MAIN POINT

These days in our culture require authentic zeal, and real passion for God.

INTRODUCTION

• On what social issue are you most likely to be courageous, outspoken, and active? Why?
• On what social issues are you most likely to remain silent, uncertain, or inactive? Why?

In a rapidly shifting cultural landscape, it is tempting to only take a stand for those issues which those around us also take a stand for. Our supposed social justice quickly becomes a selective social injustice. Zeal for the glory of God does not allow us to pick and choose what we stand for and does not allow us to be silent on those things which God condemns. The same gospel that compels us to speak about marital fidelity compels us to speak about sexual purity. The same gospel compels us to speak about sex trafficking and all forms of sexual immorality, poverty and abortion. These issues should provoke our holy anger, and we cannot remain be silent.

Watch Session 1: Culture video by David Platt (34 minutes)

UNDERSTANDING:

Read Acts 17: 16-21

• What happened to Paul when he saw the culture around him in Athens? How did he respond? When have you experienced a similar feeling?
• In this session, David mentioned Paul’s holy anger. When is it right to be angry? How can you tell if your anger is righteous anger?
• Was Paul afraid of sounding strange to the people of Athens? What about the gospel message is strange to unbelievers?
• What made the speakers want to hear more from Paul? How does taking a contrite, courageous, and compassionate stand make people curious about what we have to say?

When Paul saw the city of Athens was full of idols, his spirit was provoked within him. The glory of God being mocked by the city of idols was more than Paul could take. His zeal for the glory of God would not allow him to be silent. Paul went from synagogues to the marketplace to talk to people and tell others about the glory of God. So strange was the gospel message to a few of the philosophers that they asked Paul to come to explain his strange beliefs at the Areopagus. When our culture dishonors the glory of God, our zeal for God compels us to act.

Read Acts 17: 22-31

• What titles of God do we see in Paul’s message at the Areopagus?
• How did Paul use the culture around him to make a bridge into the gospel message? What are some bridges in your culture to the gospel?
• Trace the 5 essential threads of the gospel in Paul’s sermon. What are they and where do you see each thread?
• Which part of the gospel do you have the most difficulty talking about or explaining? How could you better prepare yourself to proclaim this part of God’s message?

Taking cues from the Athenian culture, Paul made a bridge to the gospel. He explained how God is the Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, Savior, Father, King, and Judge of the whole world, and methodically shared the gospel message. Many commentators have called this a sermon, but it is more like Paul being a Christian explaining His beliefs, something each and every Christian should be able to do. Paul spoke the gospel clearly. We have the same opportunity each and every day.

Read Acts 17: 32-34

• What variety of responses do you notice in these verses?
• Read Romans 1:16. 
• What unique power does the gospel message have? Why should we continue to share the gospel every chance we get?

When Paul was finished speaking, there was no widespread revival that broke out in the city of Athens. Some mocked Paul, some asked questions, but some believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved. All God asks is for us to be obedient and speak the gospel whenever we have the opportunity to do so. Only time and eternity can tell what God can and will do with faithful gospel witness.

APPLICATION

• Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives.
• Which culture issues incite your holy anger? Which issues should incite your holy anger, but do not?
• How do we begin to, like Paul, to view all cultural issues through the lens of zeal for the glory of God?
• Do you know the gospel well enough to speak it to another person? Practice sharing the gospel using the following threads: the character of God, the sinfulness of men, the sufficiency of Christ, the necessity of faith, and the urgency of eternity.