In a world where values are depreciating and fashions are increasingly changing, every true believer is commanded to live a life of non-conformity to the world. Believers are in the world but not of the world. Worldliness is dangerous: it pollutes. Compromise is evil: it destroys. Any believer who has made heaven his goal must steer clear of worldliness in any form and appearance. Heavenly minded believers must have no intimate fellowship with those who are actively promoting the world's evil system. (Matthew 9:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Rather, we must: condemn openly their sins (John 7:7; Ephesians 5:11), must be light and salt to them (Matthew 5:13, 14) and must do all we can to win them to Christ (Matthew 16:15; Jude 22,23).
CONDEMNATION AND WARNING AGAINST WORLDLINESS
God commands every genuine believer not to love the world (1 John 2:12-15; Romans 12:1,2; Exodus 23:2; Jeremiah 10:1,2; 1 Timothy 5:6). The lust of the flesh which includes every impure desire, sinful pleasure and sensual gratification, is of the world (1 John 2:16; 1 Corinthians 6:18; James 1:14; Philippians 3:19). The lust of the eye which refers to coveting or lusting after the things which are attractive to the eyes but forbidden by God is of the world This includes the desire to watch corrupt things that gives sinful pleasures like pornography, violence, ungodliness and immorality on television, social media and magazines (1 John 2:16,17; Genesis 3:6; Joshua 7:21; 2 Samuel 11:2; Matthew 5:28). The pride of life is of the world. This includes the spirit of arrogance, pride and self-sufficient independence that does not recognise God as the Lord and His Word as the final authority (James 4:16; Acts 12:20-23; Isaiah 3:16-24; 1 Peter 3:3-5; Proverbs 16:18). It only seeks to promote oneself as the centre of his world. If we love the world, our relationship with God will be defiled and we will be spiritually destroyed. Also, understand, that it is impossible to love the world and the Lord at the same time (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; James 4:4).
THE CORRUPTING WAYS OF THE WORLD
The ways and influence of worldliness manifest in, worldly conversation (Ephesians 5:3,4; James 1:26; Proverbs 5:3-8; 9:13; Proverbs 10:19; 11:13; 12:22; 18:6,7; 22:14; 26:4, 18, 19; 1 Peter 3:10-12; Colossians 4:6; Titus 3:2), worldly cares and day-dreaming (Proverbs 24:9; Micah 2:1; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Matthew 6:24-34; Colossians 3:2; Mark 4:18,19; Luke 8:14; 2 Timothy 2:4; Matthew 24:38,39; Ecclesiastes 5:10-15; Luke 21:34; Proverbs 23:5), worldly pursuit and ambition (1 Samuel 8:19,20; 2 Kings 17:15; 1 Timothy 6:6-10) and, worldly dressing and adornment:(Genesis 3:21; Exodus 2:17-19; Deuteronomy 22:5; Proverbs 31:30; Isaiah 3:16,17,24; 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3,4; 1 Corinthians 11:4-10; 1 Timothy 5:6; Romans 12:1,2; Exodus 23:2). Although the Bible does not specify special. uniform to designate who believers are, yet, we are: commanded not to dress like the world, but to dress as it: becomes children of God. A good, godly, personal appearance, characterised by cleanliness and neatness is all a believer needs. At all times and in all places, decency and modesty of dress should be our basic standard.
CUTTING OFF FROM ALL WAYS OF WORLDLINESS
A true believer is separated and distinct from those whose affections and desires are still centred only on the world (Psalm 73:25; Romans 12:1,2; Titus 2:6-12; John 15:19 17:14-16; Colossians 3:1,2; Luke 14:26,33; Mark 10:17-30). Carnal festivities are an abomination to God (1 Corinthians 10:7; Romans 1:32; 1 Peter 4:3,4; Galatians 5:21; Luke 15:13). As believers, we are to please God and not men, and live the life that will help the Christian life of our brethren (1 Corinthians 10:23,24,31-33). Believers are to shun worldly pleasures and amusements (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:6; Romans 12:1,2; Numbers 33:51-56; Titus 2:12; Colossians 3:16). Thus, worldly music, dancing, parties, film shows, drinking, smoking entertaining with alcohol, comedy in church, and many more are not consistent with a true Christian life that is getting ready for the rapture.
Dearly beloved in the Bible Study tonight, the command of the Lord stands consistent: love not the world!
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