Be Greatly Distressed by the Level of Ungodliness you see around you
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | October 4 2025 | Acts 17:16-21
KEY VERSE: “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols” Acts 17:16 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
When commotion erupted in Berea, the believers did a great job by escorting Apostle Paul out of “the fire” and bringing him to a safe place in Athens. The chronicler made us know that while Paul was waiting for the rest of his team members to join him, he took time to look around the city and WHAT HE SAW GREATLY DISTRESSED HIM. HE SAW THAT THE CITY WAS FULL OF IDOLS. He could not remain silent, so he took action based on what he saw. The Bible says, “HE REASONED in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there” Acts 17:17 (NIV).
Many years ago, the Lord instructed Prophet Ezekiel to “go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a MARK ON THE FOREHEADS OF THOSE WHO GRIEVE AND LAMENT OVER ALL THE DETESTABLE THINGS THAT ARE DONE IN IT” Ezekiel 9:4 (NIV). After that command, we read the following: “As I listened, he said to the others, ‘Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” SO THEY BEGAN WITH THE ELDERS WHO WERE IN FRONT OF THE TEMPLE” Ezekiel 9:5-6 (NIV).
If the Lord today would slaughter people who are not grieving and lamenting over all the detestable things that are being done in your town, village or city, would you be exempted? Remember that judgment must begin at the house of God (see 1 Peter 4:17).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What do you see when you look around the area where you live or where your congregation is located? If you notice a high level of ungodliness, worship of idols, young people not going to church service on Sundays but spending their time on football games or following dance hall artistes, does it distress you? If it distresses you, what action are you taking?
PRAYER:
Father, let my heart grieve and be greatly distressed when I see the high levels of ungodliness that surround me. Move me to pray and to reach out to the lost. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 277: Jeremiah 6-10 - When Truth Is Lost
DAILY word study: DISTRESSED
The word distressed in Acts 17:16 is translated from the Greek word paroxynō, which means “to be stirred, provoked, irritated, or deeply troubled.” It is the same word used in other parts of Scripture to describe sharp contention or deep stirring of the spirit.
Paul's paroxynō (distress) in Athens went beyond mere discomfort; he was spiritually troubled by the city's idolatry, which he perceived as an affront to God. This profound concern, stemming from love for God, inspired him to speak out against the ungodliness he encountered.
Reflect on this:
If your spirit never feels stirred or troubled by the ungodliness around you, it may be a sign of dullness toward God’s holiness. Like Paul, let the sight of sin move you to prayer, compassion, and faithful witness.
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