2. Introduction
General theme: “growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord” : 2 Pet. 3:18
It is critical to establish a foundation of basic knowledge/skills to achieve spiritual success; we cannot remain “babes” ! 1 Pet. 2:2; 1 Cor. 14:20; 2 Pet. 3:1; Matt. 6:33; 2 Pet. 1:5-11
We live in a world shot through and through with worldliness; it even permeates the church: Jas. 4:4; 1 Cor. 6:9-11
We must remember James’ admonition about “true religion” : Jas. 1:27

3. Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord (3):
Unspotted from the World
James 1:27

4. Unspotted from the World
What is worldliness?
“love not the world”
1 John 2:15-17
“Worldly affairs; the aggregate of things earthly; the whole circle of goods, endowments, advantages, pleasures, etc., which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.”
W. H. Thayer
Thayer:
Over emphasis on the
temporary things of this world.
It is an insidious attitude where our priorities get out of line: Matt. 6:33; 1 Cor. 15:58
It includes immoral attitudes and behavior; it can include family, career, recreation, entertainment, etc.
Worldliness is very deceiving! It promises much but delivers little! Heb. 11:25; Jas. 1:14-15
Unspotted from the World

5. Unspotted from the World
Our relationship with the world
It’s simple: we cannot love the world! 1 Jn. 2:15-17
We must have a deep, insatiable love for truth and righteousness! Matt. 13:45-46; 5:6; 6:33; Col. 3:2
We cannot serve God and worldliness! Jas. 4:4; Matt. 6:24
We cannot be conformed to the world! Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 2:15; Jas. 1:27; Eph. 5:27; Matt. 13:22; 1 Tim. 6:6-10
Unspotted from the World

6. Unspotted from the World
The world’s attitude toward us
As a Christian you WILL stand out from the world! 1 Pet. 4:3-4; 1 Jn. 3:13
We should expect the world’s ridicule, scorn and mockery: Jn. 15:18-20; 3:19-21; 2 Tim. 4:10
Remember Heb. 11:13-16
Unspotted from the World

7. Unspotted from the World
True joy not found in worldliness
God knows best how we might enjoy life: Jn. 10:10; 2 Pet. 1:5-11
Contrary to conventional wisdom all that is “fun” is not sin! Rev. 22:14-15; Eccl. 9:7-10; 12:13-14
God’s perspective is better than ours: 1 Tim. 4:7-8; 6:6; 2 Tim. 4:7-8
What truly defines you? What is your life all about? Eccl. 12:13-14
Unspotted from the World

8. Unspotted from the World
Conclusion
Life is quite simple; there are two choices: God or the world.
Our choice has consequences, temporal and eternal: Heb. 11:25; Rom. 2:8-9; Jas. 1:12
Which will you choose? Josh. 24:15; Jas. 1:27
Unspotted from the World