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Do You Have A Heart Of Flame, Love, And Steel?
Acts 17:16-34
Introduction
A. Augustine Once Prayed, "Grant unto me your servant:
To my God – a heart of flame
To my fellow men – a heart of love
To myself – a heart of steel."
B. The Apostle Paul Had These Characteristics
1. "Heart of Flame" – Paul was easily provoked by the idolatry
2. "Heart of Love" – Paul started where the people were and told them where God wanted them to be.
3. "Heart of Steel" – Paul was never motivated by what was in it for him but he simply shared the message God wanted him to share.
Lesson
I. Paul Was Easily Provoked (17:16-21)
A. Paul Probably Started Off A Sightseer (v. 16a).
1. Paul’s ministry
a. Paul and Silas lead the Philippian jailer and his family to the Lord.
b. They "turned the world upside down" in Thessalonica and were driven out by envious Jews who believed not (Acts 17:5-9).
c. Once again after leading people to the Lord, Paul is driven out of Berea by the unbelieving Jews (Acts 17:10-15).
2. Paul now finds himself in Athens waiting on Silas and Timothy so that they may move on to Corinth.
a. Athens is no longer the capital of Macedonian but now takes second place to Corinth.
b. Notice that verse 16 tells us that Paul was in Athens waiting for Silas and Timothy.
B. But Paul’s "Spirit Was Stirred" (v. 16b)
1. Paul’s goal might have been to take it easy and to see a few of the sights but as he saw the sights "his spirit was stirred in him."
2. As Paul saw some of the 30,000 idols of Athens a storm from within begin to brew.
3. As Paul saw the idols his heart of flame burned more intense for God, his heart of love increased for the people of Athens, and his heart of steel closed on the time of rest for himself.
C. The Stirring Of The Spirit Led To Action On Paul’s Part.
1. Paul took action!
2. Paul begin to take the gospel to all the people of Athens.
a. The Jews in the synagogues
b. The God fearing Gentiles
c. The people of the market place
d. The Epicureans – These philosophers were basically atheists. They deny the existence of God and life after death. They were materialists and felt that this life was the only thing that really existed. Their motto, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die."
e. The Stoics – These philosophers believed that everything is God and that He does not exist as a separate entity. They believed that God is in the rocks and trees and every material thing. They pride themselves in their ability to take whatever came their way. Their motto we might say was "Grin and bear it."
3. The people’s initial reaction
a. The Epicureans called Paul a "babbler" ("seed-picker"). They accused Paul of picking up a few choice words from different philosophers trying to impress the everyone (v.18).
b. The Stoics seemed to be interested but just to hear about these new gods that Paul preached about.
c. They brought Paul to Areopagus – Mars Hill.
II. Paul Got Their Attention (17:22-23)
A. From A Human Standpoint, Paul Had Every Right To Start Off Fiery
1. 30,000 idols – No one truly worshipping God.
2. Paul had been insulted and no one seemed to be listening.
3. But Paul no only had a heart of flame for God but a heart of love for mankind.
B. Paul Started Where The People From Athens Were.
1. Paul started with what they knew
2. Paul started with a compliment "You are very religious."
3. Paul started with "The Unknown God."
III. Paul Told Them About The God They Were Searching For
- Hebrews 11:6 – "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
- Jeremiah 30:13 – "There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines."
IV. Paul Told Them About Their Responsibility To God (Acts
1. A Day of Judgment is coming
2. They will stand before a Righteous Judge
3. It is a fact that God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead