April 14th 2025

Friendships (Part 2)

The Issue:
Often when we think of our friends, good times and crazy
stories come to mind. In addition to the fun, our previous
lesson showed how friendships serve an important purpose in
shaping us into the kind of people God wants us to be. For
this reason, we must take our friendships seriously, which
includes making wise choices regarding who we call friends.

What does the Bible say?
As we begin, let’s see what Scripture says when it comes to
choosing friends:
Prov. 12:26 – It’s good to be cautious when choosing friends.
 I Cor. 5:9-11 – Do not hang out with people involved in sin.
 I Cor. 15:33 – Beware, bad company will corrupt good habits.
Prov. 19:6-7 – Watch out for people who want to use you.
Prov. 13:20 – Having wise friends will make a person wise.

What should I do?
When it comes to making friends, Scripture does not imply
that we should hang out with whoever will hang out with us.
Rather, we are told to carefully choose individuals who
demonstrate godliness.

Some good questions to ask may be:
1. Will this person bring me closer to the Lord or pull me
away from Him?

2. Is this person living the kind of life that God would want
me to live?

In order to enjoy good friendships, we must first have good
friends. Only then will we be able to enjoy the benefits God
offers through those relationships. Next, we’ll conclude our
series by considering some practical tips Scripture gives on
how we can be a good friend to others.

April 7th 2025 

Friendship (Part 1)

The Issue:
Everyone loves good friendships. We all appreciate the fun
and great memories that come with having friends. No doubt,
friendship is a wonderful thing. As we begin our series on
friendships, let’s take a look at what Scripture says is the
purpose behind our friendships and try to gain a greater
understanding of the important role friends have in our lives.
What does the Bible say?

Note what these verses teach concerning the purpose of
friendships:
 Prov. 27:5-6 – Confronting sin and keeping each other in line.
Prov. 27:9 – Giving advice and helpful counsel when needed.
Prov. 27:17 – Building each other up/improving each other.
Eccl. 4:9-12 – Encouraging and strengthening each other.
Acts 27:3 – Helping meet the needs of one another.

What should I do?
As we can see, friendships can be highly valuable. We must
recognize the need we have for friends, as well as the
important role we have in each other’s lives. As you reflect
over the verses above, keep in mind these helpful truths:

1. It is easier for others to notice areas in our life that need
to be improved than it is for us to notice ourselves.

2. Keeping each other accountable can go a long way
toward growing in godliness.

3. An encouraging word or a helping hand may be exactly
how God desires you to uplift a friend.

It is always good to evaluate your friendships to be sure they
are meeting the purposes God has intended for them.
Developing good friendships and surrounding yourself with
good people is key. We’ll look at this more in our next lesson.

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A Biblical Worldview (Conclusion)

Through this study we have searched the Scriptures to
answer eight main questions that affect how we approach
life. In so doing, we have gained a better understanding of
how to view our world from a biblical perspective.
The Importance of a Biblical Worldview
In our “Intro” lesson, we stated a worldview is “everything we
believe and understand about life and the world around us
which impacts how we act and think.”

The impact from a biblical worldview can be seen in many ways:
➢ A correct view of God allows us to understand Him for who
He is and to find the foundation for our life in Him and in His Word.
➢ A correct view of ourselves and the people around us helps
us to realize that we are all here by God’s design and that
we have specific responsibilities to meet as we live among each other.
➢ A correct view of what we see happening in the world
around us gives us a confidence in the almighty hand of
God in world affairs and a desire to allow Him to use our
lives for His purposes.

Approaching Life God’s Way
God has not created us to search out and discover the
meaning of life on our own. He has already given us the
answers to the deep questions of life. It is within this biblical
worldview that we can not only understand, but also live out
the reason for our existence. Seeing what God has to say
about life allows us to approach each new day with a
determined focus. No matter what situations or challenges a
day may bring, our focus can be one in which we are looking
at life God’s way, and praising Him for the great opportunity
and joy that comes with living the life He has given to us
(John 15:11; 17:13)!

A Biblical Worldview (Part 8)

The final question we will look at is
 “What is the purpose for my life?”

Let’s see how Scripture answers this question.
What Is the Purpose for My Life?

Why are we here on planet Earth? Is there a real purpose for
our existence? As we seek to answer the question about our
purpose in life, note these truths:
➢ God created us for His own delight. He brought us into
existence because it pleased Him to do so (Rev. 4:11).
➢ Every life God has brought into existence is here for a
reason. We are here to bring God glory (Is. 43:7).
➢ Only when we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were
created will we have true satisfaction and joy (Ps. 16:11).

God’s Divine Plan for Each One of Us
God did not have to create us. God does not “need” anything
or anyone. We were created because God desired to bring us
into existence. He finds pleasure in us, His creation. We are
here now for the purpose of bringing Him glory. All of the
talents, abilities, skills (etc.) we have are to serve as a means
of showing how great our God truly is. As we live focused on
this purpose, things become clearer as to how our lives can
be used for His glory. God has given us His Word to reveal to
us what exactly brings Him glory, and even to guide us as He
unfolds the way He desires to use us for His glory throughout the course
of our lives (Col. 1:9-11).
The Impact of Our Purpose within Our Worldview
Our view of the world should be one that realizes the reason
we exist is for God’s purpose, not ours. There are many
people who live for the “pursuit of happiness” only to find
disappointment and emptiness. Enjoying life is great, but the
joy can only come when we are bringing glory to our Creator,
just as He intended us to (Ps. 86:12; I Cor. 10:31)!

A Biblical Worldview (Part 7)

The next question we will look at is “What is the meaning of
history?” Let’s see how Scripture deals with this topic.

What Is the Meaning of History?

As we look back in history at all that has happened, and as
we anticipate the future, we may wonder, is there a meaning
to all of this? Notice what Scripture reveals about this issue:
➢ God is in control and sovereign over history (Ps. 103:19; 135:6).
➢ God is directing history toward a known end (Is. 46:9-11).
➢ God will fulfill the purpose He has for our existence (Rom.8:28; Eph. 1:11).

God’s Sovereignty over History
The course of history is a work of God as He unfolds the
purpose He has for His creation. Events in the world may at
times appear to happen by coincidence, and the future may
seem to be unfolding by happenstance. But in reality, that is
not the case at all. History is not meaningless. Through the
good and the bad, God has remained sovereign over His
creation. From creation and the fall to the crucifixion and
final judgment, God has and will remain in control, accom-
plishing His purposes during each event (Acts 15:18).
The Impact of History within Our Worldview
Understanding God’s hand in the affairs of the world helps us
recognize the fact that our world is not moving forward by
random events, nor is it at the mercy of an unknown future.
All history is moving forward by God’s direction. We must all
recognize that a day will come when we will die and stand
before our Creator (Heb. 9:27). Those who have come to faith
in Christ will spend and eternity with God, while those who
have not will face eternal judgment for their sin. Our view of
history should give us an eternal focus, along with a “big
picture” perspective on the events around us.

February 17th 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 6)
"What is Right and Wrong"

Today we will look at the issue of “What is right and wrong?”
Let’s see how Scripture directs us in this interesting question.
What Is Right and Wrong?

Can this question really be answered? Some people would
say “no.” They would say that the answer must be based on
someone’s personal opinion. Since people have different
opinions, and since opinions often change with time, some
do not believe a set rule of right and wrong can exist.
However, in recognition of who God is, and who we are as His
creation, we can understand a lot about this issue:
➢ God is the Source of all truth (Ps. 31:5).
➢ God Himself (His character) is the standard for what is good
and right (Deut. 32:4).
➢ God has revealed to us what is right and wrong in the Bible
(Ps. 19:7-11; John 17:17).
➢ We have a perfect picture of what is good, right and loving
in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 12:35-36).

Absolute Truth
Though people’s opinions may change, God’s law does not.
He is truly unchangeable. What He said was good and holy
2,000 years ago, is still good and holy today. The principles of
truth He has given apply to every nation, culture, and person
today, just as it has throughout all history. Our basis for truth
is the absolute truth of God’s Word (Matt. 24:35).
The Impact of Moral Truth within Our Worldview
From understanding what a marriage should look like to
grasping the right way to show love, we must recognize that
God is the standard and judge of all morality. We must not be
swayed by popular opinion or the changing views of those
around us. God has given us the answers as to what is right
and wrong in His Word, and our focus should be to stand by
them and make them a part of our lives (John 8:31-32)!

February 10th 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 5)

Our next question concerning a biblical worldview is “What is
the role of my friends?” Let’s see what Scripture says.

What Is the Role of My Friends?
Scripture tells us what a friend should and should not be:
➢ A friend should:
• Promote a godly perspective on life (Prov. 13:20)
• Build up those around them (Prov. 27:17)
• Be a help and support to others(Eccl. 4:9-12)
➢ A friend should not:
• Persuade people to do sinful things (I Cor. 15:33)
• Draw individuals away from God (James 4:4)
• Hinder one’s walk with the Lord (II Tim. 4:14-16)

We must recognize the influence people can have, and take
caution as to who we consider part of our circle of friends.
The Value of a True Friend
A good friend can be a lifeline in today’s culture. Believers, in
particular, should have an inseparable unity that serves as a
support for one another. In times of discouragement or
temptation, a friend can direct us toward hope. As we seek
out godly friends, we must also keep in mind that we may be
just the friend that someone else needs as well (Prov. 18:24).

The Impact of Our Friends within Our Worldview
As we approach life, we must recognize that the views and
attitudes of those around us can easily rub off on us. Our lives
are often characterized by the things that characterize our
friends. Because of this, we must be wise in who we choose
to hang around. It also means that we must be prepared to
face our world as a leader rather than a follower. In our world,
we will find all sorts of people, some of whom we will
consider friends. As we look at those friendships, we must be
sure we are impacting them, and they are impacting
us, in a way that honors and pleases God.

February 3rd 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 4)

The next question we will tackle is “What is the role of my
parents and family?” Let’s see what the Scriptures say.

What Is the Role of My Parents and Family?
Scripture says a lot about these roles:
➢ Role of parents: Their primary goal is to train their children
how to live for God (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4).
• This is accomplished by setting the example (II Tim. 1:5),
showing love (Luke 15:20), offering encouragement (Col.3:21), and
giving proper discipline (Prov. 13:24).
• The responsibility of teens is to obey and honor their
parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20; Prov. 1:8).

➢ Role of family: Working as God intended, the family will
demonstrate and teach concepts such as respect for
authority, biblical morals, developing relationships, and
unconditional love (Ps. 78:5-7; Deut. 6:5-7).

What if My Family Is Not Perfect?
Sometimes we look at our parents and find they make
mistakes. What then? The fact is that our responsibility to
them remains the same. Truth be told, we are not exactly
perfect ourselves, yet our parent’s role maintains unchanged
also. Each of us is responsible for our own actions. Look up
these verses and consider how you can apply them to your
home life: Rom. 12:18; I Cor. 13:4-5; I Tim. 6:11.

The Impact of Family Roles within Our Worldview
Our culture often promotes an attitude of rebellion toward
authority as a way to show individualism and power. This kind
of attitude at home does no good. In fact, it only robs us from
being prepared to face life in the real world. Our family is not
our enemy, nor should we be their enemy. We must do our
part to make our home what God intends it to be. Then, along
the way, we can learn valuable lessons that will prepare us to
have godly homes of our own one day.

January 27th 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 3)
The question we will look at today as we think about a
biblical worldview is “Who am I?” It is a simple question, but
the answer will greatly impact our perspective of our world.

Who Am I?
Scripture reveals to us that we are:
➢ Created in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27).
We have qualities that reflect our Creator, such as:
• Intellect (we can think about things logically)
• Morality (we can understand right from wrong)
• A Will (we have the ability to make choices)

➢ Designed exactly as God desires us to be (Ps. 139:14-16; Is. 44:24).

 Our physical features and the abilities we have
were designed and given to us by God Himself.
We are not creatures who evolved from a cosmic swamp, nor
are we accidents here by mere chance. The truth is that we
are individuals created by the Almighty God with unique
qualities that set us apart from the rest of His creation.

Loved by the Creator
Our value as human beings is based in the fact that we are
loved and treasured by our Creator. God not only brought us
into existence, but He also redeemed us from our sin, and we
remain dependent on Him (I John 3:1).
The Impact of How We View Ourselves within Our Worldview
Seeing ourselves as God sees us gives us the freedom to take
our focus off ourselves and put it back on Him. There is no
place for self-pity, just as there is no place for pride. We have
the ability to reflect God to the world, and we must reflect
Him well. We must learn to like what He likes and dislike
what He dislikes. In all that we do, God must be at the center.
Only in Him will we find the satisfaction we long for (Eph. 2:4-
10; Phil. 3:8-9).

January 20th 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 2)
The next question we will look at as we think through a
biblical worldview is “Who is God?” How a person answers
this question is key to how they approach life. The Bible gives
a clear and direct answer to this question.

Who Is God?
We know about God because He has chosen to reveal
Himself to us. Scripture reveals the fact that He is:
➢ The Creator of all things (Is. 45:18-19; Jer. 32:17)
➢ Sovereign over the Universe (Ps. 103:19)
➢ All Powerful (Gen. 17:1; Matt. 19:26)
➢ All Knowing (I John 3:20; John 21:17)
➢ The Giver of life (Ps. 36:9; 104:27-30)
He is also holy, righteous, just, gracious, merciful, and loving.
The list could go on and on. It is this God who also rescued us
from our sinful state (Rom. 5:8) and the One to whom we will
one day give account for how we lived (II Tim. 4:1).

The Foundation of Our Worldview
Our world came from God and therefore the way we approach
our world should start with God. We must view the world
through God’s eyes. As we look to what He has said in His
Word, we find an absolutely reliable source of truth by which
we can understand all the issues of life (II Tim. 3:16).

The Impact of God within Our Worldview
We cannot take God for granted as we live our lives. When
we think about Him as Creator, we realize He is the reason
we even exist. Understanding His power gives us confidence
to trust in Him. Knowing His love and promises gives us our
hope. Studying His Word gives us direction. How we view God
greatly impacts how we view life and the world around us. For
that reason, we must place Him at the center of our lives
(Acts 17:24-28).

January 13th 2025 

A Biblical Worldview (Part 1)
The first question we will look at as we think through a
biblical worldview is “What is true?” Being able to know what
is true is the foundational issue of understanding our world.

What Is True?
Truth is any statement, thought or belief which matches the
world as it really is. Truth always reflects reality. When it
comes to understanding what is true, note the following:
➢ God gives knowledge. (Is. 45:18-19; Jer. 32:17)
➢ Truth can be known. (John 8:31-32)
➢ Jesus is the Source of truth. (John. 14:6)
➢ God’s Word is truth. (Ps. 119:160; John 17:17)
➢ God helps us understand truth. (John 16:13)
Understanding the world correctly and being able to answer
the deep questions of life requires us to know what is true.

Misconceptions about Truth
Some people in our culture have concluded we can’t know
truth. The term “truth” has been redefined to mean one’s
personal beliefs (i.e., “my truth”). But truth is not a personal
issue (i.e., subjective), but rather something outside ourselves
that is true for all people (i.e., objective). Note:
➢ Simply believing something doesn’t make it true.
➢ Just because an idea is popular doesn’t make it true.
➢ Two contradictory beliefs can’t both be true.
What people often refer to today as their “truth” is really their
opinion. When the concept of truth is minimized and equated
with our opinions, we no longer seek truth outside ourselves
where it can be found.

The Pursuit of Truth
We live in a world full of ideas, and it can be confusing to
know what to believe. God doesn’t want us to live in
confusion. When we seek to discover truth that God has
revealed, we’ll find the answers we seek. After all, God
created us to be thinkers and truth seekers! (Col. 1:9-11; 2:8)

January 6th 2025 

Biblical Worldview (Intro)
Have you ever thought about your worldview? Do you even
have one? The fact is, everyone has a worldview and it is
what impacts the way we approach life. This study will help
us understand what a worldview is and see the importance of
looking at the world from a biblical perspective.

What is a Worldview?
A worldview could be defined as:
“Everything we believe and understand about life and the world
around us which impacts how we act and think.”
Our worldview is what determines the perspective we have on
life and how we look at the world around us. From the simple
things, such as whether or not to get out of bed, to the deep
things, such as what we believe happens after death, it is our
worldview that determines how we answer such questions.

Questions to Answer
In the lessons ahead, we will look at several key questions
that ultimately make up how we look at the world around us:
➢ What is true (and how do we really know)?
➢ Who is God (and what is He like)?
➢ Who am I (really, exactly who am I)?
➢ What is the role of my parents and family?
➢ What is the role of my friends?
➢ What is right and wrong (and can I really know)?
➢ What is the meaning of history (where is all this going)?
➢ What is the purpose of my life (why am I here)?

The Basis of a Worldview
The way someone answers the above questions will
determine their worldview. So, as you can see, the way one
person looks at life may be much different than the way
someone else looks at life. And, as a result, one person may
live life much differently than another person. In our study,
we will look at what God says about these issues and work to
develop a biblical worldview by which to live. (Romans 12:2)