Who Gets The Final Word?
Matthew Maher
• If the Word does not shape the way you see the world, the world will shape the way you see the Word.
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. — Romans 12:2
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. — Colossians 2:8
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! — Isaiah 5:20
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22
• The battle isn't just controlling what I do but bringing what I think under the Lordship of Christ.
• A biblical worldview begins when God's word gets the final word.
Discussion Questions
1. Romans 12:2 calls us to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" rather than conformed to the world. In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to let Scripture shape your thinking rather than the culture around you?
2. The sermon highlights that only 4% of American adults — and even fewer Millennials and Gen Z — hold a biblical worldview. Why do you think so few people, even within the church, allow God's Word to have the final word in how they see the world?
3. Colossians 2:8 warns against being taken captive by "philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men." What are some ways the world's philosophies subtly influence how you think — and how can you recognize them before they take root?
4. The message draws a distinction between controlling what we do and bringing what we think under the Lordship of Christ. How does that shift in focus — from behavior to the mind — change the way you approach your walk with God?
5. James 1:22 warns against being "hearers only" who deceive themselves. What is one truth from God's Word that you know well but struggle to actually live out — and what would it look like to take a step toward doing it this week?