INTRODUCTION:

1. Title of sermon – Acts 17:16 in Message Bible says, “The city was a junkyard of idols.”
2. Paul met and discussed faith and religion with some who hold to false views
3. These same views (in different names) are prominent in our world

Background

1. Our world is confused
   1. Doesn’t know what to believe
   2. Many do not care
2. Ill. Woman buying necklace with gold cross – Jeweler asked, “Do you want a plain one, or one with a little man on it?”
3. Some have no beliefs – unchurched
4. Some are seeking for a deeper meaning to life
5. Athens, Greece was the intellectual center
   1. Every new idea was taught here
   2. People would debate, think, write about these ideas

Epicureans

1. Epicurus founded this concept
2. God is not denied – just has no interest in what people do
3. People are troubled by all the moral rules of religion
4. Want tranquility? This is for you!
5. Summary – “Eat, drink, and be merry.”
6. Pleasure is the mind, soul, and purpose of man’s existence
7. You can be free from pain, fear, anxiety, fear of death – just enjoy life

Stoics

1. Zeno taught as he walked along the pillars on porches of temples
2. Greek word – stoa – means porch
3. Pantheistic – everything is god
4. Summary – Fate is in control
5. The gods have written your destiny and there is little you can do about it.
6. Predestination teaches this same concept
7. Purpose in life – deny pleasure – If it brings pleasure – of the world – avoid

Clash of these Philosophies

1. Epicureans – purpose of life is pleasure – life a life with no restraints
2. Stoics – purpose of life is to deny pleasure – life a life of sacrifice

Seed-Picker

1. Paul is called “babbler” – literally – seed picker
2. Word – scavenger bird just picking though the garbage
   1. Vile, scourge of society, beggar, bum, parasite
   2. Picking at the garbage without considering or grasping ideas

Then / Now

1. Ancient Greeks
   1. Seek pleasure
   2. Deny pleasure
   3. Pick scraps
2. Today
   1. “Ride hard. Die hard” on cap of drunk truck driver who crossed highway and killed church bus of teens. 27 counts of capital murder.
   2. Cults – strict rules – seek to deny all pleasure
   3. Let’s find a new explanation to fit our lives

What should Christians do?

1. We need to know what the world is thinking
2. We need to show the weakness and dangers
3. We must offer something better
4. Don’t compromise the gospel
5. Don’t separate God from life