Read Genesis 3:22 and I John 2: 15-16. Our hopes, traditions, attitudes and relationships have all happened in, been formed by, and come from this world, a world which generally makes us what we are. The world possesses a beauty that, carnally, we can find very hard to resist. Worldliness – a love for the world, for the things of the world, for its pleasures, draws our hearts away from loving Christ. Is Jesus your Lord? What does that mean in contrast to His being your Savior?

Most Christian families want to raise godly children who become god-loving young adults. The “Twilight” series of books and movies are currently very popular, particularly among teenage girls. Teenage romance and the horror of vampires is explored. Is it wrong to shelter our children from the world, if they must learn to live in it? How are we to live biblically and also demonstrate love to our children and grandchildren in a culture which glamorizes and accepts non-scriptural living?

Read Revelation 2:20, which addresses the sin of tolerance. This Jezebel might have said “It’s okay if you don’t really believe that those idols are gods. You’re not worshiping them in your heart. You’re just outwardly being engaged in these activities.” People might have thrown around terms like, “But it’s for freedom that Christ set us free.” Someone has said that tolerance has become a modern virtue. Currently, it seems that the only intolerance allowed is that toward Jesus Christ and His teachings. What does it mean to you to engage the culture, to be in the world but not of the world?

True believers know what it is to have both fear and joy in their hearts. Read Psalm 34: 8-11 and Proverbs 8:13. Is the fear of the Lord natural, or must it be learned? Is it possible to consider God in every aspect of life, in every decision and action we must make? If the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, how should we live?

A German commentator, Johann Albrecht Bengel wrote, "We have permission to glory, not before God, but in God.” Read I Corinthians 1: 19-21. God has purposely chosen this means to place proud and stiff-necked people completely in debt to Him for the most important achievement in all of life. What keeps the worldly wise, the intellectuals from believing and accepting the gospel of God suffering and dying in the flesh for the sins of the world and then rising from the dead?

Read Deuteronomy 8: 2-3. What is the condition mentioned to having our prayers answered and to receive additional blessings from God? Discuss a time when God humbled you and brought you to repentance by His Holy Spirit.