7 Effective Ways to Approach a Know-It-All World
7 Effective Ways to Approach a Know-It-All World
Acts 17:33-34
From Paul’s approach to the Athenians, we find some great pointers on how to approach a culture that takes itself far too seriously.
The way to win some is to be winsome and be of patience. When we loose patience everything can go wrong. We have the knowledge and the power to do what we need to and the will power we get from the Lord. So, we have to know how to approach the world, with what we all know.
Paul had the plan and the knowledge on how to make his ideas work, he knew he also had the Lord to help guide him all the way. We have to consult the Lord in all we do, or want to do. We can’t just jump right in, without seriously talking to the Lord about it, and making sure He wants us to. Sometimes the answer may just be “NO” but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t have something else in mind for you to do. Just hang tight and be patient….He knows what’s best for us!
1. Watch for ways to find common ground (Acts 17:22-23)
Paul went where people were physically and began where they were intellectually.
2. Illuminate poor views of God (Acts 17:24-26)
Paul gently but firmly exposed the errant views of the Athenians. There is a knowable God. On that front they were wrong and needed correction.
3. Nurture that part of each person that wants to know God (Acts 17:27)
Paul knew that there is a God-built part of every person that wants to know God. When we talk to those who don’t know God, we need to assume this and nurture it.
4. Study the world and its ways (Acts 17:28-30)
Paul was a student of the culture. Christians tend to isolate, insulate, run and hide, gather up in our holy huddle and avoid the world—their way of thinking, writing, singing, reasoning, influencing. We must learn to speak in a language that the world understands.
5. Offer the proof of Christianity—the Resurrection (Acts 17:31)
Paul spoke of the Resurrection. Christ’s resurrection is the focal point of the faith, proving the central theme of Christianity. Without that fact we have no religion (1 Corinthians 15:13-14).
6. Make clear every person’s accountability for his or her life (Acts 17:30-31)
Paul didn’t mince words. There comes a time when folks need to be told of a life audit.
7. Expect a variety of responses (Acts 17:5-9, 13, 18-20, 32-34)
Paul received varied responses. Some will be jealous. Others will misrepresent what we are doing, accusing us of being troublemakers, agitating those we’re trying to reach. But some will believe. And they are worth it!
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