Be A World Changer (Part 2) Series

Be a world changer (Part 2)

Acts 17:10-34 and Mark 7

Introduction

We are called to have a common purpose in what we do

-- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always

-- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today

Most will agree that Paul was a unique man; one who stood apart from others

-- Paul in my opinion is a behemoth of a man; a man on a destined mission

-- He was not swayed by public opinion nor worried about what others thought

Paul understood that Grace was the key to life; for it had been shown to him

-- Paul was a man determined to win; which is exactly how we should live

-- Paul was, without a doubt, a man who changed the world!!

LAST WEEK: We saw that his journey took him to Thessalonica

-- It is to the churches here that 1 and 2 Thessalonians was written and sent

-- Letters were written to correct, but to encourage them on real living

-- We saw that the Christian life required: integrity, intensity, and involvement

Today, Paul’s journey continues in Berea and Athens … three things for us to see

Read Acts 17:10-34

Point 1 – Sensitivity to the Spirit (10-15)

Knowing when to go is vital

-- The Holy Spirit provides wisdom and guidance on how we should live

We see that the Paul waited until nightfall for safety; not cowardly but wise

-- Traveling by day would have been a lot easier, but certainly not safer

-- We must CHOOSE to lose (forget) our own self-preferences (worship, etc.)

We can search forever for the perfect church but could never join it

-- We can also decide to go on a trip and make a foolish choice in how to do it

DEEPER: How many times have you given up b/c things didn't go your way?

-- Life is NEVER easy; it’s NOT a bowl of roses – but God is still God!

Being deliberate in missionary events is important; which Paul was

-- Sent directly to Berea because they were eager to hear and learn about God

-- APP: Many in your life are eager as well, but no one will tell them

When Paul traveled others came from Thessalonica as well to hear

With God’s leading, what were the results?

-- Many believed (v12)

-- Greek men believed (v12)

-- Greek women believed (v12)

But still, persecution reigns (v13) … “sigh, here comes the trouble makers again”

-- The enemy never gives up … 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

LAST WEEK: To be a world-changer for Jesus Christ I have to get out into the world & let them know what I believe if I ever expect them to join me in my cause.

TRANS: If we are truly sensitive to the Spirit, we will commit fully to the work

Point 2 – Being All In is Critical (16-28)

Idol worship rules the day there, as it does today also (sadly … more and more)

-- Whatever takes your focus off of Christ is an idol, regardless of self-justification

God desires our worship – but even in church God desires us to learn (17)

-- Paul corrects their false ideology and trains them on worshiping God alone

-- His investment to those he encounters is critical; so should ours be

But, many might ask, “What is he invested in?”

1. Knowing who God is and making Him known to a world in dire need

-- Psalm 40:3, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”

-- There is NO deity to be worshiped above God, who sent/raised Jesus

2. The real God is clearly outlined in the Law (the entire OT in Paul’s case)

-- Exodus 20:1-6, “And God spoke (who spoke?) all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

3. Paul is willing to educate even though people may not like it