Living on Mission Part 2
Preached on 7.18.10 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes
Recap: Living on mission begins with open eyes, an open heart, an open mouth, and a open mind.
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. 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. 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, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 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.’ 29 Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 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.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Acts 17:23-34 ESV
If You Want to Live on Mission…
Know Who God Is and How He Works (v. 23-27)
“God who made the world… He is the Creator and Lord over Creation.
“does not live in temples…” Unlike their gods, He doesn’t have an address.
“not served…needed anything…” He is self-sufficient.
“made every nation…having determined…” He is sovereign over every detail of life.
“that they should seek…” He is loving and accessible.
INWARD: Do I know God through Jesus Christ? If so, is my knowledge of God deepening
Am I consistently putting myself in a place where God can change me through spritual disciplines, worship and service? If not, why not?
OUTWARD: Do I know that God has strategically placed people in my life to share with the Gospel with? Am I praying for and engaging in opportunities to share with them?
Learn How to Speak About God in a Way that People Understand (v.28-29)
“In him we live…his offspring” From Epimenides and Eritus. Worship songs for Zeus.
“we ought not to think…art and imagination…” God is limitless. Can’t be confined or replicated. He used the examples in front of him to share truth.
Are your conversations about God in a language ‘outsiders’ can understand? Are we comfortable using the “starting points” around us in the culture?
“Speak as if your neighbors are around and eventually your neighbors will be around.” – Keller
Tips for Speaking a Language People Can Understand:
- Don’t just talk – listen. (To them and yourself for what you are saying.)
- Become a student of the culture. (Music, movies, sports, web, etc.)
- Learn to effectively “turn the corner” in a conversation.
- Prayer for God to guide you and listening for your “in.”
Be Careful to Tell the ‘Whole Story’ and Understand there Will Always Be A Variety of Responses to the Message of Jesus (v.32-34)
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent”
The times before Jesus came. Wasn’t that people weren’t accountable, this is just language that indicates God’s patience in enduring their sins. Repent = u-turn.
“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.” The day of judgment. Jesus is the Judge. The resurrection proves his qualifications. In sharing the Gospel, we can’t just talk about the love about God. We need to talk about the judgment of God as well. We need to be careful to be balanced.
Are you careful to tell the ‘whole story’ about God? Are you able to be sensitive to the moment?
What is your current default setting (grace or truth)?
“Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked.” Hot-button issue.
“But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst.” Not ready to believe, but intrigued and wanted to hear more.
“But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” He was a wealthy member of the Aeropagus. Went on to become the first bishop of Athens. She was a very poor, uneducated lady at the other end of the social spectrum.
Are you comfortable with the fact that there will always be a variety of responses to the Gospel?
Are you being faithful to do your part to pray and share the Gospel?
- We are not responsible for conversions but conversations.
Jesus is both our goal and our hope in all of these things.
Works Consulted: Radical Reformission by Mark Driscoll, Message on Acts 17 by Mark Driscoll, Word Pictures by A.T. Robertson