Pastor's Sunday School Blog
Sunday School Lesson
“The Culture: Idolatrous but Intrigued”
February 18, 2018
Acts 17:16-34
Pastor’s Notes:
“God gives us a passion to reach a lost world”
Ultimately, as believers, we are to be motivated by our love for the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. We will never be obedient to the Great Commission apart from our love for the Lord. We also need to be motivated by the lostness of the world around us, knowing that without Christ there is no hope, only suffering for all eternity.
“God give us a plan to reach a lost world”
While there are great witnessing tools, plans for sharing the Gospel, we must be led by the Spirit who understands the needs of those to whom we speak. We should approach every witness, not with a cookie cutter mentality, but as the Holy Spirit connects to the individual. LOOK FOR THE OPEN DOOR.
“God give us patience to reach a lost world”
The response to the Gospel will most often be one of rejection and often ridicule. Remember success is not determined by the response but by your obedience.
Know the culture and grieve over its idolatry (Acts 17:16).
The world is not rejecting us, it is rejecting the Gospel.
We live, whether we like to admit it or not, in a pagan society (you don’t have to go to Africa to find lostness).
Knowing our culture we help us share Christ in a more relevant way
Testimony – While I was in Africa I utilized their culture, their religious beliefs, to start conversations
We need to grieve the lostness of those around us; the results of their sin and separation from God.
THE SCHOOL SHOOTING IN FLORIDA WAS HORRIFIC AND BREAKS THE HEART, BUT WHAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT AMONG THE 17 IS THEIR ETERNAL DESTINY. IF IS SAD THEIR EARTHLY LIVES WERE CUT OFF, BUT WHAT ABOUT THEIR ETERNITY?
Affirm the good, rebuke the bad, and proclaim the truth (Acts 17:17-31).
Our responsibility is not the results, but the sharing of the Gospel. Not everyone is going to listen.
Instead of Paul ridiculing their beliefs, he used their religion to introduce Jesus Christ peaking their curiosity. I think more people know what we are against rather than WHO we are for. Blatant criticism closes the door of conversation.
Sometimes it is imperative we listen in order to speak.
Paul, used the religious beliefs of the Athenians to introduce Jesus
When sharing Jesus with a lost culture it is imperative to find mutual agreement, and from there, share Jesus.
Sometimes, a good place to begin is “creation.” If there is a Creator, Who is He, and what does He expect from His creation.
How has God revealed Himself to mankind (See Romans 1:18-23).
The Gospel verification is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While we seek not to be offensive with our presentation of the Gospel, ultimately we must present God’s call to repentance and faith, and the reality of judgment.
Expect some to laugh, some to ask questions, and others to believe (Acts 17:32-34).
No faith in the resurrection, no salvation (See Romans 10:9-10).
Vance Havner said of those who hear the Gospel, “They will go away either mad, sad, or glad.”
Don’t let men’s response to the Gospel discourage you … keep fishing … in time you will catch fish.
If they reject, and ridicule you be gracious, keeping the door open for another opportunity. If they are curious, and want to know more, pray and prepare for the next Gospel presentation. If they accept the Gospel praise the Lord and point them to a place and a people where they can grow in Christ.
Theological Theme: The Gospel must be presented in a way that is comprehensible to people in different cultures.
Christological/Christ Connection: Every Gospel conversation must eventually come to Jesus Christ, the risen Savior.
Missional Application: As believers we have a responsibility to share the Gospel among all cultures. Cultures may differ but the need for the Gospel is for all.