Without Excuse

Without Excuse

Acts: Church on the Move

Acts 14:1–23

Main Idea: By supernatural and natural revelation, the bold witness of Christians, and the fulfillment of prophecy, God has left mankind without excuse regarding knowing Him.

I. God has revealed Himself to man through supernatural revelation.

Acts 14:3; 14:8–10

In Iconium and Lystra, God validates the gospel message through miraculous signs and wonders.

• Paul heals a man crippled from birth.

• These miracles confirm the truth of the gospel.

• Throughout Scripture, miracles authenticate divine revelation.

As J. Gresham Machen noted, without miracles Jesus is merely a teacher—but with them, He is Savior.

Scripture records numerous miracles:

• Acts 3 – Peter heals the lame man.

• Acts 5 – Peter’s shadow brings healing.

• John 2 – Water to wine.

• Matthew 14–15 – Feeding thousands.

• Mark 2 – Paralytic healed.

• Mark 4 – Storm calmed.

• Demons cast out. The dead raised.

These documented miracles serve future generations. While miraculous signs are not normative today in the same way, God still performs the greatest miracle of all: the salvation of a soul.

II. God Reveals Himself Through Natural (General) Revelation

Acts 14:11–18

After healing the crippled man, the crowds attempt to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods. They respond by redirecting glory to the Creator.

“He did not leave himself without witness…” (Acts 14:17)

Creation testifies to God’s existence:

• Rain from heaven

• Fruitful seasons

• Food and gladness

Paul echoes what he later writes in Romans 1:20 — that God’s invisible attributes are clearly perceived in creation.

Creation itself declares:

• There is a Creator.

• He is powerful.

• He is good.

The question is not whether God has revealed Himself. The question is whether we acknowledge Him when we see His handiwork.

III. God reveals Himself to man by the bold witness of His followers and the establishment of the local church.

Acts 14:19–23

Paul is stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead.

He gets up.
He goes to the next city.
He preaches again.
He returns to strengthen believers.

This is boldness.

Two major lessons emerge:

1. Be Bold in the Face of Persecution

Opposition does not negate God’s calling.

2. Establish and Strengthen the Church

Before moving on, Paul and Barnabas:

• Encouraged believers.

• Appointed elders in every church.

• Committed them to the Lord with prayer and fasting.

Paul later describes the church in 1 Timothy 3:15 as:

“A pillar and buttress of the truth.”

The local church is God’s chosen instrument to continue gospel proclamation.

God reveals Himself through:

• The miraculous

• Creation

• The bold witness of believers

• The enduring structure of the local church

No one stands before God without revelation.

Conclusion: Two Challenges

1. Believer: If you are surrendered to Christ, are you boldly sharing His gospel?

2. Unbeliever: If God has clearly revealed Himself, what are you waiting for?

Homework: Read Romans 1:18–32
(Read – Reflect – Respond – Rest)

Communion Reflection

When we take the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim Christ’s death until He returns.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Before partaking, ask:

• Am I truly surrendered to Christ’s Lordship?

• Am I living in obedience?

Repent and believe. This is the best news ever for those who trust Him.