Conviction in the heart of a man or woman is an act of the Holy Spirit and understood to those who believe. So is having the courage to preach Christ at any time or anywhere. For those who don’t believe, this is not so. However, as we see from these few verses regarding Paul’s Mission trip to Athens, the Spirit will prepare the hearts of those he wishes to come to understand.

May we, like Paul, act on the conviction the spirit brings and in courageous, bold faith, preach Christ to anyone who is willing to hear.

[Acts 17.16-21]

17.16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What causes Paul’s spirit to be provoked?

+ What idols provoke your spirit today?

+ How is the Spirit of the living God, our Holy Spirit prompting you to respond?

+ Is there any area of compromise in your walk with Christ? Have you called upon the Holy Spirit for help?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is God prompting any specific actions on your part regarding our city of idols today?

+ As God is more concerned with our hearts than our outward appearances, how is your heart posture towards Him? How about towards others He dearly loves especially those caught up in idols?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ What are some practical ways you can demonstrate radical gospel love this week? What is your next step?

+ Do you have any sins to confess?