Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. In him we live, and move, and have our being. The greatness and humility of the apostle - an illustration of the nature and method of Christianity. Over all the glory of Athens the pall of spiritual death. An unknown God amongst them. The pride of the ancient world still clung to empty superstitions, only half, if at all, believed in. Boldness of the messenger. Polytheism is false. The human heart is claimed for God. From their own altar to the Christian announcement of coming judgment. An appeal to reason, conscience, experience, the universal spirit of humanity. I. A GREAT PRIMARY TRUTH set forth in two aspects - natural and spiritual 1. All religion rests on a natural foundation. We are creatures of God. Threefold view of humanity - as life, as activity, as being or character. Unsatisfactory view of human nature which omits any of these. We live not alone for earth, but far eternity. Not alone to exist, but to unfold our possibilities, intellectual, moral, spiritual. God the God of providence. History. Social life. But natural religion insufficient. Has proved itself so - must be so. 2. Religion is the work in man of the spiritual. The great fact of a moral ruin cannot be overlooked. Ancient heathen admitted the irreconcilable Opposition of heaven and earth. Refuge in Promethean pride. Despondency They openly said "It is better to die than to live" Errand of the gospel was one of hope. Proclamation of the life of man in God. Spiritual power at hand. The message written out in the facts of the gospel. Paul led up his hearers to Christ. To us religion is Christ. The resurrection is the seal on the promise of life. II. Consider THE APPLICATIONS OF SUCH A TRUTH. 1. The essential and supreme question of every man's existence is what he is to God, and what God is to him. Our life in him. 2. There is only one religion which meets man's wants, that which has come from God. 3. The religion of Christ is adapted to the humblest as well as the highest mind, to the lowest as well as the loftiest condition. - R. Parallel Verses KJV: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. |
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