Transforming Perspectives: Embracing a Biblical Worldview

Today’s journey through Acts 17 invites us to examine the lens through which we see the world—our worldview—and to consider how a biblical perspective transforms every aspect of our lives. Just as my childhood view from the rear-facing seat of a station wagon offered a different perspective from my sisters’ forward-facing seats, so too does a biblical worldview offer a radically different way of seeing the world compared to the culture around us. We are constantly surrounded by influences—media, culture, and even our own desires—that shape our values and priorities. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to let Him shape our hearts and minds, seeing Him in every detail of life and filtering all things through His truth.

Paul’s experience in Athens is a powerful example. He entered a city filled with idols, each one representing the people’s longing for meaning, fulfillment, and security. The Athenians, in their pursuit of the divine, even erected an altar “to the unknown god,” just in case they missed one. Paul’s heart was deeply moved—not just with frustration at their misplaced worship, but with compassion for their spiritual hunger. He recognized that behind every idol, every pursuit, and every philosophy was a deeper worship problem—a longing that only the true God could satisfy.

Paul’s response was not to condemn, but to engage. He met people where they were: in the synagogue, in the marketplace, and on Mars Hill, speaking to both the religious and the curious philosophers. He presented the God who is Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, and Father—the God who is not distant or unknowable, but who has made Himself known in Jesus Christ. Paul’s message was clear: the fulfillment we seek is found not in the things of this world, but in a relationship with the living God, who calls us to repentance and offers us new life through the resurrection of Jesus.

This perspective changes everything. It shapes how we see money, relationships, nature, and even our own identity. It calls us to examine the “idols” in our own lives—those things we elevate above God—and to surrender them at His feet. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through the Lord’s Supper, we are invited to realign our hearts, to worship Him alone, and to let our lives reflect His truth in every area.

Key Takeaways

• 1. A biblical worldview is not just a set of beliefs, but a lens that transforms how we see everything—our relationships, our resources, and even the ordinary moments of life. It calls us to filter every decision and desire through the truth of God’s Word, rather than the shifting values of culture. This perspective is cultivated by intentionally seeking God’s voice above all others. [32:29]
• 2. The idols of our age may not be statues of stone, but they are just as real—money, success, pleasure, and even good things like family or education can become ultimate things. The heart of idolatry is seeking fulfillment in anything other than God, and this always leaves us empty. True satisfaction is found only in the God who created us for Himself. [41:06]
• 3. Compassion, not condemnation, should mark our response to a world chasing after lesser gods. Paul’s distress over the idols in Athens was mingled with deep love for the people, driving him to share the hope of Christ. Our own engagement with culture should be motivated by a desire for others to know the joy and freedom found in Jesus. [44:23]
• 4. God is not distant or indifferent; He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler who desires to be known. He has set the times and places for each of us so that we might seek Him and find Him, for He is never far from any one of us. This truth invites us to pursue a personal, living relationship with Him, rather than settling for vague spirituality or religious routine. [47:45]
• 5. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s love and power, and it demands a response. Repentance is not merely turning from bad behavior, but turning from every false hope to embrace the life that is found in Christ alone. This is the heart of the gospel: not what we do for God, but what He has done for us, freely offered by grace. [50:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Celebrating Life Groups
• [02:30] - The Station Wagon Perspective
• [06:10] - Viewpoints and Worldviews
• [10:15] - Seeing God in Everything
• [13:30] - Paul in Athens: A City of Idols
• [17:00] - Ancient High Places and Modern Idols
• [20:00] - A Biblical View of Everyday Life
• [24:00] - The Real Worship Problem
• [27:00] - Paul’s Distress and Compassion
• [30:00] - Engaging the Marketplace and Philosophers
• [34:00] - Epicureans, Stoics, and the Unknown God
• [38:00] - Paul’s Outline: Who God Is
• [43:00] - The Call to Repentance and New Life
• [48:00] - Invitation to Receive Christ
• [52:00] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper
• [56:00] - Reflecting on Idols and Surrender
• [61:56] - Closing and Worship

Bible Reading

Acts 17:16-34 (ESV) — (You may want to read the whole passage together, but especially focus on Paul’s time in Athens, his observations, and his speech on Mars Hill.)

Exodus 20:2-3 (ESV) — “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”

Psalm 67:1-4 (ESV) — “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.”

Observation Questions

1. When Paul arrived in Athens, what did he notice about the city, and how did it affect him? (Acts 17:16) [[42:40]]
2. What kinds of people did Paul interact with in Athens, and where did he meet them? (Acts 17:17-18) [[45:01]]
3. According to the sermon, what was the purpose of the Athenians’ altar “to the unknown god”? [[34:42]]
4. What are some examples the pastor gave of “modern idols” that might not look like statues, but still take God’s place in our lives? [[41:06]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul’s heart was “greatly distressed” when he saw all the idols in Athens? What does this reveal about his view of God and people? [[44:23]]
2. The pastor said that behind every idol or pursuit is a “worship problem.” What does this mean, and how does it connect to the first commandment in Exodus 20:2-3? [[41:06]]
3. How did Paul’s approach to the people of Athens show both truth and compassion? What can we learn from his method of engaging with people who believe differently? [[45:01]]
4. According to the sermon, how does a biblical worldview change the way we see everyday things like money, relationships, or nature? [[39:30]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about how his view from the rear-facing seat in the station wagon was different from his sisters’ forward-facing view. In your own life, what “lens” are you using to see the world? Are there areas where you realize you’re seeing things more through culture’s eyes than God’s? [[30:52]]
2. Think about the “idols” in your own life. Is there something—even a good thing like family, work, or success—that you tend to put above God? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week? [[41:06]]
3. Paul responded to the idols in Athens with compassion, not just frustration. When you see people around you chasing after things that can’t satisfy, is your first response judgment or compassion? How can you grow in loving people who are searching for meaning? [[44:23]]
4. The sermon said that God is not distant or indifferent, but wants to be known. Are there ways you’ve settled for a vague spirituality or routine instead of a real relationship with God? What’s one step you can take to seek Him more personally? [[47:45]]
5. The resurrection of Jesus is described as the ultimate proof of God’s love and power, and it calls for a response. Have you ever had a moment where you turned from a “false hope” to trust in Christ alone? If not, what’s holding you back? If so, how has that changed your life? [[50:10]]
6. The pastor encouraged everyone to reflect during the Lord’s Supper on what idols might be present in their lives. Take a moment to quietly ask God to show you anything you need to surrender. Is there something you sense Him asking you to lay down? [[56:00]]
7. A biblical worldview means filtering every decision and desire through God’s truth. What is one practical way you can do this in your daily routine this week—at work, at home, or in your relationships? [[32:29]]