Acts 17:22-34 – Worldly Wisdom Cannot Save You (part 2) – Sermon Outline
Intro: Paul is speaking to pagan, polytheistic Athenians, the height of worldly wisdom and learning. Paul is
a scholar, but takes no interest in their vain speculations, but preaches Christ to them, exposing their folly
of trying to climb up to God in the blindness of their minds and darkness of their hearts.
Need: Paul is preaching Christ to Jews and Greeks, which catches the ears of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers. For all their learning and worldly wisdom, they knew not the true God, whom Paul proclaims,
and His Son Jesus Christ, through whom alone salvation from our sin and foolishness can come.
Theme: The Gospel topples the false wisdom and vain worship of this wicked world.
1. Worldly wisdom can only reach the height of worshiping man-made idols (16-21)
2. Worldly wisdom retains remnants of the true God without truly knowing Him in Christ. (22-29)
3. Worldly wisdom pridefully mocks the Gospel of a crucified Savior risen to glory. (30-34) |
