“Mars” Hill
(Acts 17:16-24)

Introduction:

1. Acts 17 records one of the great sermons of the New Testament.
2. The points which Paul raises in this sermon are just as applicable to us today as they were to those Athenians.
3. Let’s examine several points brought out in this sermon.

I. Background To The Sermon

A. The Place.
    1. Called “Mars Hill” in the KJV.
    2. However, this is a misnomer.
    3. “Mars” was the Roman god of War; “Ares” was the Greek god of War.
    4. Thus more properly translated should be “Ares Hill” or Areopagus.
B. Epicurean Philosophers – An Epicurean is one who is devoted to sensual pleasure, luxury, and good food.
C. Stoic Philosophers – A stoic is one who tries to avoid any show of emotion, whether anger or joy.

II. Pure Christianity Seems Strange and Different To Many Religious People

A. (Acts 17:18-20)
B. (Acts 16:20-21; Acts 17:6)
C. Error, if practiced long enough, makes the truth sound strange.

III. Being Religious Is Not Sufficient

A. (Acts 17:22-23)
B. (Matthew 7:21-23)

IV. We Are Made In God’s Image, Not God In Our Image

A. (Acts 17:24-28)
B. Some would like to fashion God according to their likes.

V. We Will All Answer For Our Lives

A. (Acts 17:30-31)
B. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

VI. The Message Will Not Always Produce The Same Effect

A. (Acts 17:32-34)
B. (Acts 2; 7)

Conclusion:

1. There is indeed a God, and some day we must give account of our lives to him.
2. What is your response? Will you mock? Will you delay? Or will you believe and follow?