The Christian's Relationship With The World

Welcome to Let’s Talk God 'N ' Christ - Your Transformative Christian Podcast.

Today, our guest, Pastor Emmanuel Igbinosu, is discussing the topic of THE CHRISTIAN'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE WORLD. Please take a moment to listen to his life-changing word of truth.

 

The key scripture is taken from John 15:19 NIV  - 'If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.'

To guide us into a better understanding of this scripture, we will seek answers to the following questions. What does it mean to be in the world and yet not to be of the world? What does it also mean to be chosen out of the world?

In the book of 1 John 2:17-19, God not only warns about the dangers of loving the world but also gives an insight into what the world means. From this passage, the world includes the cravings of men, the lust of man's eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does. All these things God says are not from Him, but from the world. He went on in verse 17 to say that the world and its desires pass away but the man who does the will of God lives forever. It is clear, therefore, that the 'world' in this context is not referring to the earth as a planet or the Cosmic system in which we live. Rather, God describes the world as the culture and traditions of men, their way of life, and men's belief systems, which contrast with God's divine standards and expectations. It is also obvious that because the world contrasts with God's divine will, it is ruled by the devil. That's why Jesus warns us in our key scripture that the world will hate us because He has chosen us out from the world.

This simply means that the way of life of Christian believers can not conform any longer to the expectations of the world. That's why in Romans 12:2 NIV God says '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.'

 

For Christian believers, Jesus Christ has gone to prepare a place to call our home. But before then, we are to always remember that this world is not our home we are just passers-by. The will of God for mankind has always been for mankind to be holy and separated from the world. In Hebrews 11:13-16, we find that since the days of Abraham and the Israelites, the children of God have sought a better place. They considered themselves aliens and strangers on earth. Verse 16 records that they longed for a heavenly country. So, although we are in this world, we are not part of the world. Our lifestyles and ways must be different from what is practised in the world.

How then should we live our lives as Christian believers in the world and yet not be part of the world?

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus refers to us - his children - as the light of the world. That is why in Ephesians 5:8 it is recorded that we were once children of darkness but are now children of the light, and as such we should shine our light for the world to see. We are called to expose the fruitless deeds of darkness, which are in the world, and to find out what pleases the Lord and live by them.

 

So, what are some practical ways for a genuine child of God to live in the world without becoming a part of it?

 

1. 1. We are not to have close friendships with the Christ-rejecting.
2. 2. However, we should not become entirely separate because we must witness.
3. 3. Marriage with the unbelieving and worldly is discouraged. Take note of the following
   in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, the Bible says marrying from strangers will turn away the hearts of sons from God
4. 4. Our attitudes to worldly values must be different. Take note of the following:
   1. a. Love not the world neither the things that are in the world 1 John 2: 15-16
   2. b. Friendship with the world is enmity with God, James 4:4.
   3. c. Abstain from fleshly worldly lust, which war against the soul 1 Peter 2:11
   4. d. Resist being influenced by trends, fads and media.
   5. e. Resist indiscriminate worldly entertainment, Isaiah 33:15, he that walketh righteously... shutteth his eyes from seeing evil

 

Closing prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to live a life that is focused on pleasing you only and not attracted to the distractions in this world.

 

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