In The World, Not of The World

The main passage of scripture I’d like us to focus on for today’s exhortation and discussion is 1 John 2:15-16. I read from the New King James Version of The Bible.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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.”

How do we do that? Be in the world but not be of the world? Is that even possible? Doesn’t that make living the Christian life all the more difficult?

I cannot assume that all of us here are Christians. In fact, I’d love it if there are some people watching who are just curious to know what these Jesus people are talking about.

Even as Christians, we know that the Christian walk is very challenging. And as the trials come day after day, with our health, finances, relationships, and the different temptations, we are comforted in knowing that we are not alone on this journey - Jesus walks with us.

So we press on, knowing that nonconformity to this world is not only possible but essential to our identity as followers of Christ. 

Looking at this from a practical point of view, simply put, as Christians, we live in the physical world, we engage with society, we go out to work, we have relationships with Christians and non-Christians, and we go about in daily life to the supermarket, mall, offices to pay those bills etc.

But as Christians, when we do these things, we must take certain values, priorities, and identification marks with us, qualities shaped by our faith in Jesus Christ.

How do we do that? Firstly, Family, we have to stay in God. 

John 15:4-5: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

2. Train and Keep Renewing Your Mind. Romans 12:2: “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.”

3. Stay Focussed. Do not allow distractions to get the better of you. Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

4. Walk and Talk Holy Spirit. Find a way to turn those worldly conversations into telling somebody about Jesus. Galatians 5:16: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Be in the world but not of the world. Yes, it is possible. But we have to be intentional. We cannot compromise because we want to be popular, liked, or earn a promotion on the job.

Family, Jesus has called us to different. Jesus wants us to shine brightly for Him.  

Matthew 5:14-16: ““You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

To live in this world but not be of this world, we have to rely on God’s strength and His promises.

Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

1 John 5:4 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

Matthew 28:20 “… lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

These scriptures are very encouraging and we must repeat them over and over and over again as we face the challenges of life.

I know it’s not easy. Challenges right in your very own home. Challenges on the job. Challenges even as you go to church or in ministries you are a part of trying to strengthen your faith.

So sometimes we are tempted to say, this Christian life is hard! It’ll be so much easier if I just do this thing, just one time, and then I can repent. 

And we certainly hear others saying, too many rules, too strict!

Remember now, and be encouraged, Jesus faced the same temptations and pressures we do. But He overcame them. And we can look to His example and intercession for hope and strength. 

Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

So yes we can be in the world and not be of the world, but in Christ and of Christ.

We can run this race with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus and the joy of eternal life with Him.

Living in the world but not being of the world is possible. It is a high calling that many of us take lightly because we think we have time to live a little and then repent. Yield to temptation and then ask God for forgiveness. We think we have time.

But every day that I live, and I trust this is the same for each and every one of you, we we ought to recognize that we are that much closer to the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is a thought that sobers me, scares me, and brings me joy, all at the same time. 

May we ask God today to help us to put aside the ways of the world and maintain our love for God in our walking and in our talking, every moment of every day.

aub - 26Aug24

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