Summary

This sermon explores Acts 14:1-18, focusing on Paul and Barnabas's ministry in Lystra where Paul healed a crippled man and the crowd mistook them for gods Zeus and Hermes. The pastor examines the ancient Greco-Roman worldview regarding gods and supernatural beings, contrasting it with modern Christian understanding. He emphasizes that ancient people had a very real belief in the supernatural realm and that their gods were seen as imminent and active, unlike the transcendent God of Christianity. The sermon also discusses Paul's possible near-death experience when he was stoned, connecting it to his vision described in 2 Corinthians 12, and highlights how cultural context is crucial for understanding biblical texts.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and cultural filters so we can better understand the ancient world and the supernatural reality that surrounds us. Give us wisdom to discern Your truth and the courage to live in light of Your awesome power and presence. We pray that our discussion would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could witness any miracle from the Bible firsthand, which one would you choose and why?

Key Verses

Acts 14:11-12

Acts 14:15-17

Romans 1:20-21

Acts 17:26-27

2 Corinthians 12:1-4

Questions

Why do you think the people of Lystra immediately assumed Paul and Barnabas were gods when they saw the healing miracle?

How does understanding the ancient Greco-Roman worldview help us better interpret this passage?

What does Paul mean when he says God 'allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways' in past generations?

How should the reality of the supernatural world affect the way we approach worship and prayer?

What can we learn from Paul's response when the crowd wanted to worship him and Barnabas?

How does Paul's possible near-death experience in Lystra relate to his ministry and message?

Why is it important for Christians today to understand that there is an active supernatural realm?

How can we maintain proper reverence for God's power while still approaching Him with confidence through Christ?

Life Application

This week, examine your own approach to worship and prayer. Are you truly aware of God's awesome power and presence when you gather with other believers? Challenge yourself to enter into worship with greater reverence and expectation, remembering that you are in the presence of the most powerful being in the universe. Consider how you can better represent Christ to others who may not understand the supernatural reality of God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways

Ancient people had a very real understanding of the supernatural world and the activity of spiritual beings

The Greco-Roman gods were seen as imminent and active, but they were not truly incarnate like Jesus Christ

God has not abandoned the nations but continues to reveal Himself through creation and His people

Paul's stoning at Lystra may have resulted in a genuine near-death experience and heavenly vision

Cultural context is crucial for properly understanding and interpreting biblical texts

Ending Prayer

Lord God, we thank You for this time of study and discussion. Help us to carry these truths with us throughout the week, living with greater awareness of Your supernatural power and presence. May we approach You with the reverence You deserve while boldly sharing Your gospel with those around us. Give us wisdom to understand Your Word in its proper context and courage to live as faithful witnesses in our generation. We commit our lives afresh to You, asking that You would use us to bring glory to Your name. In Christ's name, Amen.