Preaching To A Postmodern Culture

Preaching to a Postmodern Culture

Acts 17:16-34

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

How do we fulfill the command to “go and make disciples” of all nations when most believe that truth is infinitely complex, relational and contextually dependent on socially constructed experiences? Living near so many divergent belief systems has led many to conclude that absolute truth no longer exists, just multiple paths to the “god” of one’s choice. While evangelising to this postmodern culture might seem like a unique challenge it is not, for Athens in Paul’s time had just as many gods and belief systems as we do today. Even though they believed in many gods the people of Athens chose to erect an altar to the “unknown god” so that they would not offend whom they did not know. Does that not sound like our culture that believes in many gods but not in the possibility of knowing which one is truly real? In today’s sermon we are going to examine the manner in which Paul implored the Athenians to seek the Creator, sustainer and ordainer of all life in hope that we might learn how to evangelize this postmodern culture!

Background Information

Athens in Paul’s day was in the “afternoon of her glory.” For having taken the lead in resisting the Persians in the fifth century and resisting Philip of Macedon in the fourth, Athens became known for its military prowess. Athens reached its height of glory under Pericles (495-429 BC) in which it became known for its numerous temples, splendid buildings, and for being the center of literature, science and rhetoric; attracting intellects all over the world. The war with Sparta that lasted twenty-seven years put an end to the greatness of Athens. Even though Athens would not return to its former glory its reputation for intellectual excellence persisted having some of the greatest philosophers of its time living there such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and Zeno. Even though it had been conquered by the Romans in 146 BC, during Paul’s day Athens continued to be a free city that was still known as the intellectual capital of the Greco-Roman world and the religious capital of Greece.

Start by Being Distressed

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

Now that we know a little bit about Rome let’s examine Paul’s first step towards evangelizing this pluralistic society. Following his ministry in Beroea, we are told that Paul came to Athens and most likely was waiting there for Silas and Timothy to arrive before starting to preach. While Paul initially occupied himself with observing the great works of various artists of this city, he could not help but notice that the representations of gods and demigods were everywhere! The senseless idolatry “provoked his spirit” for he knew that it was wrong to give honor and glory that was due to the one true God alone. When we look upon our postmodern culture should not idol worship also turn our stomach as well? Like David, are we not to abhor any thought, word or deed that goes against God (Psalms 139:21)? Or have we become so enamored with our culture that we too have come to believe truth is elusive, derived from the imagination of creation, rather than being absolute and defined by our Creator?

#1: To be effective in ministry we must no longer be mere observants to idolatry but instead are to speak the truth concerning God to this generation no matter what the cost!

Risk Preaching in Public

17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

Even though Athens was a shadow of its former greatness, they still had about 10,000 people which would be far more than one person could ever evangelize. In the synagogue Paul met with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks who shared in his distress concerning the worship of idols. Like Paul we need to empower and encourage other believers to join our ministry efforts to reach the lost souls of our society. Paul also went to the marketplace which in Greco-Roman times was the hub of urban life, a center for commerce, trade and the sharing of one’s religious beliefs. It was dangerous for Paul to discuss his monotheistic belief in one God because that meant denying the existence of all other gods. While the Athenians said they were open to new viewpoints they were very closed on matters of religion, so much so that they put Socrates to death for merely swearing strange oaths and receiving communications from a spirit. Every day Paul took the risk and spoke in the marketplace for he knew that belief in God was the only cure for the eternal death the Athenians were facing!