March 13, 2006
Acts Chapter 17
Using the Law to Evangelize
Introduction:
As the custom of the day permitted, Paul preached in the synagogue at
Thessalonica. Explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from
the dead, Paul persuaded some Jews, many God-fearing Greeks, and prominent women
that Jesus was the Christ.
Since the Jews knew the prophecies concerning the Messiah, the apostles
turned to the Scriptures to reveal the deity of Jesus of Nazareth. There are 109
prophecies that only the Messiah could fulfill and the apostles explained how
Jesus fulfilled them. It is relevant to note that Luke mentioned God-fearing
Greeks. The Greeks were great philosophers eager to learn new concepts of
religion. God-fearing Greeks listened to the Jewish beliefs and accepted their
concept of one true God. They would have heard and understood the prophecies of
the Messiah the same as the Jews.
Core of the Lesson:
Non-believers forced Paul and his missionary team to move to Berea. Many Jews,
and Greek men and woman received the gospel message there. They were commended
for their diligence in studying the Scriptures to verify Paul’s teachings.
Many people attend church today and accept any word spoken there without
verifying it. A lot of false doctrine has filtered into the church because we
are lazy and eager to be taught without earnestly seeking the truth.
For example:
1. What kind of fruit did Adam and Eve eat
that caused them to sin?
A.
an orange
B.
a banana
C.
a pear
D.
an apple
E.
no one knows.
Of course, no one knows because the Bible does not tell us. But, most people
think an apple. Why? Because an artist depicted an apple in his painting and
since then we have been shown pictures of Eve handing an apple to Adam and we
assume the artist knew something we didn't. It could have been a wonderful
chocolate fruit. That would be my guess simply because I have never craved an
apple nor do apples tempt me. Chocolate, however, well back to the study.
2. What do angels look like?
Most of us think of the beautiful figurines that we have sitting around our
houses or babies with wings. The Bible tells us that Cherubs are mighty warriors
and guard the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). Do you think warriors and guards
look like babies with wings? For a true description read Ezekiel 10.
3. How many wise men visited Jesus?
The Bible only mentions 3 different gifts not how many wise men visited. It is
very possible that many more visited Him.
4. How many races are in the world today?
One! Although there are differences in the appearance of the many tribes and
nations, science has proven that only one race exists. We all have the same
pigment called melanin, which gives color to our skin. Some simply have more of
it than others. Facial features are also merely a matter of genetics. (see
Cohen, P., 1995). Verse 26 of our text tells us that we are all of one blood.
Our existence is much more understandable when we use the Bible to explain
science instead trying to use science to explain the Bible.
These simple questions help us to understand how easily we can be fooled into
believing things that just are not written. How much more closely should we
study about the important aspects such as the prophecies.
The Bereans realized the importance of individual Bible study and were ready to
hear and receive the truth. Unfortunately, the Jews from Thessalonica heard of
the revival in Berea and sent riotous men to stir up trouble for Paul. Paul fled
to Athens, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea to establish the church.
While in Athens, Paul preached in the synagogues and in the marketplace.
Idolatry was so strong in Athens that they had more idols than all the rest of
Greece put together. They were so afraid of offending any of the gods, they had
an altar in honor of the Unknown God. Athenians loved to hear new philosophy.
Many of the intellectual did nothing all day but sit in the streets and listen
to the knew concepts.
Paul took advantage of their curiosity and their idolatry. Finding common ground
in the Unknown God, he told them about the Creator God. Paul used the moral Law,
you shall have no other gods before me and you shall not make for yourself any
graven image
(Exodus 20:3-4), to show them the problem with their belief system.
In verse 26, Paul explained that before He gave Moses the Law, God excused
(winked at) the sins of humanity. He did not hold people responsible for what
they did not know. But no one had an excuse, because nature speaks of a Creator.
When the Law came, it condemned all humanity. That was the sole purpose of the
Law -- to show us our lawlessness and our need for repentance.
Few Atheneans changed their viewpoint and became Christians. When people reason
that one religion is as good as another, most will choose the one that makes
little demands.
God has appointed a day of judgment, which He will use the righteousness of
Jesus Christ as the standard. When we use other people for are standard most of
us look clean, but compared to Jesus, we look like children who just bathed in a
pigsty.
Only when we repent do we receive the clean garments of Christ’s righteousness.
Like the Atheneans, most of us don’t want to face our true selves. We prefer to
think of ourselves as good, righteous, and worthy of heaven. However, that’s not
how
God sees those who are without Christ.
1. They are clothed in filthy rags.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that
does good, no, not one. (Psalm 14:3).
But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.
(Isaiah 64:6a).
2. They are blind.
In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine to them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
3. They are sick.
From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it; but
wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither
bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (Isaiah 1:6)
4. They are hungry.
The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked
shall want. (Proverbs 13:25)
5. They are lame.
All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. (Ezekiel 7:17)
6. They are slaves. Jesus answered them, Verily,
verily, I say to you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. (John 8:34)
7. They are dead.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even
when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you
are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4-5 emphasis mine)
But God desires that they change their condition. Through Jesus Christ, He
resolves humanity’s afflictions:
1. He clothes them in Jesus’ righteousness.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he
has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe
of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10a)
2. He opens their eyes.
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power
of Satan to God. (Acts 26:18)
3. He heals them.
By whose stripes you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24b)
4. He feeds them.
And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never
hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
(John 6:35)
5. He strengthens them.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
6. He sets them free.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be
not entangled again with the yoke of bandage. (Galatians 5:1)
7. He gives eternal life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
Prayer Requests:
Melinda & Barry and family, Jenn, Jordan, Joey, Phyllis and husband, Barb, J.J., Joyce, Nora, Karen and Raph, Ann, Trinity, Wyatt, Johanna, Irene, Enos, Chelsea, Helen, Mildred, Norma, Jace, Pauline, Zeb’s family, our Monday Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Cassi, a twelve-year-old who recently had surgery with severe complications, is now restored to good health. Aaron, a fifteen-year-old who recently had surgery on his feet, is enjoying the wonder of walking without aide. We are looking forward to more praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Read Acts 18. Protection and provision.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. Sounds hopeless and unfair, but God in His infinite wisdom and abundant love has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Monday Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@twosmallfish.org .
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks
.