Theme: “Strengthening Our Faith
Topic: Resisting the Alternative Worldview
Main Texts: Romans 1:18-32; Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 12:1-2.
Key verse: Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”.
Introduction:
Alternatives are usually that, an alternative to the better or the best, or a denial of the best. In this study our attention is focused still, on a theme that runs strong in this quarter’s sermon series and in our reference passages for today: dealing with sexual immorality and the lure of materialism by cultivating a life of spiritual and moral purity and exercising victory over Mammon. The word of God warns us, that our enemy in this matter is no ordinary one, it is not flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere (Eph 6:12 – AMPC) These are the sources of deceitful alternatives to the things of God. Therefore, as Christians, we are called to resist the prevailing alternative worldviews by renewing our minds to align with God’s truth. “But the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some in the church will turn away from Christ and become eager followers of teachers with devil-inspired ideas” (1Tim 4:1) A wayward heart not anchored by faith and trust in Christ and God’s truth will wander.
Q1. Read: Jer 17:9, Gen 3:6 (1a) What is it that is prevalent in man, that makes him a potential “victim” of alternatives to God’s truth? Read: 1Cor 2:14-15 (1b) How do these verses enlighten us about the core differences between the man who chooses alternatives to God and those who choose God? Read: Rom 12:1 (1c) This verse speaks of the need to make a decisive dedication (AMPC version). What are the prime reasons for the Christian to make a decisive dedication of their body, mind, and spirit to God?
Paragraph 2:
God always takes timely decisions! In verses 24, 26, and 28 of Rom 1, it is said “So God let them go”, “That is why God let go of them”, “God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of”. He still does the same today, to those who do not like to retain God in their knowledge (Rom 1:8). Such persons become reprobate, without principles, resisting and denying God, succumbing to the alternative worldview that God does not exist or that He does not hate and punish sin. “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you.” (Rom 12:2).
Q2. Read: 2Cor 13:5, Tit 1:16 (2a) What are we called to do regularly, and what does this entail? (2b) Why is it of utmost importance for Christians to know where we stand on worldviews in all matters because we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? Read: 2Tim 3:1-5 (2c) What does Paul warn us of in this passage, and can we point out definite examples of the same?
Paragraph 3:
Alternative worldviews consist of seemingly “rational” subtle arguments, justifications, theories, and philosophies meant to deceive the brethren. What does resistance to these call for? “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas 4:7). In these last days, signs will become even more apparent; opposition to the knowledge of God will increase. We will see a rise in the attitudes or behaviours of those espoused to alternative worldviews. Of such, we must be aware and possess the spiritual means to resist them. Apostle Paul provides valuable insight into what his experience in resisting was; for instance, Paul confronted the issue of sexual immorality, not only by questioning what the world views(ed) as “legal” but also asking “Is this permissible for me, is this beneficial to myself and others?” Also, “will this liberty eventually master me, leading to a place of bondage and addiction?”
Q3. Read: 2Cor 10:3-5, 2Tim 3:3-8 (3a) What do these scriptures reveal as to what is coming? Discuss them… Read: 1Cor 6:12 (3b) Ponder these key questions Paul asks, as tools for resistance. Can you apply them to worldviews you may have had problems with, in the past?
Prayer: Lord, deepen our knowledge of Your word and of the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; may the Holy Spirit’s voice always be audible to us when we confront alternative worldviews, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.