Christian Worldview - Part 7: I Am

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World View Focus: Humanism

Humanism:

Mankind is the highest authority.

Human reason is ultimate, human desires determine authority.

Truth comes from within, not above.

I decide.

I am.

The Lie of Humanism: You are your own Lord.

Lord:

Owner, master, ruler

Possessing supreme authority

Whoever gets the final say

The bottom line truth:

When I put myself on the throne, I lose the life only God can give.

The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the gardenexcept the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

1. Humanism questions God’s authority.

“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

2. Humanism makes self the standard.

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

3. Humanism promises freedom but produces bondage.

The Christian Worldview Alternative:

The Creator knows best for His creation.

1. Submit my life to His authority.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2. Replace self-centered living with Christ-centered living.

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

3. Let Scripture shape my identity.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

4. Worship the Creator not creation.

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

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START TALKING:

When have you ignored the manufacturers instructions because you didn't think you needed them or didn't think you could trust them? What was the result?

When have you created or made something and tried to give instructions for how it was to be handled or operated, only to find your instructions weren't followed? How did that feel? What were the results?

START THINKING:
Read Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-3. Up to this point, where do you see obedience, trust, and Eve allowing God to be the Lord?

What was the first temptation we see in this story? It wasn't blatant disobedience just yet. What was it? (hint: see verse 1)

Read Genesis 3:6-7. What are some of the various effects of sin we see in these two verses? What did they do because of their shame that we will do when we feel shame, too?
START SHARING:
When you began following Jesus, or even now, what are some ways or areas in which you questioned God's authority? You may not have consciously thought about it that way, but maybe it was more like, "Do I really have to do/think/believe this?"

How does the culture we live in teach us to believe the lie that self determines the standard? Again, those won't be the over words used, but from religion to society and everything in between, we are taught to follow our hearts, do what makes us happy, and "don't judge" as long as no one is being hurt. In what ways does this make self the standard instead of God? How have you seen this lived out?

How have you experienced the truth that humanism and other secular worldviews promise freedom but in reality only lead to more bondage? Read John 8:36. What - or rather who - is the only true source of freedom? How have you experienced this in your spiritual journey?
START DOING:
There were four practical steps given to reject humanism and let the Creator - not the creation - be our standard. Discuss how you can practically apply each of these this week. What will you actually do?

Submit my life to His authority.

Replace self-centered living with God-centered living.

Let Scripture shape my identity.

Worship the Creator not creation.
START PRAYING:
Pray for each person in the micro church to apply these truths this week. Pray for every decision we come across and every temptation that comes our way will be submitted to what God says is best. Pray that our "one" will be impacted by the way they see us live submitted to the Creator in such a way that they will want to know more about not only our Savior, but our Lord.
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CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
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MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
  - Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
  - What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
  - How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
  - How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
  - Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
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WHAT'S NEXT?
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?