How can we emulate Dionysius and Damaris in accepting the gospel today? The Moment on Mars Hill “But some believers joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:34) Hearing With an Open Heart • They listened rather than scoffed (Acts 17:32–33). • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Emulate by giving the gospel our uninterrupted attention—turn off distractions, read the Word aloud, attend faithful preaching. Choosing Faith Over Philosophical Pride • The Areopagus prized debate, yet Dionysius and Damaris chose belief (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Romans 1:16—“I am not ashamed of the gospel.” • Lay down intellectual pride; trust Scripture even when culture calls it foolish. Breaking Free From Cultural Comforts • Both left Athens’ idols (Acts 17:22–23). • 1 Thessalonians 1:9—“You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” • Identify modern idols—career, pleasure, self—and repent decisively. Publicly Aligning With Christ • “Joined him” implies visible association with Paul and the church. • Matthew 10:32—“Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge before My Father.” • Confess Christ openly through baptism, church membership, and everyday conversation. Continuing in the Apostles’ Teaching • First-century believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). • Prioritize regular Bible study, doctrinally sound fellowship, and obedience-driven application. Living the Transformed Life • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Practical steps: – Daily Scripture intake and prayer. – Replace former habits with godly disciplines (Ephesians 4:22-24). – Serve others; faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). Keeping an Eternal Perspective • Dionysius and Damaris traded temporal applause for eternal reward. • Colossians 3:1–2—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • Evaluate choices by their eternal value, invest time and resources accordingly. Emulate Dionysius and Damaris by listening humbly, believing boldly, breaking with idols, confessing Christ, persevering in doctrine, living transformed, and focusing on eternity. |
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