Parenting. with a Biblical World View

Transcription

1 Parenting with a Biblical World View

2 Session 1: Biblical Worldview A worldview is the framework by which we see reality and make decisions based on what we see and believe. Your worldview, whether you have tried to develop one or not, is a combination of all you believe to be true about life. That belief then becomes the driving force for every emotion, thought or action you have carried out This worldview is what you use to determine your thinking in every area of life including: philosophy, science, theology, economics, law, politics and social order, history and the Word of God. Why Does A Worldview Matter? We must rightly see and understand the reality: The existence of God - His character How we should live- our purpose What is right or wrong with the world and the solution.

3 There are Basically Two World-views The center piece of a biblical worldview is God, while the center piece of an atheistic worldview is nature and man. A biblical worldview has its entire focus on God, while an atheistic worldview does everything in its power to be sure God is not a part of the world. These are the two foundational starting points for world-views. There are many different off shoots from these world-views that we see in our culture. They consist of the different religions and beliefs systems, some claiming to have a different view of God. There are naturalist views in regarding the environment, and then there are the spiritual views that are not tied to God but spirits and demons. There are many views of who is in charge, and how we should live and why we should live in our culture, but remember it all goes back to man s ways verses God s ways. Secular Humanist Man is the centerpiece Moral Relativism Evolution World Values/Priorities Biblical Worldview God is the centerpiece Moral Absolutes Creation Biblical Values/Priorities

4 How Did I Get My Worldview? Everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not. Your response to news about an abortion clinic is based upon your worldview. Your response to school shootings is based upon your worldview. Your response to evolution is based upon your worldview. Your response to issues of life and death is based upon your worldview. Everyone has developed a "system of beliefs" and core values that they operate from. The amount of time we spend reading the Bible, watching TV, listening to the radio, and engaging the culture has a huge impact on forming our worldview. Anyone who interprets the circumstances of life through the Scriptures is more likely to have a biblical worldview. How Do Children Develop a Worldview? We need to remember that our children are developing a worldview too. This worldview begins at a very early age. Children are watching their parents closely and are wanting to be like them in many ways. Children also are picking up things like a sponge picks up water during the early years around 3 to 6 years old. Whatever they watch or hear they are very likely to repeat and remember for a while. They are forming their thoughts even though they are not speaking them consistently. This is why we need to teach them as much as we can about the scriptures and God. Their questions will probably not be the social issues we address, but questions like:

5 It is very possible for children ages 7-12 to ask questions like the previous ones, but these children are also going to ask questions based on what they hear in the neighborhood, the media, their classroom, the ball field or dance studio. The media is a big influence on your children. It is important to remember that this is the age that our children are most inquisitive. They have just begun to ask questions and they will ask away. It really depends on the influences that are in their life, but children at this age want to know why everything happens the way it does. This age group may ask questions like: In the teenage to young adult years, we see less questions about God,although there are some. This age group is engrossed in the social issues of the day. The reason that the social issues of the day dominate this age group is because of the worldview that is lived out in front of them by their peers, and also by the media. This age group has the hardest time grasping a biblical worldview, if it is not already established. A relationship with Jesus and the knowledge of the Word of God is very important to this age group, because they are bombarded more frequently than any age. The questions they may ask are:

6 Social Media Articles that are biased False interpretations Opinions of others Majority opinions Falsified documents Public persuasion Harmful statements Many True Statements Scripture postings Almost every post or comment will show us a person s worldview.

7 All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to

8 9% Of All Born Again Believers Answered These Questions (YES) Do moral absolutes exist? Is absolute truth defined in the Bible? Did Jesus live a sinless life? Is God all-powerful and all-knowing creator? Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned? Is satan real? Is the Bible accurate in its teaching? Breakdown in Biblical Worldview Lack of knowledge of the inspired Word of God Unbelief in the inspired Word of God - Absolute truth Lack of proper interpretation of the inspired Word of God Influence of the culture and its norms Pressure from the majority/loudest

9 Why is a Biblical Worldview Important A biblical worldview is essential to face the challenges of a secular world. Parents and teachers must prepare children to face a world that is not grounded in the truth found in Scripture. Children daily face the influences of relative truth. Early in life is the ideal time to create a love and desire to follow God, along with the willingness and ability to discard what is not truth. A biblical worldview becomes the basis for reaching others with the Gospel. As children grow, a biblical worldview will become a framework for answering questions from lost individuals they may encounter. A biblical worldview is essential in a world that resembles a neighborhood. No longer do children study other religions or cultures. The world has come to their door, and it is bringing new values and new religions. Children also face more seductive religions like materialism. A biblical worldview provides the core for all of life and life s situations. A biblical worldview is commanded by Scripture. First Peter 3:15 states, "Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.