Seeking or Satisfied
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Introduction
Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Philosophy, Existential
The current world philosophy is summarized by the following: A man sat waiting for the light to turn green when his car was unexpectedly rear-ended. The two drivers hopped out of their cars and a vicious argument ensued. The man at fault defended himself by saying, “I really felt like running into someone today to vent my frustrations, and your bumper sticker has given me license to crash into your car.” The bumper sticker read: “If it feels good, do it.”
Paul’s spirit was provoked (vs. 16)
Paul’s spirit was provoked (vs. 16)
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
Paul spoke, “Jesus and the resurrection.” (vs. 18)
Paul spoke, “Jesus and the resurrection.” (vs. 18)
18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
Body of Paul’s message
1. The Introduction (vs. 22-23)
1. The Introduction (vs. 22-23)
22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.
23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
2. The Unknown God (vs. 24-29)
2. The Unknown God (vs. 24-29)
God is maker, Lord, and giver. (vs. 24-25)
God is maker, Lord, and giver. (vs. 24-25)
24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
In the Bible Knowledge Commentary:
vs. 25 God is not served by human hands - applying to the Epicureans who believed that what god or gods existed were above the human events.
In the last part of vs 25 Paul talks about God’s providing people with life and material needs suited the Stoic philosophy of aligning their lives with the “Purpose” of the Cosmos.
Paul was thus beginning where his listeners were and was leading them from their inadequate concepts of the truth.
God’s desires us to seek, feel and find God. (vs. 26-27)
God’s desires us to seek, feel and find God. (vs. 26-27)
26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
In God, we live and move and have our being. (vs. 28)
In God, we live and move and have our being. (vs. 28)
28 for
“ ‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“ ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
The Athenians’ very creation and continued existence depended on this one God whom they did not know! No such claim could ever be made of any of the scores of false gods worshiped by the Greeks.
3. The Message from God (vs. 30-31)
3. The Message from God (vs. 30-31)
God commands all people to repent (vs. 30-31)
God commands all people to repent (vs. 30-31)
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.
Some mocked, some wanted to listen again, and some believed (vs. 32-34)
Some mocked, some wanted to listen again, and some believed (vs. 32-34)
Where are you in your relationship with Jesus?