The world draws us in with a promise of happiness - but the longer we buy into a secular grid, the more it leads us down a meaningless path.
Talking Points:
- Secular Idea #1: Do what makes you happy. This idea resonates in the soul of every human being. It’s not entirely evil, but taken to the extreme, it can be destructive. Luke 12:13-21
- Secular Idea #2: You decide what’s right. You make the rules – and as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody, anything goes. Everyone does what is right in his or her own eyes. Judges 17:6, John 8:31-32
- Secular Idea #3: This is all there is. A self-centered, self-determined existence inevitably leads to a lack of purpose, hope and joy. 1 Corinthians 15:19-20
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is a worldview? How do worldviews influence us? Give an example.
- Make a list of a few ideas or beliefs you feel strongly about. Why do you have such a strong opinion about those things?
- “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” – give some practical examples of this philosophy in America. What are some countries that don’t have this as part of their grid? How can these American values be taken to a dangerous extreme? Give a few examples.
- Read Luke 12:16-21. What was the worldview of the rich man? What was the flaw in the rich man’s thinking? How would the rich man have acted differently if he had a God-centered worldview?
- Read Judges 17:6. Make a list of things that people think are right today, but they thought were wrong 50 years ago. What motivated these changes in our culture? Which ones are good changes and which are bad?
- What was your parent’s worldview? What is the worldview of most of your friends? What would people who only know you from work or school say is your worldview?
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:19-20. What is the worldview in these verses? How does the truth of these verses change the way we live today?
- Be sure to take the Grid Challenge, reading a chapter a day and meeting once a week to talk with a small group or mentor.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Watch the full live sermon.
