextualizing the Gospel. Think of a person in your life who may not have a biblical background. How can you present the Gospel to them in a way that resonates with their current understanding and experiences? ([01:03:17])

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging the Religious World
Paul's strategy of starting his ministry in the synagogues underscores the importance of engaging with the religious community. He reasoned from the Scriptures about the necessity of the Messiah's suffering, death, and resurrection. This approach highlights the significance of having a local church that preaches Jesus. In our mobile world, finding a church that centers on Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and community. By engaging with the religious world, we can create a strong foundation for our faith and build a supportive community that encourages us to live out the Gospel.

[45:26]

Acts 17:2-3 (ESV): "And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.'"

Reflection: Think about your current church community. How can you actively engage and contribute to making it a place where Jesus is preached and lives are transformed?

Day 2: Daily Engagement with the Word
The Bereans were commended for their noble character because they received the Word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily. This daily discipline is essential for spiritual growth and prepares us to take Jesus to the marketplace effectively. Daily time in the Word equips us to be Gospel influencers in our workplaces, schools, and communities. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we can develop a deeper understanding of God's will and be better prepared to share the Gospel with others.

[51:54]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: How can you incorporate daily Scripture reading into your routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure that you engage with the Word every day?

Day 3: Taking Jesus to the Marketplace
Paul took the Gospel to the marketplace every day, emphasizing that our faith should not be confined to church walls. Christianity is a way of life that should permeate every aspect of our daily activities. Whether at the grocery store, gas station, or workplace, we are called to be Gospel influencers, bringing light to a world in darkness. By living out our faith in everyday situations, we can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and inspire others to seek Jesus.

[50:44]

Acts 17:17 (ESV): "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: Identify one specific way you can bring the light of the Gospel into your workplace or community today. How can you be a Gospel influencer in your daily interactions?

Day 4: Contextualizing the Gospel
In Athens, Paul contextualized the Gospel by starting with the Athenians' own religious practices and leading them to the truth of the resurrection. This approach shows the importance of understanding the cultural context and building bridges to share the Gospel effectively. Christianity answers life's deepest questions and offers a comprehensive worldview. By understanding the beliefs and practices of those around us, we can find common ground and present the Gospel in a way that resonates with them.

[01:03:17]

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 about the cultural context of your community. How can you use this understanding to share the Gospel more effectively with those around you?

Day 5: Leadership and Influence
Leadership is about influence, and as Christians, we are called to be Gospel influencers in various spheres of life, including business, politics, media, sports, education, and law. Our church should be a launching pad for sending out Gospel influencers who will impact the world for Christ. It's not just about our seating capacity but our sending capacity. By embracing our role as leaders and influencers, we can make a significant impact on the world for Christ.

[57:00]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what sphere of life do you feel called to be a Gospel influencer? What steps can you take to embrace this role and make a positive impact for Christ?

Quotes

1. "Caesar is not Lord. It doesn't matter if it's a Democrat Caesar or a Republican Caesar. Caesar is not Lord. Jesus is Lord. You say, so what are we to do in an election year? You be a good Christian citizen. You register to vote. You go and vote. And that started on the 20th here in this state. All right, so you've got a long time. And then you register. You go vote. And remember, regardless of who wins, our allegiance is to Jesus because he's Lord." [49:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus has put us here in a broken world so that we can turn it right side up. So that where there's darkness, we bring light. And where there's hatred, we bring love. And where there's a frown, we bring a smile. And where there's loneliness, we bring community. And where there's chaos, we bring order and leadership. And where there's bondage and addiction, we bring freedom. Where there's death, we bring life. Why? We're taking Jesus, the living Lord Jesus, to the world." [50:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Our faith cannot be confined to these walls. Our faith cannot be confined. Christianity can't be confined to a campus. No, we got to take Jesus to the marketplace. And notice the emphasis is on every day. Every day. Every day. Every day. What do you do? Pick up here in verse 10. As soon as it was night, the brothers and sisters set Paul and Silas away from Thessalonica to Berea." [50:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You got the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Every day you spend time in his word. Every day you take Jesus to the marketplace. Daily. Everybody say daily. You know what that means? It's not just church. Come on, you preach it. It's not just church. It's life. It's in the marketplace. It's the people you meet in the grocery store or at the pharmacy or at the gas station. It's the waiter or waitress you're going to talk to today in the restaurant. It's the people that get on that elevator with you." [52:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Leadership is influence. It's influence. And what I'm talking about is leadership. What I'm talking about is every day in the marketplace, gospel influencers. In the world of business, the world of politics, the world of media, sports, education, law. I want to be known as a place that's a launching pad. Yes, we count attendance. Thank God for all those who come in attendance. But what about ascendance? S-E-N-D. It's not just our seating capacity. It's our sending capacity." [57:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "In him we live and move and have our being. And I preached that at the foot of Mars Hill. And Tammy was. She was a back row Baptist that day. She was back on the very back sitting on the rock there at Mars Hill. And as sure as I stand here, as I'm preaching. Now listen. As I'm preaching, the police came up and tried to interrupt it. We were at the foot of the hill. It looked like the whole world was passing by." [01:06:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I'm just telling you. That's why your Saturday night's not matching up with your Sunday morning. He's Lord of all. Christianity is not a way of looking at certain things. It is a certain way of looking at everything. And you can't compartmentalize your life like this. And we bought into this sacred, secular split if it's a two-story house like the White House. And up here is your private life and down here is your public life." [01:12:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Christianity really does answer the philosophical questions better than any other world view. I'm just telling you, the structure of everything God made is good. The direction is wrong. The world's just headed in the wrong direction. And Jesus said, I want you to come back home. I want you to come back to me. And that's exactly what he's saying to you today." [01:14:56] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Let me just tell you. Not only do you know deep down in your heart there's a God. You look at every other world religion. Moses is dead. Muhammad is dead. Buddha is dead. Let me tell you why I'm a Christian. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus is alive. Jesus is alive. And I want you to see, Paul gives us a model for how to take Jesus to the world in the secular world in which we live right now." [01:10:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Christ transforms culture. He wants us in a world of darkness to bring light and a world of hatred to bring love. He came to restore, redeem everything that the first Adam lost. And so here it is. We live in a beautiful world that God's created. It's just broken by sin. And it's got to be restored. And I love what Francis Schaeffer said. He said, because we're beings who have the power of choice, the cause that created us must have a will." [01:13:56] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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