CONFRONTING LITTLE “GODS”                       ACTS 17:16-34
 
I.  Paul’s Audience in Athens
 

1. The Confused Culture of Idolatry

 

1. The vain pursuit of religion 

                                       Isa. 29:13; Gal. 4:10, 11; Col. 2:20-23
 

1. The vain pursuit of pleasure              Eccl. 2:1; I Cor. 15:32

 

1. The vain pursuit of spirituality.                          2 Tim. 3:5-7

 
 
II.   Paul’s Approach in Athens                                      I Pet. 3:15, 16
 

1. The Clear Gospel of Jesus                                       2 Cor. 4:2-6

 

1. Paul appeals to man’s need for something greater than himself                                                             Rom. 1:18-20

 

1. The irrationalism of human foolishness confronted by divine wisdom.                                                I Cor. 1:18-25

 

1. The unsatisfactory nature of created things is trumped by the gracious provision of the Creator.              Rom. 1:20-23

 
 
III.  Paul’s Apologetic in Athens
 

1. The Creator God of Salvation                                  Isa. 66:1, 2

 

1. The true God is sovereign and eternal, not dependent and temporal.                                          Isa. 40:18-20; 45:20, 21

 

1. The true God gives you physical life, thus will be the judge of your life.                                 Rom. 14:8, 12; 2 Cor. 5:10

 

1. The true God provides forgiveness of sin and spiritual life through the death and resurrection of His Son                            Jn. 5:20-27; Rom. 3:23-26