Edward
Member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2015
- Messages
- 42
Living in the world, but not of the world.
Growing up in a Christian setting, I have heard this phrase many time. It captures a truth about Jesus followers. The real feeling we are in the world, but not of the world. So if we look for biblical scripture we can turn to John 17 Living in the world, but not of the world.
John 17:14-19
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Jesus’ references to his disciples being “not of the world.” Verse 14: “The world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” And there it is again in verse 16: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” I think we could agree that Jesus does not want his followers to be of the world. Just as he stated, his disciples are not of this world. Once we accept Jesus Christ is our lord and savior, we are no longer of this world.
As a believer in Jesus and a follower of the gospel, we have been crucified to the world and raised to a new life. Sent back and given the Light, rescued from the darkness not to flee the darkness but to be a beacon of light using the gospel to guide our steps as we rescue others from the darkness.
Jesus did not ask his Father for his disciples to be taken out of the world. He was praying for them as they where to be sent into the world to spread the gospel. Just as we now are sent into the world to spread the gospel and making of disciples.
Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1. I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
When Jesus died on the cross for us, he sacrificed himself to save us from Sin. When we give our self (our life) to Jesus Christ as our lord and savior. Through his blood we were sanctified, given eternal life and our name was written in the book of life. God sent the Holy Spirit to us to reside in our hearts in guidance, transforming us to what is good and acceptable in the eyes of God.
If we look at Matthew the tax collector, in Jewish social structure he was seen the same way as (thief's, murderers and harlot's). Then we have Paul the chief of the sinners. Jesus came to them and said follow me, transforming them both body and mind, to the godly men and to the apostles of Jesus that we know of today. We're not to conform to the ways of the world today, but we are to transform as a living member of the body of Christ to what is holy and pure in the eyes of God.
In today's world there are too many what I call weekend warrior Christians, they go to church on Sunday they get their fill of the Holy Spirit by Monday morning they get up to the hustle and bustle of the world and forget all about what Jesus Christ done for us until next Sunday. These are the very same believers/Christians that through each generation is leading society sliding into the turmoil it is today.
"a quote from friend" we where taking about this.
"What to do kuya, Bible prophecy shall be fulfilled whether we like it or not, many will turn away, grow cold, fall into deception on the last days, those who are godly, they will become more Godly, and those who are evil will become more evil, terrible times indeed."
Galatians 2:19-21
19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Chris and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 5:16-17
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, this is a spiritual rebirth of our lives. But if we look deeper into this what type of spiritual rebirth did we have, was it a premature spiritual rebirth. These Christians here continue to walk in the same path that they have been, the ways of the world and still gratify the desires of the flesh . The next type I call the stillborn spiritual birth, these are the Christians that are trying to satisfy both the desires of the flesh and the spirit, just standing still. Finally you got the natural birth of the spirit. Just as the babies have to learn to crawl before they can walk and as a young child clings to their parents as they go out in the world. So should the Christian today cling to Jesus as the Holy Spirit guides is in our life. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and continuing walking towards him. I say this as these word still ring in my ears. “those who are godly, they will become more Godly, and those who are evil will become more evil, terrible times indeed." do not conform to Satan's way of the world.
1 John 4:13
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:16
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Some of you may relate to the saying being filled with the Holy Spirit, on Sunday we go to Church and hear the Pastor's Sermon in many of us will walk away filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent down to us as a gift from God, to guide us in our daily walk and for our spiritual fellowship. Our own Sinful nature separates us from God, and in the sense put holes in us and we slowly lose our fill of the Holy Spirit throughout the week. This is why we need daily prayer, meditation, repentance of sin and study in the scripture for our daily renewal of the Holy Spirit. Focusing on the truth of God's word throughout the day to let Jesus shine in our life as examples of God's love for us.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.
In conclusion: may we all continue to learn God's word and teach God's word. When, in short every available opportunity through out the day and night. May we continue to strive to obey the the Holy Spirit as we are guided in our daily lives. Just remember our Lord and King, Jesus Christ has the power to command demons to be gone, the sick to be healed, and the dead to rise. If we have Christ living in us, we just need to ask for a strength to obey, So we may be transformed into what is good, acceptable and righteous in the sight of God.
OK, Reality check and getting a little personal here. Don't be deceived by Satan, for I was once one of those believers that picked up the cross on Sunday got my fill of the Holy Spirit. But on Monday it was back to the hustle and bustle of my career, that six figure income. With the ways of the world drove me, the fancy cars, expensive cloths and a house bigger than needed. (I can say a great trial happened in my family life) and eventually it took me to the nightlife and partying (yeah I failed that test). As results basically complete and utter dis-fellowship from God. By the time you wake up from this, I realize I have just about anything someone could ask for in life. Yet it's the loneliest feeling in the world (there really is no words to describe the feeling). Without god in your life you can have it all, yet truly you have nothing. Your just a empty vessel wandering aimlessly looking for the next thing that will give you temporary happiness that never lasts. It took me years of trials and crying out for God, before God reached out and pick the backup of my feet again. There is nothing in this world worth more than your fellowship with God, you're eternal life is depending on this. I can't emphasize enough on how important it is to turn your back on the ways of the world even the little things. Those little things stack up to be one big thing in eventually your back will be turned to God before you realize it even happened. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I could find my way back to God. I retired two years ago at 49 after about a year and 1/2 traveling around the United States (searching for myself). I received my calling to go out and serve God. And may I say Satan is throwing all he got at me right now to stop this from happening, yet with my full armor and the Holy Spirit here guiding every step of the way Satan has no affect on me, I'm just keeping my full focus on Jesus Christ my lord and savior and letting Him guide every step of my way.
Lord I pray, The journey looks long, help us make the first step as we dedicate and diligently seek to obey you. Let us be clay your hands as you mold and transform us in your perfect love, may we all surrender complete control of our lives to you. May we all submit and commit our lives to your will, to glorify the kingdom of God. Lord gave me the strength and your children the strength so we may cling to you in that time of the fulfillment of your prophecies, do not let us be deceived by the ways of the world. Open our spiritual eyes and ears, to only see you and the truth in your word. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us for the days to come, in waiting for your return to claim your children of God. in Jesus name, Amen.
God Bless all the Followers of Jesus, here on Talk Jesus.
By Brother Ed
Growing up in a Christian setting, I have heard this phrase many time. It captures a truth about Jesus followers. The real feeling we are in the world, but not of the world. So if we look for biblical scripture we can turn to John 17 Living in the world, but not of the world.
John 17:14-19
I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Jesus’ references to his disciples being “not of the world.” Verse 14: “The world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” And there it is again in verse 16: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” I think we could agree that Jesus does not want his followers to be of the world. Just as he stated, his disciples are not of this world. Once we accept Jesus Christ is our lord and savior, we are no longer of this world.
As a believer in Jesus and a follower of the gospel, we have been crucified to the world and raised to a new life. Sent back and given the Light, rescued from the darkness not to flee the darkness but to be a beacon of light using the gospel to guide our steps as we rescue others from the darkness.
Jesus did not ask his Father for his disciples to be taken out of the world. He was praying for them as they where to be sent into the world to spread the gospel. Just as we now are sent into the world to spread the gospel and making of disciples.
Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible (AMP)
1. I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
When Jesus died on the cross for us, he sacrificed himself to save us from Sin. When we give our self (our life) to Jesus Christ as our lord and savior. Through his blood we were sanctified, given eternal life and our name was written in the book of life. God sent the Holy Spirit to us to reside in our hearts in guidance, transforming us to what is good and acceptable in the eyes of God.
If we look at Matthew the tax collector, in Jewish social structure he was seen the same way as (thief's, murderers and harlot's). Then we have Paul the chief of the sinners. Jesus came to them and said follow me, transforming them both body and mind, to the godly men and to the apostles of Jesus that we know of today. We're not to conform to the ways of the world today, but we are to transform as a living member of the body of Christ to what is holy and pure in the eyes of God.
In today's world there are too many what I call weekend warrior Christians, they go to church on Sunday they get their fill of the Holy Spirit by Monday morning they get up to the hustle and bustle of the world and forget all about what Jesus Christ done for us until next Sunday. These are the very same believers/Christians that through each generation is leading society sliding into the turmoil it is today.
"a quote from friend" we where taking about this.
"What to do kuya, Bible prophecy shall be fulfilled whether we like it or not, many will turn away, grow cold, fall into deception on the last days, those who are godly, they will become more Godly, and those who are evil will become more evil, terrible times indeed."
Galatians 2:19-21
19 “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Chris and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 5:16-17
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
When we accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, this is a spiritual rebirth of our lives. But if we look deeper into this what type of spiritual rebirth did we have, was it a premature spiritual rebirth. These Christians here continue to walk in the same path that they have been, the ways of the world and still gratify the desires of the flesh . The next type I call the stillborn spiritual birth, these are the Christians that are trying to satisfy both the desires of the flesh and the spirit, just standing still. Finally you got the natural birth of the spirit. Just as the babies have to learn to crawl before they can walk and as a young child clings to their parents as they go out in the world. So should the Christian today cling to Jesus as the Holy Spirit guides is in our life. Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and continuing walking towards him. I say this as these word still ring in my ears. “those who are godly, they will become more Godly, and those who are evil will become more evil, terrible times indeed." do not conform to Satan's way of the world.
1 John 4:13
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:16
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Some of you may relate to the saying being filled with the Holy Spirit, on Sunday we go to Church and hear the Pastor's Sermon in many of us will walk away filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent down to us as a gift from God, to guide us in our daily walk and for our spiritual fellowship. Our own Sinful nature separates us from God, and in the sense put holes in us and we slowly lose our fill of the Holy Spirit throughout the week. This is why we need daily prayer, meditation, repentance of sin and study in the scripture for our daily renewal of the Holy Spirit. Focusing on the truth of God's word throughout the day to let Jesus shine in our life as examples of God's love for us.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.
In conclusion: may we all continue to learn God's word and teach God's word. When, in short every available opportunity through out the day and night. May we continue to strive to obey the the Holy Spirit as we are guided in our daily lives. Just remember our Lord and King, Jesus Christ has the power to command demons to be gone, the sick to be healed, and the dead to rise. If we have Christ living in us, we just need to ask for a strength to obey, So we may be transformed into what is good, acceptable and righteous in the sight of God.
OK, Reality check and getting a little personal here. Don't be deceived by Satan, for I was once one of those believers that picked up the cross on Sunday got my fill of the Holy Spirit. But on Monday it was back to the hustle and bustle of my career, that six figure income. With the ways of the world drove me, the fancy cars, expensive cloths and a house bigger than needed. (I can say a great trial happened in my family life) and eventually it took me to the nightlife and partying (yeah I failed that test). As results basically complete and utter dis-fellowship from God. By the time you wake up from this, I realize I have just about anything someone could ask for in life. Yet it's the loneliest feeling in the world (there really is no words to describe the feeling). Without god in your life you can have it all, yet truly you have nothing. Your just a empty vessel wandering aimlessly looking for the next thing that will give you temporary happiness that never lasts. It took me years of trials and crying out for God, before God reached out and pick the backup of my feet again. There is nothing in this world worth more than your fellowship with God, you're eternal life is depending on this. I can't emphasize enough on how important it is to turn your back on the ways of the world even the little things. Those little things stack up to be one big thing in eventually your back will be turned to God before you realize it even happened. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I could find my way back to God. I retired two years ago at 49 after about a year and 1/2 traveling around the United States (searching for myself). I received my calling to go out and serve God. And may I say Satan is throwing all he got at me right now to stop this from happening, yet with my full armor and the Holy Spirit here guiding every step of the way Satan has no affect on me, I'm just keeping my full focus on Jesus Christ my lord and savior and letting Him guide every step of my way.
Lord I pray, The journey looks long, help us make the first step as we dedicate and diligently seek to obey you. Let us be clay your hands as you mold and transform us in your perfect love, may we all surrender complete control of our lives to you. May we all submit and commit our lives to your will, to glorify the kingdom of God. Lord gave me the strength and your children the strength so we may cling to you in that time of the fulfillment of your prophecies, do not let us be deceived by the ways of the world. Open our spiritual eyes and ears, to only see you and the truth in your word. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us for the days to come, in waiting for your return to claim your children of God. in Jesus name, Amen.
God Bless all the Followers of Jesus, here on Talk Jesus.
By Brother Ed
