Living in this world but not of it

and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19-21  We know that we are children of God,  and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 

We can ignore the world and ‘stay safe’ and secluded We can conform to the way of the world 2 Extremes:

Called to nonconformity James 1:27  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Matthew 5:13-16  You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Why is it important to follow God’s Way instead of conforming to the world or ignoring the world?

Jesus is more valuable than the way of the world. Why is it important to follow God’s Way instead of conforming to or ignoring the world? Jesus is more valuable than the way of the world. We don’t want to conform and go back into slavery and the ways of death. We have to engage with the world because people all around us are in darkness and dying (like we were!) and we have the living water to give them – Jesus!

How do we do it then?

the practices of our faith Lament Thankfulness  Confession Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster

Jesus will not forsake us! Testimonies Stay aware and alert Looking ahead! Jesus will not forsake us! How else do we live here?

1 John 5:19-21 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Application Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Acts 4:29-31 “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The world is never going to affirm the worldview of Jesus KINGDOM OF GOD KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD Plenty Constant/secure/unchanging/faithful God is the best - by far and only his opinion matters Submission - freedom from getting our own way, self-controlled Sons/daughters of God - loved Liberty/freedom Unique on purpose Provided for Dependent/needy on God/others Inward growth and beauty Scarcity  Flimsy/fickle/changing/confusion/contradiction Our own opinions are best We are the authority of our lives Fearful and alone Slaves to our desires, feelings, thoughts, etc. All the same Fend and provide for ourselves Independent of God/others Outward beauty/impression