1.
Being
“Deeply Distressed”
The first thing
that gets my attention here, is that, while Paul was waiting for Timothy and
Silas to join him, Paul was “deeply distressed” … about what he had observed in
Athens. This was because Athens was a city “full of idols”. We should note that
Paul could only feel and react in this way because he was being observant – we
might say ‘prayerfully observant’!!
There are various
ways in which we might be “deeply distressed”. It could be that something has
seriously gone wrong, or we have suffered a particular loss. Such “distress” is
very understandable. But it could also be when we just don’t get our way –
which is not quite so pure, because it’s more based around our own agenda or
personal inconvenience. But then, there can be a “deep distress” associated
with where a community or a culture is heading, not so much because it offends
us, but because it is liable to bring hurt to a whole lot of people. This last
description was the case for Paul.
There would also
be different ways of responding to being “deeply distressed” – either
reactively … because of how we have been (or could be) affected – just with our
own selves in mind … where we could either be defensive in hiding away, or
aggressive in levels of ranting and raving. Alternatively we could be proactive
… where we consider the effect on others, and rationally and carefully do
something about it. This last option is what Paul adopted.
Prior to this
Paul had been ministering and preaching in a place called Beroea with good
success, where people: … welcomed
the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether
these things were so. Many of them therefore believed (Acts 17:11-12).
This was a good outcome. So, in this sort of mode, Paul would no doubt want to
just keep on ministering and experiencing a great reception. And behind this …
was his conviction of the perilous lostness of people without Jesus.
Paul himself, in
his former life, had been the worst of sinners, and had been persecuting the
Jesus-followers. Then he meet Jesus on the road to Damascus, and everything
changed. From a negative life bent on destruction of Christians, came a
positive life dedicated to the salvation of others. Paul knew well what a difference
Jesus made. So, when Paul encountered these barriers to people experiencing
Jesus and salvation, of course he was “deeply distressed”. This “distress” was
indeed connected to people’s well-being. And it was a complex situation – there
were many “idols” being encountered.
Paul went ahead
and made himself available in the “synagogue” and in the “marketplace” (17:17)
– the main places of gathering and connecting. These days we could think of our
own meeting places … cafes, markets, football ground, service clubs, community
groups, committees, etc (where I would have to say this church is
well-represented). The question is: whether we see ourselves there as a
representative of Jesus? Paul wore his commitment to Jesus on his sleeve.
Being “deeply
distressed” about our culture, only really means something, if you are willing
to do something about it. But how to respond? How to respond in a thoroughly
effective way? Paul had shared in Beroea in a certain way, but would that same
way be appropriate in Athens? Probably not! There would need to be a re-think!
How can I communicate best to this particular Athenian culture? What points of
connection could there be?? Do I, thought Paul, just blast into the people of
Athens for their idol-worship (because it offends me), or come at sharing Jesus
another way (that will really open opportunities and make a difference)? Heady
stuff! Highly spiritual stuff!!
How do we share
Jesus with people who have no background at all in understanding
what we are talking about?? We might use words that only we understand, and
will leave the uninitiated completely confused and unimpressed. Or worse, push
them away further! Highly religious language is likely to completely miss its
target. And we judge others to our detriment. How do we share Jesus with people
who do not share our moral or ethical code, for whom
righteousness and social justice are completely foreign concepts??
Ø Part of the answer is sports chaplaincy,
where the content of our answers is based entirely around the questions and
issues that present themselves; and where prior relationships are built on
the basis of sincere concern and offers of friendship
Ø Part of the answer is an initiative like FUSE,
where the conversation starts in the areas that young people are most concerned
about, and then some of the experiences of hope that have made a difference
can be fed in
Ø Part of the answer is any initiative that
has a sincere quest to build relationship and community, like we do with
our women’s and men’s activities; for there … people will begin to share life
Ø Part of the answer is to set an example of
caring for the widow and orphan, caring for anyone who is vulnerable and
likely to be left out of mainstream concern; like we do when we get involved in
causes (like Zoe Hope, or Burmese refugees) that directly bring better
outcomes.
Being “deeply
distressed” should lead to an effective response based on compassion, and a
desire for people to meet Jesus. Seekers abound! There would still be an
interest in something that was new and vibrant and life-giving (refer 17:21).
2.
Communicating
the Gospel
Paul kept trying
to connect … looking for common cultural points of interest to reflect upon. He
found some with a background in the Jewish religion, so that would have been
quite comfortable (although still a little risky). There were some philosophers
– who it would have been fun to talk to … maybe. Others just couldn’t
understand and called Paul a “babbler”, and were completely confused over talk
of the ‘resurrection’ (for this concept was completely missing in Greek
philosophy). This was tough!
But at the same
time, there was obviously some credibility, sincerity and power sensed in what
Paul was sharing. The LIGHT of the Gospel properly presented WILL SHINE. Paul
was invited into their space of public debate … the Areopagus. When Paul was
taken before the community leaders at the Areopagus, we read the civic leaders
asking: May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? It
sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means
17:19b-20).
Paul had sparked
some interest, no doubt using whatever creative means were at his disposal. Now
for those “idols” – these are always going to stand between these people and
God, if they are not dealt with. But how to address them, while keeping his
audience intact and attentive!? What did Paul do? Paul actually complemented
their spiritual search. They were clearly off-track, but rather than
castigating this, he found something positive and complimentary to say: … I
see how extremely religious you are in every way (v.22b).
You might read
some cynicism or sarcasm in this statement, but I factor in that Paul was
desperate to connect and share the gospel … remember he was “deeply
distressed”. The spiritual seeking was real, it was just the ‘finding’ that was
deficient. So the attempt made here, was to be truly engaging and open a deeper
conversation.
Ø ‘You played well today … you tried very
hard’, said the sports chaplain.
Ø ‘It’s great to have you here tonight’,
said the youth worker to the heavily tattooed and sad-looking young person.
Ø ‘Why don’t you come to our men’s event
this Friday night, and meet some really interesting friends of mine’.
Ø ‘Our church is giving funds to support
refugees in Malaysia’.
Today’s
appropriate response is very unlikely to be “I see how religious you are”!
However it could very well be, “I see how dedicated you are, or how well you
serve coffee, or what a great doctor you are, or I see how much you give to the
community”.
It’s all about
dialogue. A lot of people, maybe now most people, have not had
sufficient opportunity to ‘find’ correctly. Others have been hurt badly or
turned away. So for them, like it was for the Athenians, the Gospel of Jesus is
something really new … “May we know what this new teaching is”? Once
Paul had creatively engaged the people at the Areopagus in a way where they
were ready to listen, he was able to explain the Gospel very clearly indeed.
3.
Tackling
the Idols
As Paul continued
his sharing, there was an “idol” that Paul could speak into: an altar with the
inscription to an unknown God. Perfect! Paul could do something with this … and
talk about a God that was far from unknown – One that had clearly been
revealed to Paul. Paul could talk from direct personal experience now, about
what a known and personal God could bring. And this he did!!
In describing a
personal God who changes everything, Paul actually managed to critique (in a
relevant way) a whole list of “idols” that were being used to pay homage to a variety of
perceived gods: man-made shrines (17:24), human works and sacrifices (17:25),
images or statues made of expensive materials out of human imagination (17:29).
Such “idols” were held in obvious contrast to the personal God Paul was
describing: the Creator of the whole universe (17:24), the giver of life and
breath and everything good (17:25), the bringer of benevolent guidance and
ultimate provision (17:26), and the brilliant end of our search for
relationship and meaning (17:27). How could any “idol” stand in comparison to
this?
Rather than
blandly knocking the local “idols”, Paul presented an alternative picture. We
need to present that alternative reality today, based on Gospel truth in
combination with the success (or at least the good progress) of our lives that
bear this truth. This would first and foremost involve the tackling of any
prevalent “idols” remaining (or persisting) in our own lives. The call to
“repent”, in verse 30, first applies to us, so that we can fully free ourselves
to be a part of God’s mission.
We look around
us, and we too may be “deeply distressed”. There are things that we hate to see
(“idols” if you like), but surely our distress is most about how they
negatively affect people. What might some of these “idols” be???
·
Traditions
and religious habits
·
Working
for success (without any peace)
·
Money,
possessions, wealth, power, control
·
Beauty,
popularity
·
Any
god of our own making that suits us fine, but eliminates others
·
Rampant
‘hyper-individualism’ (in the western world)
·
Bitterness
that possesses us and fuels negativity.
[[NB. In the live delivery of this message, there were many examples of "idols" in today's society listed from those gathered.]]
Some "idols" (e.g. guns in USA) are deeply entrenched, and often in a 'blind spot'.
Yes, we should be
“deeply distressed” at any of this! And when the truth is told, any of us can
easily fall into compliance with such “idols” (even unconsciously). Culture can
be very pervasive or persuasive! An “idol” is anything that we put ahead of God
… that in effect means more to us than Jesus. [“We are all becoming like
whatever we look at and think about most … If our heart is not being captured
by Jesus, it is being captured by idols” (G Tarran).]
We need to present an alternative
grace-filled Jesus-based reality, based on the success (or at least the good
progress) of that … in our own lives. This will look different, and
counter-cultural where culture needs to be countered. “Idols” have then been
replaced by the disciplines of neighbourly love, compassion, stewardship,
confession, self-control and generosity.
Here is that
alternative: we know, and love, a personal God who loves us, and draws us into
a life of community. We have a relationship with this God, not based on
anything we can do, but purely on the basis of God’s own grace … a favour and
acceptance we can’t deserve or earn – just receive. This is a God who is
interested in every facet of our lives, and seeks to guide us in the best
adventures of blessing and growth. This is a God who here and now sets us on a
new path that is heading toward life eternal (around the resurrection of
Jesus), thus avoiding the implications of judgment. This is a God who forgives
us, whereby [as Rhett said last week] we only learn from the past (not dwell in
it). What “idol” can be compared with this!?!
4.
A
Harvest is Coming
Sometimes,
probably most times, this will be an ongoing conversation. To Paul, people that
day said, “We will hear you again about this” (17:32b). Some people will need
time to process, and come back to us with their questions, like: Why is the
Bible so important to you? How can you be so sure, when you can’t see God? How
come you seem to be at peace? Who is Jesus? What is church all about?
We must remember
to converse in terms of where others are at, because they likely have little
background in our beliefs. Yes, Paul encountered some who still scoffed, but
that was (and is) no reason to retreat. After all, it is God who is
making the way, where there seems to be no way. It is God who is enlightening
us to the possibilities, and to the points of connection. As Paul was led from place
to place, we can be led from person to person, and from situation to situation.
There is a search
on (17:27). But it is possible that people will embrace inadequate
pursuits and fall victim to meaningless “idols”. This is the nature of freewill
– God desires people to discover him voluntarily, for themselves, in the midst
of the challenges of life. There is NO compulsion, only a void to be filled
(that only God through Jesus can fill). A relationship can only
thrive if it has been entered into by choice. This is the genius of freewill.
So God calls us
to creatively and intelligently witness to the grandeur of Jesus, to help
people find the right solution. God is already reaching out in his love,
and making the opportunities open up. The conclusion to this passage reads, “…
some of them joined [Paul] and became believers” (17:34). Yeah!!
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