November 12, 2001
Family Bible Series for Nov. 25
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY:
Lost souls worthy of more than sympathy
___Acts 17:16-34
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___This month's study has covered the emphasis of what to tell--the good news about Jesus; who to tell--all people, regardless of culture; where to tell--everywhere, with no exceptions; and why to tell--because people who do not know Jesus are lost in sin and without a Savior.
___You would think this is simple and easy to accept but apparently not. I'm sure you have come across individuals who honestly don't believe or understand that it is a Christian's responsibility to witness. It also is heartbreaking to realize many churches do not have a strong missions emphasis, if any. What's wrong with this picture?
___Why should you be concerned about making certain all people have an opportunity to respond to the good news? Maybe the best way to respond is to ask yourself, "Who shared Christ with me?" and "What if that person had not shared?" or "What would my life be like today without Jesus?"
___Look around your world today--your neighborhood, workplace, school, place of worship and community. What do you see? Do you see a place full of Christians serving God? No, obviously you don't. More than likely, what you see is a combination of believers and non-believers around you. All are busy working, playing, learning and trying to earn a living. Some are busy being deceitful, lying to a co-worker or family member, cheating on a spouse and other types of sin. Remember, believer or non-believer, we all sin. The difference is the believer has a Savior that offers forgiveness of sin.
___The Apostle Paul had a heart for people. Once he discovered the true love and forgiveness Jesus had to offer, he became compelled to tell others. He had experienced pure love and forgiveness. He had a new calling and mission for life--telling the good news to everyone.
___It was during his second missionary journey that Paul was waiting in Athens for Silas and Timothy to join him (v. 16). Wait, wait and wait some more. Have you had to do that? What do you do when you are waiting for someone? Usually you sit, pace or try to occupy yourself.
___Paul was doing what some of us like to--watch people. It is very entertaining to watch people. Let's face it, human beings are a peculiar species, and we like to watch what others are doing. While waiting for Silas and Timothy he began to watch those around him--walking, laughing, arguing, worshiping idols ... worshiping idols? Yes, idols. Things that cause a person's attention and devotion to be diverted from God to earthly things. These don't necessarily have to be statues. Idols can be anything you focus all your energy on instead of God, such as work, money, hobbies, shopping, Internet, etc.
___Scripture says Paul became greatly distressed (v. 16) when he saw the city was full of idols and the people were worshipping these idols. Distress implies the state of being in great trouble, an external and usually a temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress. Paul was greatly distressed.
___I imagine what he saw in Athens caused him such anguish he physically hurt. He wasn't just bothered by the idol worship but felt pain for the people. Paul had sincere concern and was heavily burdened by what he saw. His eyes observed, but his mind and heart experienced great pain.
___Have you been greatly distressed over a parent or child's sudden death, severe accident, loss of job or medical diagnosis? Probably so. But have you been greatly distressed because a friend or loved one was experimenting and enjoying the life of sin? Do you see the difference?
___Our hearts should be heavy for those who live in sin. But how often do you allow your mind, heart and physical being to literally feel the repulsiveness and heartache of one playing with sin? It only happens when you have a deep conviction and passion for the lost. Paul had just that.
___In verses 17-34, Scripture records Paul's encounter as he taught, preached, explained, reasoned and debated with whoever would walk his way and listen. Philosophers pulled him aside and met with him. They wanted him to explain this new way of teaching and were attentive.
___Paul quoted from two great poet writers (Epimenides and Aratus) who had greatly influenced Greek thought. Paul didn't bring judgment and condemnation, but rather he wanted to meet the philosophers and marketplace people face-to-face and eye-to-eye with the understanding of who Jesus is. Paul taught by using examples they could understand and were familiar with, and then moved the discussion to a common ground. He methodically shared Christ and then stirred their hearts toward a decision about Jesus. Paul's desire was for them to understand and know the one true God. Will you allow yourself to become mentally and physically distressed to keep non-believers from going to hell?
___Questions for discussion
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