Bold Witness in a Blind World: Discussion Guide
Sermon Video
Summary
This sermon explores Acts 17:16-34, where Paul encounters the spiritually blind city of Athens filled with idols and competing philosophies. Pastor Mike uses the analogy of the Matrix movie to illustrate how people today live in spiritual blindness, searching for truth but worshipping false gods. Paul's example in Athens shows us how to make the unknown God known in our world through three key elements:
being stirred deeply by God's holy jealousy for His glory
engaging wisely through reasoned dialogue and questions
speaking boldly about the risen Christ
The sermon emphasizes that idolatry isn't just an ancient problem but a modern one, where people worship careers, success, comfort, or relationships instead of God. Paul's approach in Athens demonstrates that Christians shouldn't retreat from culture but engage it confidently, knowing the gospel can stand up to any worldview. The message concludes with the reality that God has made Himself known through Jesus Christ, and everyone must choose to either mock, delay, or believe in the risen Savior who paid the price for our sins.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You as Your people, gathered to learn from Your Word. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today through this discussion. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with each other as we explore how we can make You known in our world. Stir our hearts with Your truth and give us courage to apply what we learn. We pray that You would speak to each person here according to their need, and that we would leave this time changed by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one place you've visited that completely surprised you - either positively or negatively - compared to what you expected before arriving there?
Key Verses
Acts 17:16
Acts 17:22-23
Acts 17:24-25
Acts 17:26-27
Acts 17:30-31
Exodus 34:14
Romans 10:13
Questions
Paul was 'provoked' when he saw Athens full of idols. What are some modern 'idols' in our culture that should stir our hearts with holy jealousy for God's glory?
The sermon mentioned that 'underneath every sin problem, every relationship problem, every addiction problem, there's a worship problem.' How have you seen this to be true in your own life or in observing others?
Paul engaged both in the synagogue and in the marketplace. What are the 'marketplaces' in your daily life where you could engage people in conversations about ultimate things?
How can we follow Paul's example of using questions and reasoning rather than just preaching at people? What might this look like in your relationships?
Paul found a point of connection with the Athenians through their 'altar to the unknown god.' How can we find similar connection points with people in our lives who don't know Christ?
The Epicureans lived for pleasure ('YOLO') while the Stoics were fatalistic ('what will be, will be'). How do you see these same worldviews playing out in our culture today?
Paul proclaimed that God 'determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place' so people would seek God. How does it change your perspective to think that your time and place in history is intentional for seeking and finding God?
When Paul preached about the resurrection, some mocked, some delayed, and some believed. Why do you think the resurrection is still such a stumbling block for people today, and how can we better communicate this truth?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific 'marketplace' or regular environment in your life (work, school, neighborhood, gym, etc.) where you can practice engaging people with thoughtful questions about life's deeper meaning. Commit to having at least one conversation where you listen well and ask questions that might open doors for sharing about God's truth and love.
Key Takeaways
God makes Himself known through His people who are stirred deeply - we must share in God's holy jealousy for His glory and have hearts broken for those walking in spiritual blindness
Christians should engage culture wisely through reasoned dialogue and questions rather than retreating from it or attacking it with a sledgehammer approach
The gospel belongs in every arena of life - education, workplace, arts, politics, and culture - because truth belongs everywhere people live and think
Modern idolatry is alive and well - people worship careers, success, comfort, and relationships instead of God, and we must help them see these false gods for what they are
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the historical proof that validates the gospel message and our hope of salvation
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to see You as the one true God in a world full of false idols. We confess that sometimes our hearts grow cold and indifferent to the spiritual blindness around us. Stir our hearts afresh with Your holy jealousy for Your glory. Give us wisdom to engage our culture with both truth and grace, and boldness to speak of Your resurrection power. Help us to see that our time and place in this world is not accidental, but purposeful - that we might seek You and make You known to others. May we be Your faithful witnesses in our marketplaces, ready to proclaim that what others worship as unknown, we can make known through Jesus Christ. Transform us from people who retreat from the world to people who engage it with the hope of the gospel. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.