Transformed By Truth: Proclaiming Christ In A Confused Culture (Acts 17) Series

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.