The Gospel Is Not Idle

Pastor Greg Stansel Acts 17:16-34 July 31, 2022

Christians are called to expose idolatry and lead the nations to the one true God! I. The offense of idolatry (17:16)

II. The Gospel challenges idolatry (17:17–21)

III. The Gospel exposes idolatry (17:22–29)

IV. The Gospel calls all to turn from idolatry (17:30–34)

Connect

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “idol”?

Study

Point 1: The offense of idolatry (17:16)

READ Isaiah 2:6–22

1) Discuss the various idols you see in this passage (some are obvious, some not so obvious). What is the consequence of idolatry in this passage?

2) How do you see some of these idols reflected in today’s culture? What idols do you see in your own life? What response should idolatry evoke in us? What would it look like for you to challenge idolatry in your circle of influence?

Point 2: The Gospel challenges idolatry (17:17–21)

READ Colossians 3:1–11

3) What is the reason for the wrath of God coming?

4) What does Paul define as idolatry in this passage? How does the Gospel challenge idolatry in the life of the unbeliever? Of the life of the believer? What in your life do you need to confess as idolatry? How will you, with the power of the Holy Spirit, put to death what is earthly in you?

Point 3: The Gospel exposes idolatry (17:22–29)

READ Acts 17:22–29

5) Walk through this passage and discuss how the Gospel exposes the false nature of idolatry; then discuss how the Gospel fulfills what idols are falsely promising.

6) What would it look like for you to use Paul’s method here in Acts 17 to share the gospel with others? (NOTE: He uses their own culture to expose idolatry and then point to the gospel.)

Point 4: The Gospel calls all to turn from idolatry (17:30–34)

READ 1 Corinthians 10:1–22

7) Why does Paul point back to Israel in the wilderness? What hope do Christians have in their temptation? What does Paul expose about food and sacrifices offered to idols?

8) How does idolatry hinder our coming to the Lord’s table for communion? Where does this passage connect to us today (for we do not have the struggle of food offered to idols like Corinth did)? In what way does this help you prepare for upcoming communion?

Practical Applications

1. Take time thinking through your life and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any idols in your life. Spend time in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit to help you flee from those idols and worship the only true God.

2. Take time writing out how you would share the gospel like Paul in Acts 17, starting from the culture we live in, showing how it points to flash gods, and then pointing to the one true God.

Pray the passage

Spend time praying that:

1. Your heart would be proved against idolatry to the point of speaking the gospel.

2. You would lovingly engage the lost with the gospel.

3. You would have the boldness to proclaim the gospel.

4. You would repent and turn away from any idols in your own life.

Memorize & Meditate

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30).

Preparing for next week

Read: Psalm 132-33.

Ask: questions of the text.

Pray: through text, for Rick Evans as he prepares, for your heart to hear, for the congregation to hear, for all of us to be obedient.