– The Worldview Series –
WORLDVIEW . GOD’S VIEW . OTHER VIEWS . SHINE
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Watch THIS VIDEO about a guy who helped people see color for the first time.
A worldview is like the glasses through which we see the world. We all have bad eyesight because of the effects sin has in our lives, so good glasses help us see the world more clearly. Some have a darker tint or a different colored tint to their glasses. Though these glasses may look pretty, they show a world that is less true to reality.
We all have a different worldview, and today we are going to talk about how our worldview affects us and why it’s important to wrestle with life’s big questions.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
1. Read Acts 17:16–34. Summarize what’s happening in your own words as the story begins in verses 16–21.
As Paul talks with these people, he engages with them about their worldview or views on the “Big Questions” in life. These questions are in the box below.
2. Where in these verses do you see Paul addressing each of these questions?
3. Read Acts 17:32–34. How do people respond to Paul’s words?
4. Why do you think it’s important to wrestle with big questions like these?
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
Our worldview is like a pair of glasses—everything looks a little different depending on which one we’re looking through. Watch THIS VIDEO to get an idea of how a worldview might impact our lives.
Our answers to life’s big questions shape our worldview. Some of these big questions are in the box above.
Let’s take a look at why these questions might matter in your life. Let’s take them one at a time.
WHAT IS GOD LIKE?
One of life’s biggest questions is, “What is God like (or does he even exist)? Some believe there is a God who is intelligent and created the universe. Others believe there is no god.
5. What difference does it make to believe that an intelligent God created the universe? Or that he didn’t?
WHAT ARE PEOPLE LIKE?
Are people mostly good? Are people mostly bad? Does it matter? Let’s take a look at it.
Activity: Split into two groups. One group should be ready to defend the belief that people are more good than bad. The other group should be ready to defend the belief that people are more bad than good. Give the groups 1 minute to prepare and 1 minute each to defend their side.
6. How might you see the world differently if you thought everyone was mostly good?
- How about if you thought everyone was mostly bad?
WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL TRUTH?
Some people’s source of spiritual truth is a “holy book” like the Bible or the Quran. Others say, “The answers are all inside of me.”
7. How does your source of spiritual truth affect your life?
WHO IS JESUS?
Some say Jesus was a man just like the rest of us. Others claim that he is God.
8. How does your view of Jesus affect the way you live?
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
Some think life has no purpose. Others think life is about having as much fun as possible. Still others believe it’s to live for God and others.
9. How does your belief about life’s purpose shape your life?
10. We all have our beliefs about these big questions, but why is it important that our answers to these questions line up with what’s really true?
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.
