Taking Jesus to the World: Paul's Missionary Example

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Liberty family! Today, we delved into Acts chapter 17, exploring Paul's missionary journeys to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. These journeys are not just historical accounts but are deeply relevant to our mission today: taking Jesus to the world. We began by understanding the significance of Greece, not just in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament prophecies, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Bible. Greece's influence on culture, language, and education was profound, and it set the stage for the spread of the Gospel.

Paul's strategy was to first take Jesus to the religious world, starting in the synagogues. This is a reminder for us to ensure that our churches are places where Jesus is preached, and the Scriptures are upheld. Paul faced immediate opposition, but this only affirmed the transformative power of the Gospel. The early church was often attacked, yet it thrived because it turned the world "right side up" by bringing light, love, and order where there was darkness, hatred, and chaos.

Next, we discussed taking Jesus to the marketplace. Our faith cannot be confined to the church walls; it must permeate every aspect of our daily lives. Paul reasoned daily in the marketplace, showing us that our mission field is wherever we are—whether at work, school, or even in casual encounters. We are called to be Gospel influencers, bringing Jesus into every sphere of life.

Finally, we explored Paul's time in Athens, where he engaged with the intellectual and philosophical elite. He contextualized the Gospel, building bridges by acknowledging their religiosity and then introducing them to the "unknown God"—the Creator of heaven and earth. This approach teaches us the importance of understanding and engaging with the culture around us while remaining rooted in the truth of the Gospel.

In conclusion, our mission is clear: take Jesus to the world. Whether in religious settings, the marketplace, or educational institutions, we are called to be consistent witnesses, living out our faith daily and transforming the culture around us.

### Key Takeaways

1. Taking Jesus to the Religious World: Paul’s first stop in every city was the synagogue, emphasizing the importance of grounding our faith communities in the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. Churches must be places where the Gospel is preached and lived out, even in the face of opposition. This foundational approach ensures that our faith remains vibrant and transformative. [05:45]

2. Engaging the Marketplace: Our faith should not be confined to church services but should extend into our daily interactions in the marketplace. Paul reasoned daily with people in public spaces, showing that every encounter is an opportunity to share Jesus. This daily engagement transforms ordinary moments into divine appointments, making our faith a living testimony. [11:20]

3. Contextualizing the Gospel: In Athens, Paul engaged with the culture by acknowledging their religious practices and then introducing them to the true God. This approach teaches us to understand and respect the cultural context while presenting the Gospel in a way that resonates with people's existing beliefs and questions. [25:25]

4. Daily Devotion and Witness: Consistency in our walk with God is crucial. Paul’s ministry was marked by daily engagement with the Scriptures and with people. This daily devotion equips us to be effective witnesses, ensuring that our faith influences every aspect of our lives and interactions. [13:21]

5. Transforming Culture: The ultimate goal is not to isolate from the world but to transform it. Paul’s message was about turning the world "right side up" by bringing the light of Christ into every dark corner. This transformative mission calls us to be active participants in God’s redemptive work, influencing every sphere of society with the Gospel. [35:29]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Introduction to Paul's Journeys
[02:55] - Greece in Biblical Prophecy
[04:27] - Early Church Councils
[05:45] - Taking Jesus to the Religious World
[07:12] - The Importance of Local Churches
[08:35] - Opposition and Persecution
[09:49] - Jesus as the True King
[11:20] - Engaging the Marketplace
[13:21] - Daily Devotion and Witness
[14:48] - Paul's Ministry in Berea
[16:08] - Global Mission and Military Outreach
[17:15] - Vision for Marketplace Ministry
[18:25] - Empowering Gospel Influencers
[19:51] - Personal Testimony and Vision
[21:14] - Sounding the Gospel to the Surrounding Area
[22:41] - Taking Jesus to the Educational World
[25:25] - Paul's Sermon at Mars Hill
[28:09] - The Biblical Worldview of Creation
[29:37] - Preaching at Mars Hill
[31:03] - Life in Christ
[32:37] - The Call to Repentance
[34:05] - Transforming Culture
[36:39] - The Message of Repentance
[38:03] - Responses to the Gospel
[39:31] - Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:1-34
2. Daniel 8:21-22
3. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Paul's strategy when he first arrived in a new city during his missionary journeys? How did he engage with the religious community? [[05:45]]
2. How did Paul interact with people in the marketplace, and what was his approach to sharing the Gospel there? [[11:20]]
3. Describe Paul's method of engaging with the intellectuals and philosophers in Athens. How did he contextualize the Gospel for them? [[25:25]]
4. What was the reaction of the people in Thessalonica to Paul's preaching, and how did it reflect the transformative power of the Gospel? [[09:49]]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul choose to start his ministry in each city by going to the synagogue? What does this tell us about the importance of grounding our faith communities in the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection? [[05:45]]
2. How does Paul's daily engagement in the marketplace challenge our understanding of where and how we should share our faith? What does this imply about the role of Christians in everyday life? [[11:20]]
3. In what ways did Paul build bridges with the Athenian philosophers by acknowledging their religiosity? How can this approach be applied in our interactions with people of different beliefs today? [[25:25]]
4. What does it mean to turn the world "right side up" according to Paul's message, and how does this concept apply to our mission as Christians today? [[09:49]]

#### Application Questions
1. Paul emphasized the importance of taking Jesus to the religious world. How can you ensure that your local church remains a place where the Gospel is preached and lived out, even in the face of opposition? [[05:45]]
2. Reflect on your daily interactions in the marketplace. How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith in your workplace, school, or casual encounters? What specific steps can you take this week to be a Gospel influencer? [[11:20]]
3. Paul contextualized the Gospel for the Athenians by acknowledging their religious practices. Think of a person or group in your life with different beliefs. How can you build bridges and introduce them to the "unknown God" in a way that resonates with their existing beliefs and questions? [[25:25]]
4. Consistency in our walk with God is crucial. What are some practical ways you can engage with the Scriptures and with people daily to ensure that your faith influences every aspect of your life? [[13:21]]
5. The ultimate goal is to transform culture, not isolate from it. Identify one area of your community or society where you see darkness, hatred, or chaos. How can you bring the light, love, and order of Christ into that area this week? [[35:29]]
6. Paul faced immediate opposition in Thessalonica, yet he continued to preach boldly. Have you ever faced opposition when sharing your faith? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Paul's example to strengthen your resolve? [[09:49]]
7. How can you support and encourage other Christians in your community to take Jesus to the world, whether in religious settings, the marketplace, or educational institutions? What role can you play in empowering others to be consistent witnesses? [[18:25]]

Devotional

Day 1: Grounding Our Faith Communities in Jesus

Paul’s first stop in every city was the synagogue, emphasizing the importance of grounding our faith communities in the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. Churches must be places where the Gospel is preached and lived out, even in the face of opposition. This foundational approach ensures that our faith remains vibrant and transformative. Paul’s strategy of starting in the synagogues serves as a reminder that our churches should be the epicenters of Gospel truth. They should be places where Jesus is preached, and the Scriptures are upheld, even when faced with resistance. The early church thrived despite opposition because it brought light, love, and order where there was darkness, hatred, and chaos. This transformative power of the Gospel is what we need to embrace and uphold in our faith communities today. [05:45]

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: How can you contribute to making your church a place where the Gospel is preached and lived out? What specific actions can you take this week to support this mission?

Day 2: Extending Faith into Daily Interactions

Our faith should not be confined to church services but should extend into our daily interactions in the marketplace. Paul reasoned daily with people in public spaces, showing that every encounter is an opportunity to share Jesus. This daily engagement transforms ordinary moments into divine appointments, making our faith a living testimony. Paul’s example teaches us that our mission field is wherever we are—whether at work, school, or even in casual encounters. We are called to be Gospel influencers, bringing Jesus into every sphere of life. This means being intentional about our interactions and seeing them as opportunities to share the love and truth of Jesus. [11:20]

Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: Think about your daily routine. How can you intentionally bring the message of Jesus into your interactions today? What specific steps can you take to be a Gospel influencer in your workplace or school?

Day 3: Engaging and Respecting Cultural Contexts

In Athens, Paul engaged with the culture by acknowledging their religious practices and then introducing them to the true God. This approach teaches us to understand and respect the cultural context while presenting the Gospel in a way that resonates with people's existing beliefs and questions. Paul’s method of contextualizing the Gospel shows the importance of building bridges with those around us. By understanding and respecting their cultural and religious backgrounds, we can more effectively communicate the truth of the Gospel. This does not mean compromising the message but rather presenting it in a way that is accessible and relevant to the audience. [25:25]

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: How can you better understand and respect the cultural contexts of those around you? What steps can you take to present the Gospel in a way that resonates with their beliefs and questions?

Day 4: Consistency in Daily Devotion and Witness

Consistency in our walk with God is crucial. Paul’s ministry was marked by daily engagement with the Scriptures and with people. This daily devotion equips us to be effective witnesses, ensuring that our faith influences every aspect of our lives and interactions. Paul’s example of daily reasoning in the marketplace and his consistent engagement with the Scriptures highlight the importance of a disciplined spiritual life. This consistency not only strengthens our own faith but also makes us more effective in sharing the Gospel with others. [13:21]

Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Reflection: What daily habits can you establish to ensure consistent engagement with the Scriptures and with people? How can you make your faith a living testimony in your daily interactions?

Day 5: Transforming Culture with the Gospel

The ultimate goal is not to isolate from the world but to transform it. Paul’s message was about turning the world "right side up" by bringing the light of Christ into every dark corner. This transformative mission calls us to be active participants in God’s redemptive work, influencing every sphere of society with the Gospel. Paul’s ministry shows that the Gospel has the power to bring light, love, and order where there is darkness, hatred, and chaos. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this transformation, actively participating in God’s redemptive work in the world. [35:29]

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 ways can you actively participate in transforming your community with the Gospel? What specific actions can you take this week to bring the light of Christ into areas of darkness around you?

Quotes

1. "The first place Paul went in every town, he went to a local synagogue and connected. And don't just go to any church. Go to one that preaches Jesus. Go to one that preaches the scriptures. Go to one that says that Jesus suffered. And he rose from the dead. And that same power that lived in Jesus now lives in us. Hallelujah." [07:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too. And Jason, Jason has welcomed them. And they all acting contrary. It says they all acting contrary to Caesar's decrees saying that there's another King and his name is, come on every campus, shout it out. We got another King and his name is Jesus." [08:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There is another King. He's not a Democrat or Republican. His name's Jesus. And I want you to get that. You say, oh, okay, then how are we to live in this country where we have the blessed freedom of voting and electing our leaders? Here's what you do. You'd be a good Christian citizen, registered to vote. Voting started on the 20th here in this state, registered to vote, go vote. And then regardless of who wins, remember Jesus. Remember Jesus is Lord. Caesar is not Lord. That's going to help you. Remember Jesus is Lord." [09:49] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What they meant as derogatory and a complaint was really a compliment because that's what Jesus put the church here to do, to bring light where there's darkness, love where there's hatred. Uh, to, to bring a smile where there's a frown, to, to bring order and leadership where there's chaos. God put the church here so that we'll bring freedom where there's addiction, life where there's death. Why? Because we're taking Jesus to the world." [11:20] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Our faith cannot be contained within these walls. You can't keep Christianity at a campus or at a church. No, you don't hide a light under a bushel. You let your light shine. And we've got to go out there into the marketplace and take Jesus to the world. It means it's more. Everybody say more. It's more than one hour, one day of the week. It's more than one day out of a week. It's not just church. Oh, come on. You can do better than that. It's not just church. It's life. It's life." [12:35] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Daily, you got to spend time with God. You got to stay close to him. Daily, get in the word. Daily, go out into the world. And don't go out into the world until you spent time in the word. I'm preaching better than y'all responding. I'm just saying it's a daily thing." [13:21] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I don't need to try to make you a preacher. I don't need to try to make you a pastor. You just be who God made you to be. And you're going to reach people that I'll never reach. And I'm just telling you what you do in the kingdom is just as important and as much a calling as what I do in the kingdom. And everybody said, and so we want to have this coming." [18:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If your faith does not affect how you live on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, you don't have the real thing. I'm just being honest. No, he's Lord of all. He's Lord of all. And I think that the right answer is Christ transforms culture." [35:29] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Repentance says you turn from going in the wrong direction and you go in the right direction. And so the message that Paul said is, y'all need to come back home. Come back. Come back to God. And that's exactly what I'm preaching to you today. It doesn't matter how far you've gotten away in your thinking, in your living, it's time to come back home. Come back to the one who made you. Come back to the one who has a meaning and purpose for your life." [36:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Christianity really does answer the philosophical questions better than any other worldview. He articulated it like this. He said, because we are beings who have the power of choice, the cause that created us must have a will. We're someone, not a something, so the cause that created us must be a someone and not just a force. We're lovers made to love God and our neighbor. Why? Because God is love. And he made everything good and beautiful. And we were wired to discover our purpose, to go out there, to make a difference in the world. To do good." [37:14] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?