THE GOSPEL AND THE MODERN REASONING OF MAN
OCTOBER 25, 2025
TEXT: Acts 17:16–25
KEY VERSE: “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16)
In the world we find ourselves today, it is no doubt that knowledge is flying everywhere. An average person today has access to so much knowledge, even much more than our forefathers did. Gone are the days when men completely trusted God for all things. Most people today have one or two dimensions of success in career, academics, finance, technology, etc. The typical modern man finds himself sometimes questioning God as to why he needs to move closer to Him in the first place. The modern man feels fulfilled by the satisfaction he derives from his career, title, cars, mobile phones, etc., and how these things have seemingly solved most of his life problems.
Unfortunately for the modern man, no volume of revolution, civilization, or urbanization can tamper with the gospel of Christ. Jesus Christ remains the same from two centuries ago and even till the present moment. He doesn’t change at all, and He is not subject to global change or modernization (Hebrews 13:8).
Apostle Paul, from our given text, found himself flabbergasted when he got to Athens and realized that the land was given to so much idolatry. This is exactly the same way the modern man is also given to idolatrous concepts such as arrogance, technological devices, career, finances, etc., thereby making it difficult for him to accept the word of God into his heart.
It is very difficult to witness to an average modern mind, as he believes he’s got it all figured out and needs no supernatural element in the journey of his life.
It is, however, expedient for us as believers to utilize the Apostle Paul approach by taking Christ right there to them, irrespective of the challenges or obstacles. Paul stood before the Areopagus (an arena of debate and arguments) to introduce Christ unto them.
A replica of the Areopagus today includes the social media space, as well as offices and environmental gatherings. We must try to preach Christ unto them at every slight opportunity. Do not dilute the message to boost acceptability. Do it with conviction, seasoned with love and genuine care.
In the same vein, we must also endeavour to seek knowledge. An average modern man is intellectually loaded and wants intelligent answers to typical biblical questions, failure of which makes him doubt your conviction. It is perfect and even recommended to trust the Holy Spirit for guidance and utterance, but not without striving to acquire the requisite knowledge.
SEARCHLIGHT: It is a very herculean task to sustain the evangelistic fire in a perilous world where everything seems to be anti-gospel. However, we must trust God for divine grace to continue spreading the good news to perishing souls.
PRAYERS: My Father, equip me with evangelistic fire in this modern and urbanized era, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Daniel 7–9; Luke 21
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
