TEXT: Topical/Textual, Prov.14:12, 1 Pet. 3:15, Rom. 12:2
INTRO: Prov. 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a [person], but its end is the way of death “ Wordlview: a mental framework of ideas and beliefs that shape the way a person interprets what is right or wrong and how to properly interact with the world in which he or she lives.”
I. THE ADVANTAGE OF DEVELOPING A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW.
A. It provides a stable foundation for decision-making. The process of developing your Christian worldview allows you to work through life issues before you unexpectedly come face to face with them. 1 Pet.3:15, “Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” know what you believe before you have to defend your belief. When
B Devout Jews hated Gentiles -Peter and Paul changed their views as they learned from Jesus. The way we see life is bent and distorted by our human weaknesses and fears, But when we become true disciples of Christ, that discipline, if we are faithful, brings us to adopt His worldview. But what happens to those who refuse to choose the way of the Lord? Then they will adopt another worldview.
II. THE ALTERNATIVE WORLDVIEW.
A. Everyone has a worldview! Most prevalent and anti-Christian: secularism or secular humanism: reject religious considerations and interpret life solely on the basis of the materialistic world and the means of living in it.
Christian/Secularist comparison:, “GOD = STATE; FAITH = TOLERANCE; SIN = DISCRIMINATION; JESUS = IDEAL CITIZEN (kind and accepting of the best for all); BLASPHEMY = HATE SPEECH; EQUAL BEFORE GOD = EQUAL BEFORE THE STATE; FUTURE HEAVEN = FUTURE EGALITARIAN UTOPIA; PROSLETIZE THE WORLD = MAKE THE WORLD SAFE FOR DEMOCRACY.”
Secular worldview: It is a direct and deliberate distortion that appeals to the self-righteousness of people who want to be their own god rather than to believe or depend on any Divine Being. Gen. 3:1-4, the same temptation offered Eve in the Garden of Eden.
B. It is easy to fall into secularism if you aren’t familiar with Bible.
Rom. 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world (age), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you might discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Jms. 4:7, “Submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” If we don’t stay alert, learn God’s truth, and actively resist the Devil, refusing to live like the secular world around us, we will be drawn into the lie, and suffer the results!
CONCLUSION
What is your worldview and how does it cause you to interpret the headlines you read or the position you take on social and political matters? Check yourself carefully, because it matters, to you, to the world, and to the Lord.