Main Thought
On Paul’s second missionary journey, he found himself waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. While there, he was provoked by what he saw. Paul recognized the fine sculptures and architecture for what they really were: pointless pursuits of gods who could never hear or answer the people who sought them. Paul was moved to share the gospel; when he did so, his presentation was both accurate and adapted to fit the cultural context. The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to uniquely address the needs of individuals, cultures, and communities.
What might this look like in the city and cultural context of Las Vegas? Many in Las Vegas are pursuing fulfillment through money, pleasurable experiences, status and more. Yet temporary things can only bring temporary happiness. Our pursuits leave us isolated, with a trail of brokenness behind us. Yet the love of God, demonstrated by the Cross and secured by the Resurrection, is so valuable that’s it’s worth exchanging any other pursuit in order to experience it. We can abandon lesser pursuits because we’ve found greater hope and love in Christ. This is just one example of how the gospel can help us find what we’re looking for.
Main Passages
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
- Acts 17:24-27
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
- Matthew 13:44-46
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
- Titus 2:11-14
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Has there ever been a “pointless pursuit” that captured your attention? What do you think God’s Word says about that pursuit?
In your own words, how can the gospel (along with all of its implications) help us find what we’re looking for?