Small Group Guide

A MEDDLESOME GOSPEL IN A MANY-GODS WORLD

The Church at Brook Hills Matt Mason September 18, 2016 Acts 17:16-33

MAIN TRUTH

Message Outline

To download the outline for this week’s sermon, visit brookhills.org/media.

Message Summary

Today’s message continuesThe Gospel Made Visible series onActs. In this chapter, Paul, while waiting in Athens to meet Silas and Timothy, encountered the people of that city and was provoked by the idolatry he saw. Just as the people he met in Lystra had no biblical understanding from which to draw in understanding the gospel, the people of Athens held false religious beliefs and had no concept of the Old Testament. Paul, therefore, had to start at the very beginning in his explanation of the gospel.

Motivated by a desire to see people understand the One True God, Paul saw the many gods the people worshiped and began reasoning with them, even quoting their own poets to lead them to truth about God. He found common ground for conversation and revealed the error of their thinking, replacing it with truth about God: that He made it all, needs nothing, appointed Jesus as Savior, and commands exclusive allegiance.

Though Paul’s message was not widely received, Luke tells us that some wanted to hear more and still others joined Paul and believed in Jesus. Paul’s mission was fixed on telling the gospel, which contains some offensive elements as we are required to confess and repent from our sin and turn to a crucified and risen Jesus for salvation, power, and wisdom.

WHY IT MATTERS

Digging Deeper

Through the Holy Spirit’s power, Paul looked deeply at the Athenian culture and related the truth of the gospel to them in terms they could understand based on their own worldview. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul imitated Christ in the way he related to the people of Athens.

As you consider Jesus’ teachings recorded in the gospel, think of the times when Jesus used people’s common knowledge (examples include farming, shepherding, making bread, salt, light, paying taxes, fishing, walking through a gate) to teach them a Kingdom truth. If helpful, skim through the book of Matthew, looking for such examples from Jesus’ life. Next, think about the message Paul preached to those in Athens, asking the Holy Spirit to help you find ways to relate gospel truth in your own cultural setting (art, books, movies, song lyrics, television shows, etc.).

Encourage your group to be aware of and possibly avoid using common words we use in church that may not carry the same meaning in a different setting and to be aware of using them as they talk to others about Jesus. Together, identify such words and discuss alternate ways to explain those words or concepts. Look for ways to encourage each other in your group as you identify people with whom you can share the gospel. Pray God will lead you to connection points through our culture that will connect with those who do not know or understand the gospel. Remember that simple, basic connection points are often necessary as we reach the world around us.

Consider talking through the questions below, and close your group time by praying for wisdom to share the gospel in culturally-connecting ways, never distorting the gospel but holding fast to its eternal truths.

NOW WHAT DO WE DO?

Group Discussion & Application

Use the following questions to examine what the sermon and its text mean, to apply the Word to your life, and to guide how you pray.

  1. What is theology? Based on this sermon, why is a clearly articulated, basic theology essential for believers?
  2. How does Paul use common connection points to relate this theology to the Athenians?
  3. What are the basic essentials of the gospel? How might you concisely share those essentials with a neighbor or coworker?
  4. How does being on a gospel-focused mission affect the way we view the beauty and art of other cultures? How does that mission change the way we think about pop culture—including songs, TV shows, movies, art, and social media?
  5. In Acts 17:22-31, what truths does God reveal about Himself and the world around us through Paul?
  6. Has your spirit ever been provoked as you see things (idols) besides God getting glory in your others’ lives? With whom might God be calling you to reason as Paul reasoned with the Athenians? What connection points might God use to open doors for sharing the gospel?
  7. Pastor Matt noted that there are two distinct categories: God, who is dependent on nothing, and people, who are completely dependent on God for every breath they take. How does the idolatry of our self-indulgent culture make it difficult to accept the gospel and submit to God? How does your life and testimony reflect the beautiful truth that God both creates and sustains us?
  8. As you relate to non-Christians, are you tempted either to distort the gospel or avoid it in your conversations? Why?
  9. Where does gospel-sharing boldness and wisdom come from? Is there a connection between sharing the gospel and time spent in the Word of God? Why?
  10. How can a Christian grow in their burden for the lost and in faithfulness in sharing the gospel with the lost? Why is it important to grow in these two areas? How can you grow in these two areas?
  11. Paul’s method was to find strands of truth in their pagan culture and use them to reveal the absolute truth of God and the gospel. Can you think of something in your culture, whether song lyrics or a movie plot, that might be a connection point for sharing the gospel?
  12. Have you had an opportunity lately to share the gospel? If so, how was your message received? What information from today’s message challenged you to think differently or encouraged you to greater boldness? For whom will you pray as you consider this week’s message?

Resources for Small Group Leaders

Weekly Prayer Focus

  • Pray for Our Church:
  • Praise God for the truth of the gospel and those He used in your life to call you to repentance and faith.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to empower each of us to recognize how Paul modeled weaving the gospel into conversation with unbelievers.
  • Pray for Our City:
  • Pray for Restoration Academy in Fairfield, AL.
  • Pray for Grace & Truth Church and Pastor Steve Longenecker.
  • Pray for Our World:
  • Pray for Brook Hills Mid-Termer David S., an engineer serving in the Philippines.

“A Meddlesome Gospel in a Many-Gods World,”September 18, 2016 | Page 1