Acts 14:1-18

“We … preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth” (v15).  When Lystra’s citizens saw “what Paul had done”, they wanted to worship him and Barnabas.  They were idol-worshipers, accustomed to visible gods. Paul urged them to worship the Creator instead, pointing out that He was the giver of “fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (v17). 

The good things of the world are not ends in themselves, to be fought over or worshipped, but “witnesses” (v17) of the invisible King of Kings.