Why Does It Matter What I Believe?
Worldview (Part 1)
February 27 - March 2, 2006

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible ... everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.

Colossians 1:16 (Message)

Your worldview is the collection of all the beliefs you build your life on - your convictions. It's the basis of the choices and decisions you make every moment throughout your day. Everybody has a worldview, though it may be largely unspoken and unrecognized. You would use part of your worldview to complete sentences such as "I think life is a lot like ____" or "It is just like me to be _____." You are profoundly affected by your own worldview and by that of others - what you believe influences how you behave, which in turn determines what you become. Your worldview is your own choice, but many people have outdated worldviews that are in opposition to a Christian identity. Thus, it is important to understand life as it really is, learn how to see life from God's perspective, and then make the choice to live what you believe. In this discussion, you will discover why that really matters.

MONDAY

WHAT IS A WORLDVIEW?
[Your Objective: Understand the most frequently occurring worldviews.]

MATERIALISM: "THE ONE WITH MOST TOYS WINS"

In Luke 12:15, what does Jesus says about man's life?

  • What does life really consist of?
  • Why can materialism not fully satisfy your heart?

INDIVIDUALISM: "I'VE GOT TO THINK OF ME FIRST"

How can we find true life according to Matthew 16:25?

  • How is living for yourself insufficient?
  • What problems are a person living for himself likely to find?
  • How does living for Jesus solve these problems?

HEDONISM: "DO WHATEVER FEELS GOOD"

What does Proverbs 21:17 say about the pursuit of pleasures?

  • Which kind of pleasures does this verse refer to?
  • What are some examples of doing whatever feels good in today's culture?
  • What is the proper place for pleasure in our life?

PRAGMATISM: "WHATEVER WORKS FOR YOU"

What leads to death according Proverbs 14:12?

  • How many ways are there that lead to life?
  • How are you to find the right ways?

NATURALISM: "GOD DOES NOT EXIST OR MATTER"

What is a fool according to Romans 1:20-22?

  • How can you know about God?
  • Where do you see examples of naturalism in some peoples' actions?

HUMANISM: "YOU ARE YOUR OWN GOD"

What does Romans 1:25 says people exchange the truth of God for?

  • What does it mean to worship something?
  • What are examples of humanism in today's culture?

THEISM: "GOD MADE ME FOR HIS PURPOSES"

According to Colossians 1:16, why did God make everything?

  • What are the "purposes of God" that theism refers to?
  • What is the result of living life according to God's purposes?

Evangelism (Mission) - Evangelism is sharing theism with the world. A Christian must be ready to share this kind of worldview. How can you quickly and briefly state the essential ideas and believes of the theistic worldview?

TUESDAY

WHY DOES IT MATTER WHAT I BELIEVE?
[Your Objective: Recognize the importance of what you believe.]

What shapes your life according to Proverbs 4: 23?

  • What should you think about according to the Bible?
  • What lines of thought are you to keep away from?

When are people blessed according to Proverbs 29:18?

  • Proverbs 29:18 (Message) says "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves." How do you find out what God is doing?
  • How can you make your worldview agree with God's view?

According to 1 Peter 3:15-16, you should always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope you have, and you should do it in what way?

  • Why do you think explaining your beliefs courteously and respectfully is important?
  • How might others benefit by hearing this logical defense of your beliefs?

Worship (Magnification) - Your beliefs matter because your life is shaped by your thoughts and God wants to be the center of your life. The world is full of many detours that lead you from what God intends for you. With a strong belief in God, you are able to live the life that God created for you. Think about some of your beliefs and actions this week regarding money, relationships, family, work, television, and other aspects of your life. Then think about your strong love for God and what your belief in His ways means for these worldly items. Do you need to adjust how you are thinking or acting? Discuss with a spiritual partner anything you think is not in alignment with God's plan for your life.

WEDNESDAY

HOW CAN I STRENGTHEN MY WORLDVIEW?
[Your Objective: Learn to turn your God-centered worldview into everyday actions.]

LEARN WHAT IS TRUE

In Proverbs 23:23 what are we encouraged to do?

  • To find truth the Bible encourages you to get wisdom, self-control, and understanding.
  • How have you seen these three factors play important roles in helping people follow God's plan?

DISCERN WHAT IS FALSE

According to 1 John 4:1, what should you do with things you hear?

  • What have you noticed happens when people believe everything they hear without a strong God-centered worldview to filter the information?
  • Being discerning does not mean being cynical. What is the difference between being cynical and being discerning?

TURN FROM THE WORLD TO THE WORD

What happens after you turn from worldly patterns and are transformed according to Romans 12:2?

  • What things do you notice in someone who has turned from the world to God's Word?
  • How might someone who is off track get back on track? Name two or three things a person could consider doing to see more of God's glory and be less driven by worldly values and beliefs.

What do fools feed on according to Proverbs 15:14?

  • What does it mean to "feed on" in this verse?
  • What examples are in today's culture of people feeding on trash or useless things instead of wisdom and truth?

CONCERN YOURSELF WITH GOD'S AGENDA

Read Luke 12:31. God will give you all you need from day to day if you make what your primary concern?

  • With the many demands on people in today's fast-paced world, what are some tips for making the Kingdom of God your primary concern?
  • What are some examples of how the world would be different if more people were concerned with God's agenda each day?

Discipleship (Maturity) – Growing in your faith by strengthening your worldview is a powerful step in your faith journey. There are so many things in life that can weaken your worldview that you must be focused on renewing your commitment often. Do you feel you try to learn what is true? Do you work hard to discern what is false? Do you turn from the world to God's Word? Do you concern yourself with God's agenda? These are all good questions to ask this week as you are bombarded with information, life, and the worldviews of many other people. Remember you are a child of God. He wants you to let His light shine in and though you.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Decide whether you are going to fill your mind with truth or trash, and commit to strengthen your Biblical worldview.]

In 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV) Paul says "Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." In what ways do you think like children today? Do you think this situation was much different 2000 years ago when Paul wrote these words?

Are your actions and decisions still based in part on worldviews that became outdated when you committed to a life based on Christ? In view of what you have this week, share with a spiritual partner the most important change you need to make in your life to clarify and strengthen what you believe. State the commitment you will make to begin that change this week as you seek to live what you believe.