PART 1
Developing a Biblical Worldview: A Scriptural Approach
A Biblical worldview is a lens through which we interpret and engage with the world around us, grounded in the principles and teachings of Scripture. Developing this worldview involves aligning our beliefs, values, and actions with the teachings of the Bible. Below is a comprehensive guide to developing a Biblical worldview, supported by Scripture.
1. Understanding the Nature of God
A foundational aspect of a Biblical worldview is understanding the nature of God. Scripture reveals God as the Creator, Sovereign, and Sustainer of all things.
Creation and Sovereignty:
- Genesis 1:1 (KJV): “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
- Psalm 24:1 (KJV): “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
God’s Sustaining Power:
- Hebrews 1:3 (KJV): “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Understanding that God is both the creator and sustainer of all creation helps us see His hand in every aspect of life.
2. Human Identity and Purpose
The Bible provides a clear picture of human identity and purpose. We are created in the image of God and are called to live according to His will.
Created in God’s Image:
- Genesis 1:26-27 (KJV): “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Purpose and Calling:
- Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Understanding that we are made in God's image and have a purpose to live justly, mercifully, and humbly directs our actions and decisions.
3. The Role of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is central to a Biblical worldview. His life, death, and resurrection are pivotal in understanding redemption and salvation.
Redemption Through Christ:
- John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Jesus as the Way to Truth:
- John 14:6 (KJV): “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus' role as the way to salvation and truth is foundational for understanding our relationship with God and the world.
4. Living Out Biblical Values
A Biblical worldview involves living according to the values and teachings of Scripture. This includes moral and ethical living, reflecting Christ in our daily actions.
Moral Conduct:
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Ethical Living:
- Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Living according to the fruit of the Spirit and ethical teachings of Scripture helps us reflect God's character in our interactions with others.
5. Engaging with the World
A Biblical worldview shapes how we engage with the world, including our approach to societal issues and global challenges.
Love and Compassion:
- Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV): “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Social Justice:
- Isaiah 1:17 (KJV): “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Engaging with the world through love, compassion, and a commitment to justice reflects the heart of God’s mission for His people.
Developing a Biblical worldview is a journey of aligning our beliefs and actions with the teachings of Scripture. By understanding God’s nature, human identity and purpose, the role of Jesus Christ, Biblical values, and how to engage with the world, we build a worldview that honors God and impacts our lives and the lives of those around us. This worldview is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that reflects the character of Christ and the truths of the Bible.
PART 2
What are the Major subjects that we should Understand?
Developing a Biblical worldview involves several key topics that shape our understanding and approach to life from a Scriptural perspective. Here are the major topics to consider:
1. God and Creation
Nature of God: Understanding God's attributes, including His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and holiness.
- Genesis 1:1 - “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
- Psalm 139:7-10 - Describes God's omnipresence.
Creation: Recognizing God's role as the Creator and the implications for understanding the natural world.
- Colossians 1:16 - “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.”
2. Human Identity and Purpose
Image of God: Understanding that humans are made in God's image, which influences our view of human dignity and worth.
- Genesis 1:26-27 - Humanity’s creation in God’s image.
Purpose and Calling: Exploring what it means to live out our purpose as defined by God.
- Micah 6:8 - “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
3. The Role of Jesus Christ
Redemption and Salvation: The significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for humanity’s salvation.
- John 3:16 - God’s love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus.
Teachings and Example: How Jesus’ teachings and example guide Christian living.
- Matthew 5:14-16 - Being the light of the world and salt of the earth.
4. Ethics and Morality
Moral Conduct: How Biblical principles shape our ethical decisions and behavior.
- Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit as a guide for ethical living.
Social Justice: Biblical mandates for justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized.
- Isaiah 1:17 - Advocating for justice and relief for the oppressed.
5. Family and Relationships
Marriage and Family: The Biblical view of marriage and family roles.
- Ephesians 5:22-33 - Instructions for marital relationships.
- Psalm 127:3 - Children as a heritage from the Lord.
Community and Fellowship: The importance of Christian community and relationships.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 - Encouraging one another and not forsaking assembly.
6. Work and Vocation
Work Ethic: Viewing work as a calling and how to approach it Biblically.
- Colossians 3:23 - Working heartily as for the Lord.
Purpose in Vocation: How to see one’s work as part of God’s plan.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 - Doing everything for the glory of God.
7. Law and Government
Role of Government: Understanding the Biblical perspective on authority and governance.
- Romans 13:1-2 - The role of governing authorities and Christian submission.
Law and Justice: How Biblical principles inform our view of law and justice.
- Proverbs 21:15 - Justice as a joy to the righteous and a terror to evildoers.
8. Eschatology (End Times)
Second Coming: Belief in the return of Christ and the final judgment.
- Revelation 21:1-4 - A new heaven and a new earth.
Eternal Destiny: Understanding eternal life and the consequences of rejecting God.
- John 5:28-29 - The resurrection of life and the resurrection of condemnation.
9. Evangelism and Mission
Great Commission: The mandate to spread the gospel and make disciples.
- Matthew 28:19-20 - The call to go and make disciples of all nations.
Global Mission: The role of the Church in global missions and outreach.
- Acts 1:8 - Being witnesses to the ends of the earth.
10. Personal Growth and Discipleship
Spiritual Formation: The process of becoming more like Christ through spiritual disciplines.
- Romans 12:2 - Transformation through the renewal of the mind.
Scripture Study and Prayer: The importance of regular study of the Bible and prayer in spiritual growth.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Scripture’s role in equipping and teaching.
Each of these topics offers a foundational aspect of a Biblical worldview and contributes to a holistic understanding of how to live according to Biblical principles.
PART 3
Developing a Biblical Worldview - Group Discussion
1. God and Creation
Question 1: How does the understanding of God as the Creator impact our view of the natural world and our responsibility toward it? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Genesis 1:1 (KJV): “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
- Psalm 24:1 (KJV): “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Question 2: What does Colossians 1:16 reveal about the scope of Christ's role in creation, and how does this shape our view of His authority? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Colossians 1:16 (KJV): “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”
2. Human Identity and Purpose
Question 1: How does being created in the image of God influence our understanding of human dignity and worth? _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Genesis 1:26-27 (KJV): “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Question 2: What is the Biblical perspective on human purpose and calling as described in Micah 6:8? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Micah 6:8 (KJV): “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
3. The Role of Jesus Christ
Question 1: How does John 3:16 encapsulate the core message of the Gospel and its implications for salvation? _________________________________________________________________________
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- John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Question 2: What does John 14:6 reveal about Jesus’ unique role as the way, the truth, and the life, and how does this affect our understanding of truth and salvation? _________________________________________________________________________
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- John 14:6 (KJV): “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
4. Ethics and Morality
Question 1: How can the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 guide our ethical decisions and interactions with others? _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Question 2: In what ways can Isaiah 1:17 influence our approach to social justice and care for those in need? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Isaiah 1:17 (KJV): “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
5. Family and Relationships
Question 1: How do Ephesians 5:22-33 instruct us on the Biblical view of marriage and familial roles? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Ephesians 5:22-33 (KJV): Discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, highlighting the model of Christ and the Church.
Question 2: What does Psalm 127:3 say about the value of children, and how should this influence our view of family life? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Psalm 127:3 (KJV): “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
6. Work and Vocation
Question 1: How does Colossians 3:23 redefine our understanding of work and its significance in the Christian life? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Colossians 3:23 (KJV): “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Question 2: What is the Biblical perspective on finding purpose in our vocations as reflected in 1 Corinthians 10:31? _________________________________________________________________________
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- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV): “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
7. Law and Government
Question 1: What does Romans 13:1-2 teach about the Christian’s relationship to governing authorities, and how should this affect our engagement with political systems? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Romans 13:1-2 (KJV): “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
Question 2: How does Proverbs 21:15 address the concept of justice, and what should be our response to injustice in light of this verse? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Proverbs 21:15 (KJV): “It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”
8. Eschatology (End Times)
Question 1: How does Revelation 21:1-4 describe the vision of the new heaven and new earth, and what hope does this offer to believers? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV): “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Question 2: What does John 5:28-29 reveal about the resurrection and final judgment, and how should this impact our daily living? _________________________________________________________________________
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- John 5:28-29 (KJV): “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
9. Evangelism and Mission
Question 1: What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instruct us about our role in evangelism and discipleship? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV): “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Question 2: How does Acts 1:8 define the scope and purpose of the Church's mission, and what does this mean for global outreach? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Acts 1:8 (KJV): “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
10. Personal Growth and Discipleship
Question 1: How can Romans 12:2 guide personal transformation and spiritual growth? _________________________________________________________________________
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- Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Question 2: Why is regular Scripture study and prayer crucial for discipleship, as highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17? _________________________________________________________________________
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- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Each of these questions encourages deep reflection and application of Biblical principles, helping to shape a comprehensive Biblical worldview.
A Study Developed by Rev Rolando E Santiago MMin, DD, ThD, DPM
EaglesNest Christian Academy and Theological Seminary
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