June 26
Acts 17:1-34
Twice in Acts 17 we are told that Paul “reasoned” with people and particularly his statements in Athens provide two helpful pointers for us as we share our faith. Paul began his conversation in Athens by finding common ground with his audience. They were religious, acknowledged the existence of gods and recognized their need to worship something greater than themselves. After starting with commonality Paul built an argument for why Jesus is the one they need. Unlike their idols, God is not something they created with their hands; instead, he is the one who created all things. We are dependent upon him, and he is not in any way dependent upon us. Finally, he is not only the creator but the judge of all people. Our response to God is not merely appropriate but necessary for eternal life.
Paul began with a point of agreement but did not end there, because their current rejection of Jesus as king would lead to an eternity in hell. In the same way, as we communicate with people, there is wisdom in finding points of agreement, but it is necessary for us to present Jesus' uniqueness, sufficiency, and lordship. No matter how "religious", moral, or loving people might be, without Jesus the only thing that awaits them is judgment if they remain outside of Christ.
Father God, give me wisdom to share Jesus with people well. Help me to steer the conversation to the work of Jesus. Amen.
How can you intentionally find common ground with unbelievers and then point them to Christ?
Twice in Acts 17 we are told that Paul “reasoned” with people and particularly his statements in Athens provide two helpful pointers for us as we share our faith. Paul began his conversation in Athens by finding common ground with his audience. They were religious, acknowledged the existence of gods and recognized their need to worship something greater than themselves. After starting with commonality Paul built an argument for why Jesus is the one they need. Unlike their idols, God is not something they created with their hands; instead, he is the one who created all things. We are dependent upon him, and he is not in any way dependent upon us. Finally, he is not only the creator but the judge of all people. Our response to God is not merely appropriate but necessary for eternal life.
Paul began with a point of agreement but did not end there, because their current rejection of Jesus as king would lead to an eternity in hell. In the same way, as we communicate with people, there is wisdom in finding points of agreement, but it is necessary for us to present Jesus' uniqueness, sufficiency, and lordship. No matter how "religious", moral, or loving people might be, without Jesus the only thing that awaits them is judgment if they remain outside of Christ.
Father God, give me wisdom to share Jesus with people well. Help me to steer the conversation to the work of Jesus. Amen.
How can you intentionally find common ground with unbelievers and then point them to Christ?
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