SCRIPTURE:
“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Acts 17:16-21
OBSERVATION:
As Paul waits for Timothy and Silas his heart is stirred as he takes note that the city is full of idols. A cultured and beautiful city, without honoring God, it fell empty in his eyes. Surrounded by educated intellectuals, it soon became clear to him that they seemed to crave information over transformation.
APPLICATION:
There’s a big difference between knowing God and knowing ABOUT God. There are some who think this is one and the same, but it isn’t. Just reading the Bible and learning about God doesn’t necessarily mean you will get to know Him. That comes by having a relationship with The Lord.
As a young believer, I had begun to make some friends who were also believers. We would meet regularly and it soon became clear to me that they were more focused on what was going on in the world, rather than what was going on in The Word. If it had to do about the latest debate, ideas and opinions about Christianity, then the conversations seemed were lively. They seemed to seek information over transformation. It became clear that I had to find some new friends.
Transformation won’t come by listening to the latest podcast of ideas or opinions. True transformation will come through an earnest desire to seek out The Lord. It will come through reading The Word, time spent in prayer and a genuine relationship with God.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have sought out information rather than transformation. Thank You Lord that You want a caring and loving relationship with me. May I continue to seek You out, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
