April 26, 2026

The Unknown God Made Known

Pastor: Tyrell Haag Passage: Acts 17:22–31

Sermon Title: The Unknown God Made Known

Scripture Text: Acts 17:22-31

1. Key Scriptures

  • Acts 17:22-31
  • Psalm 145:18-19
  • Psalm 100:2-3
  • Isaiah 45:22
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6
  • Romans 1:21-23

 

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. A Religious World That Does Not Know God (vv. 22-23)

Paul observes a deeply spiritual culture that is nevertheless ignorant of the true God, exposing the tension between devotion and truth.

  • You can be sincere and spiritual, yet still not know God.
  • Beware of a “safe,” undefined God who never confronts your life.

 

II. The God Who Actually Is (vv. 24-28)

Paul rebuilds their understanding of God as Creator, Lord, Sustainer, and One who is near.

  • You are not self-made; your life is given and sustained by God.
  • God is not far from you, but must be known as He truly is.

III. The Tragedy of Idolatry (v. 29)

Idolatry is revealed as reshaping God according to human imagination rather than receiving Him as He is.

  • We don’t eliminate God, we remake Him to stay in control.
  • The root issue is not ignorance alone, but resistance to God’s authority.

IV. The Turning Point: Repentance (v. 30)

God’s patience now gives way to a universal command: all people everywhere must repent.

  • Repentance is not improvement, but a turning from falsehood to truth.
  • You cannot stay where you are and be right with God.

V. The Climax: The Risen Judge (v. 31)

God has fixed a day of judgment, proven by raising Jesus from the dead.

  • History is moving toward a real and personal judgment.
  • The question is not if judgment comes, but what will stand when you are fully known.

✝️ Christ: The Unknown God Made Known

God has made Himself known in Jesus, who lived perfectly, died for our sin, and rose again as both Saviour and Judge.

  • The same Jesus who judges is the One who was judged in your place.
  • Union with Christ is the only way to stand with joy on the day of judgment.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

  • Matthew Henry - Commentary on Acts 17
  • Charles Spurgeon - Sermons on the nearness of God
  • D. A. Carson - The Gagging of God (worldview evangelism framework)
  • Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary - Acts 17

4. Additional Resources

  • Knowing God by JI Packer
  • The Reason for God by Tim Keller
  • Desiring God by John Piper
  • Desiring God: Articles on idolatry and repentance
  • The Gospel Coalition: Cultural engagement and worldview resources