Effectively Teaching the Gospel Acts 17 16 34

Effectively Teaching the Gospel Acts 17: 16 -34

Introduction • Galatians Examples of teaching the gospel in the New 1: 6– 10 6 I Testament marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called youtwo in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which – No exactly alike is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want – One 1: 16 gospel! Romans to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel ofthan Christ, forweit is from preach any other gospel to you what – heaven, Methodology changes have preached to you, himhearer be accursed. 9 As we have said the–power of God tooflet salvation for everyone who Starting point the before, so for nowthe I say again, anyone other believes, Jew firstif and alsopreaches for the any Greek. • gospel Some elements same… to you than whatremain you havethe received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek – Example: Acts 17: 16 -34 to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Desire of the Teacher • Need for teachers • Romans Paul’s 10: 14– 15 example 14 How then shall they call on within Him inhim” whom they have – His heart was “provoked Jeremiah 20: 9 not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of • Pre-judge as unworthy? 9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor whom • they have not heard? And how shall they hear Compassion? speak anymore in His name. ” But His word was in my without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach – Therefore… heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful weary • of. Heholding it back, to. And I could not. was compelled teach! are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

The Approach… • Paul was given an opportunity to speak • Paul started on common ground – They were very religious – Used their “religion” as a starting point, not a point of contention – The “unknown God” • Good starting points today! – Look for common ground – Show where the listener needs more information

Give the Information that is Needed • The lost need to know about God! – Acts 17: 24 -28 – Acts 8: 30 -35: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch • Teachers used what was known to lead to valid conclusions – Had some knowledge that was correct, but misapplied • Sometimes we have the wrong desires – We become self-centered and self-serving

Give the Information that is Needed • Show where the listener is wrong – The time will come where listeners must be shown where they are in error – The gospel is a message of change!

Tell What is Expected • Acts 17: 30 – Command to repent – Limited context…more to see Acts– 2: 38 Acts 8: repentance and baptism… 38 Then said toaudience them, “Repent, and let every one – Acts. Peter 2: Peter’s asked what to do… of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the • This is what God expects! remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the – Spirit. ” It does not matter what I want! Holy – It was God who “commands all men everywhere to repent!”

Reveal the Consequences… • What happens if one refuses to obey? – Acts 17: 31 – The Day of Judgment is coming! 2 Corinthians 5: 10 – The creator and sustainer is also the Judge! 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Belief in God requires personal responsibility Christ, • that each one may receive things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

The Listener’s Decision • One cannot be forced to obey the gospel message • 3 responses in the context – Some mocked – Some wanted to hear more – Some believed and obeyed • Same responses today