Thesis: God cannot be known intimately through philosophy or reason; however, God reveals Himself perfectly through Jesus Christ.
The Philosophies of the World, vv. 16-22, Love for Novel Ideas
A. Exegesis
- Epicureans = Materialists
- No life beyond this earthly existence
- Gods exist, but they are indifferent to humanity
- Goal of Life: Live as free from pain, passion, and superstition: “Eat, drink, and be merry! For tomorrow we die!”
- Stoics = Self-sufficient
- Pantheists: everything is god; has the spark of divinity
- Reason, through which to discover full potential. “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
- A Universal Brotherhood of Man
- The Unknown God of Ignorance = An attempt to “cover all the bases”
B. Illustration
The world says, “Take control and be in charge–conquering is key.”
My Father says, “I know the plans I have for you–give it up and follow Me.”
The world says I should love things and use people. That’s the way to win!
My Father says I should love people and use things. That’s the way to win!
The world says in this fast-paced life that “busy is best.”
My Father says, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.
The world says, “Sacrifice to reach the top–the bottom you don’t deserve.”
My Father says, “The least shall be great–so humble yourself and serve.”
The world says, “There are no absolutes–it’s up to me to decide.”
My Father says, ” Forgive them once, forgive them twice, forgive them again and again.”
The world sees the outside–the accomplishments and pride.
My Father sees the inside–from Him I cannot hide.
C. Application
- Materialism and human reason are inadequate roads to knowing God. They are hopeless.
- Ignorance of God is ignoring the revealed Word of God.
- We can only know God through His self-revelation in Scripture and in Jesus Christ.
The Proclamation of the Word, vv. 23-31
A. Exegesis
- The Creator God, vv. 24-25, Monotheism
- The Providential God, vv. 26-27
- God’s providence over humanity and creation, Providence is God acting in Time to accomplish His will for His creation. God upholds natural laws, and directs or guides people and events to perfect His purpose.
- Human responsibility to God
- to inhabit the earth, v. 26
- to seek God, v. 27
- The Revelation of God–>Jesus
- in Him we are His offspring–in Whom?
- The man He has appointed/anointed, v. 31, Jesus
- We become God’s offspring through faith in Jesus
- The Judgment of God
- God has appointed a Judgment Day
- There will be no excuse for ignorance, so Repent.
- Jesus has this authority because He has power over Death.
B. Illustration
Dr. Dewey Roach, a Bible professor, told this story about his little daughter. One night after the family had turned out the lights and gone to bed, Dr. Roach’s little daughter was a bit frightened and began to cry. Mrs. Roach tried to soothe the child’s fears and said, “Don’t worry, God is with us even in the dark.”
Her daughter replied, “But I can’t see God in the dark.”
Isn’t that our problem? We can’t see God because of the darkness of sin, the shadows of worry and anxiety, the shades of suffering and death, and the ghastly problems of war, disease, death, crime, and natural disasters that beset our world.
We need to remember that Jesus came to give light to those who sit in the shadows of death and who walk in darkness (Luke 1:79).
C. Application–God is at work guiding and directing us to His Son; if we ignore Jesus, we shall live in darkness and will be judged for loving the darkness rather than the light.
The Penitence of the Wicked, vv. 32-34
A. Exegesis
- Believe Jesus
- Repent of Sins
- Confess Jesus as Lord