Lesson 7: The Christian and the World: How to be a Worldly Christian

1. Into Your History

a. Props Needed: a globe or map of the world

b. Icebreaker:

· If God really is in charge, why is the world such a mess?

· As a Christ follower, what is your role in the World?

· What are your impressions of the following statement? “I just want to serve the Lord”

c. Place the globe in the center of the room for prayer at the end of the discussion

2. Into the Bible

a. Thinking about the World – Having a World View.

1. Why is it important to have a correct worldview?

Answer: How I view the world affects how I relate to God, live my life, and relate to others.

2. What in the world is meant by “World?”

· Read 1 John 2:15-17

· Read Genesis 3:6.

· How does Eve illustrate 1 John 2:15-17?

· What is meant by

Ø “lust of the flesh”

Ø “lust of the eyes”

Ø “boastful pride of life”

· Suggested definition for “world”:

“The World is defined as the system of rebellion and pride that seeks to displace God and his rule.”

3. Who is Ruling the World?

· Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2)?

· God (Psalm 24:1; Daniel 5:21)?

· Discussion: Who is ultimately in charge?

Answer: God is ultimately in charge. Satan has power insofar as God allows him.

b. Living in the World

1. What does the bible say our role in the world should be?

2. Here are two extremes adopted by people concerning their relationship to the world:

· Isolation: people who remove themselves altogether from society.

Examples: monks living in monasteries; avoiding certain types of food, music etc.

· Assimilation: people who become indistinguishable from non-Christians.

3. The Balance: Separation

· Separation defined: Separation means to live morally pure lives.

· Separation demanded: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

· Separation illustrated: The Life of Christ (Matthew 9:10-13).

3. Into Our Lives - Speaking to the World

a. Discussion: How can we be salt and light in an age of moral impurity? How do we make a difference when everything in the world seems so bad?

b. The Solution: Reaching our sphere of influence:

1. The command to reach out (Matthew 28:19)

2. The How-To of reaching out:

· Tell Your Story – Relate succinctly how you came to trust in Jesus.

· Tell The Story – Relate the key elements of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

c. Conclusion: Prayer for those within our spheres of influence (Psalms 2:7-8).