Transformed by Truth: Proclaiming Christ in a Confused Culture
Text: Acts 17 (NLT)
Introduction:
Today we explore Acts 17 — a chapter that reveals the Apostle Paul proclaiming the message of Christ in a world filled with competing ideas and idols. Our world, much like Paul’s, is confused and in need of truth. So, the title for today's message is “Transformed by Truth: Proclaiming Christ in a Confused Culture.”
In this sermon, we will follow Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, and discover four key lessons on how to be effective witnesses for Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.
1. Proclaiming Christ in a Hostile World (Acts 17:1-9)
Acts 17:1-9 recounts Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica. He preached in the synagogue, reasoning from the Scriptures, explaining, and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Paul’s message was clear: “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah” (Acts 17:3, NLT). But not everyone was receptive to this truth, leading to hostility and opposition.
Here, we see the challenge of proclaiming Christ in a hostile world. The Gospel is counter-cultural and often challenges deeply held beliefs, confronting the idols of the heart.
The Greek word dialegomai (used in Acts 17:2) means "to reason" or "to discuss." Paul didn't merely preach; he engaged in a dialogue, reasoning with the people about Jesus. This is a model for us today. We are called to engage in meaningful conversations about the Gospel, even when it’s uncomfortable.
John Piper has said, “The Gospel is not a truth to be hidden but a light to be shared, even when it causes discomfort.” Paul was willing to face opposition because he knew that the truth of Christ was worth proclaiming.
Are we willing to speak the truth of the Gospel, even when facing opposition? We must be bold in proclaiming Christ, trusting that God will work through our witness.
2. The Noble Character of the Bereans (Acts 17:10-12)
After leaving Thessalonica, Paul traveled to Berea, where he encountered a very different response. Acts 17:11 tells us, “The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” (NLT).
The Bereans were eager to receive the Word but also examined the Scriptures for themselves to verify the truth of Paul’s message. This teaches us two important lessons.
First, we should be like the Bereans, eager to learn and receive God’s Word. The Greek word here for "open-minded" is eugenesteroi, meaning "noble" or "fair-minded." They approached Scripture with readiness and openness to learn.
Second, we must diligently study and search the Scriptures. It’s not enough to rely solely on what others say; we must dig into God’s Word ourselves to confirm the truth. As 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) urges us, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
Tim Keller wisely says, “A faith that does not examine itself is not strong. It is weak and vulnerable.” Let’s be diligent in studying and understanding God’s Word, allowing it to transform our lives.
Are we like the Bereans? Do we eagerly receive God’s Word, and do we take the time to study it to confirm its truth? Let’s commit to being students of the Word, letting it shape us daily.
3. Engaging a Confused Culture with the Gospel (Acts 17:16-34)
Finally, Paul arrives in Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophical debates. Acts 17:16 tells us that Paul was “deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city” (NLT). Athens was a centre of learning, philosophy, and religion, yet it was spiritually bankrupt.
Paul’s response was to engage with the culture, using their own philosophies to point them to the truth of Christ. He stood before the Areopagus and proclaimed, “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples” (Acts 17:24, NLT). Paul challenged their misconceptions and pointed them to the one true God.
Paul approached the Athenians by using their cultural context as a bridge to present the Gospel. He referenced their altar to the "unknown god" (Acts 17:23) and quoted their own poets (Acts 17:28). This shows us the importance of understanding the culture around us and using it to build connections that lead to the Gospel.
The Greek word used in Acts 17:17 for "discussed" is dialegomai, showing that Paul was reasoning with the people. He didn’t just preach; he engaged in meaningful dialogue, helping them see the truth.
Tim Keller highlights, “The Gospel is both a confrontational and affirmational message. It confronts the idols of our hearts but affirms the true longings that only Christ can satisfy.” Paul demonstrated this balance, and we are called to do the same today.
Are we engaging with the culture around us in a way that leads people to Christ? Let’s seek to understand the world and use it as a bridge to share the hope of the Gospel.
4. Persevering in the Face of Mixed Reactions (Acts 17:32-34)
As Paul concluded his message at the Areopagus, the reactions were mixed. Acts 17:32 tells us that some laughed in contempt, while others were curious and wanted to hear more. Yet, despite the varying responses, Acts 17:34 notes that some believed, including Dionysius, a member of the council, and a woman named Damaris.
This teaches us that when we share the Gospel, we won’t always receive a positive response. Some will reject the message outright, others may be curious, and still, others will come to faith. Our responsibility is not to control the outcome but to faithfully proclaim the truth.
Paul didn’t let rejection stop him. He persevered in sharing the Gospel, trusting that God would bring fruit in His time. In Galatians 6:9 (NLT), we are reminded, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” We can trust that God’s Word will accomplish its purpose.
Are we persevering in sharing the Gospel, even when we face mixed reactions? Let’s trust God to work in the hearts of those who hear, knowing that His Word will not return void.
Conclusion:
In Acts 17, we see Paul boldly proclaim Christ in a hostile world, engage with those open to the truth, connect with a confused culture, and persevere despite mixed reactions. His example is a powerful reminder that the Gospel is transformative, and we are called to proclaim it with courage, clarity, and compassion.
Let’s pray: “Lord, give us the boldness to proclaim Your truth, the diligence to search Your Word, and the wisdom to engage our culture with the hope of the Gospel. May we be transformed by Your truth and be agents of transformation in the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
