This Facilitator’s Guide is intended to assist the facilitator in leading the discussion of a group on the following topic.  It is not meant to give an exhaustive review of the question, but rather give pointers from the Bible.  To that end we have inserted a few comments and Bible verses that are relevant to the discussion – this may help get the discussion started. For a more comprehensive study of this topic see the related online resources at the end of this guide.

Introduction

This guide is for the discussion of what the biblical term "world" means and a young Christian's role in it.

The World

JOHN 8:23 And He [Jesus] said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world."

JOHN 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

ROMANS 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….

1. From the scriptures cited above, how would you define the word "world?" Is there a spiritual dimension to the term "world?"

· World = age/period/society/customs

COMMENT: The New Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus defines world as: "The Earth and its inhabitants." It defines "worldly" as: "Relating to the world: engrossed in temporal pursuits; earthly; mundane; carnal; not spiritual." So from these definitions, we see that there is a definite contrast between "being of the World" i.e.: carnal, mundane, and earthly and being "not of the World" i.e.: spiritual. Now let's consult a higher authority.

I JOHN 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

2. What does the term "lust of the flesh" mean?

· To satisfy the body. American Heritage dictionary defines lust as an intense or unrestrained sexual craving (dictionary.reference.com/browse/lust).
· "Lust of the flesh" is a wrongful, unchecked desire, Galatians 5:19.
· Romans 13:14 tells us to "make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."

3. What does the term "lust of the eyes" mean?

· To satisfy the mind – things to see and to have others see (status).
· Proverbs 6:25, 32
· 2 Samuel 11:2-4 This passage helps explain “lust of the eyes”
· What other verses expound on “lust of the eyes?”

4. What does the term the "pride of life" mean?

· To satisfy the ego (diva-ism, over self-worth, caving into wrong peer pressure)
· Want versus need.
· 1 John 2:16 – pride.
· Romans 12:3, “Do not think more highly of yourselves than you ought to think.”

5. What does this passage tell us about God's place in this world?

· God has been replaced as the priority.
· 2 Corinthians 4:4 – there is another god promoting a different way of life.

COMMENT: It's clear this World is not the environment God intended. The problems of today's society lie in the "way" it has chosen. In other terms, worldly ways of today's society are not of God, but chosen by man.

6. Being a young person in today's society can be difficult. What are some of the things young people face in today's world?

· I Corinthians 15:33 evil company
· Premarital sex or sexual relations, drugs, underage drinking, lying to others especially parents, cheating in school, and so on.
· Making good decisions; where to go to college, what career to be in, who to marry and share this wonderful journey with and so forth.
· What are some other verses to back up these points?

7. What are some of the short-term decisions facing youth today?

· Choosing friends, extracurricular activities, hobbies, how to react to instruction/discipline, fads to follow or not, how serious they approach learning in school as well as from the Bible

8. What are some of the long-term decisions facing youth today?

· Getting a useful education
· Find a challenging occupation
· Preparing for baptism
· Finding a spouse
· Moving out of childhood home
· Establishing retirement goals, saving money/investments. 

Christian living

When considering these decisions in an uncertain and disorderly environment—a "problem" society—the plight of youth can seem hopeless and overwhelming. Today's world is not exactly the easiest environment to get along in. But, throw into the mix, being a young CHRISTIAN in today's society … that is even harder!

I JOHN 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

1. Who do you think is the "wicked one?"

· Wicked is defined as being evil, lawless, or morally bad.
· Satan is the “lawless one,” 2Thessalonians 2:9-10.
· 1 John 2:13-14
· What other verses show Satan as the “evil one?”

2. How does he sway the world? Consider Rev. 12:9.

· “Sway” is defined as a dominating power or influence. It causes a person’s mind or emotions to incline or turn in a specified way.
· Ephesians 2:2, John 8:44.

3. How could being a Christian complicate some of the decisions mentioned above?

· Choosing friends that will create negative influences
· Choosing hobbies and extra-curricular activities that conflict with God’s instruction
· Taking a combative approach to discipline (contrary to Proverbs 12).

4. What could be some added decisions or choices a Christian would have to face that a "worldly" person would not?

· Keeping any of the Commandments in the spirit of the law.
· Not putting your own desires ahead of God – such as...?
· Other choices would be: appropriate dress, appropriate speech, and outwardly showing love towards others.

5. What are some of your "spiritual goals?"

· “Assignment” for participant(s)

6. What can we do to stay close to God and not come under the "sway of the wicked one?"

· James 4:7 – submit to God, resist Satan
· What other verses reflect this statement?

MATTHEW 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

· To let your light shine means to live your life according to God’s commandments, keep His Holy Days, to love one another, and so on.
· Why are lighthouses placed where they are?

7. We are to come out of this world and yet live in it. Explain the concept of being a "light" in the world.

· Isaiah 49:6 – We are to come out of the world, but we are not to isolate ourselves from the rest of humanity.
· Elaborate on physical properties of a light (i.e. lightness and darkness cannot occupy the same space simultaneously.)

COMMENT: We are the hope and representatives of the World to come, God's kingdom. The choices we make should reflect God's way and be an example to the rest of society.

8. How could some of your decisions be a positive reflection of Christian values?

One decision that would be a positive reflection of Christian values would be the decision to observe God’s weekly and annual holy days. Another would be the decision to outwardly show love towards your neighbor as mentioned in Romans 13:9. There are numerous decisions that would create positive reflections of Christian values; these are only a couple.

9. How could our relationships with friends, not in the faith, be an opportunity to "shine?"

· Be a visible, positive example to others of God’s way of life.
· Philippians 2:15
· Performing a good deed for others would be another opportunity to let our light shine.

Summary

As young people, obtaining a certain level of success in this society is not wrong or impossible—as long as you put God first. Success in your education, future careers and families are good and noteworthy goals. Your success will be a good example for others because it will demonstrate that God's way works. After all, is that not your role—to be an example to society, a foreshadow of the good that is to come? The key is to strike a balance between being a successful member of society and, yet, still rejecting the ways of this world. It can be done. It can be done through hard work, through keeping a close relationship with God and by never compromising your beliefs.

1. List some ways the world is attractive. Which ones are compatible with biblical teaching?

· Opportunities
· Education
· Entertainment
· What are some others?

2. How can we discern what is of the world and what is of God?

· We can discern what is of the world and what is of God by examining His Word.

3. Do you think man's "ways" have worked?

· Have wars brought lasting peace?
· Have governmental social programs erased hunger, disease, etc.?
· Has man’s effort to solve problems reinforced or rejected God’s instruction?

4. How can young Christians be productive participants of society and not be "of society?"

· Being hard workers, courteous and well-mannered.
· Live God’s commandments
· Other examples?