Christian Living

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LOVE NOT THE WORLD
1John 2:15-17
Believer should understand that the moment he surrender his life to Christ, the world is not friendly with to Christ or to the Christian (John 15: 18-20). The ways and customs of the world are different from the way of God (Isaiah 55:8-9) and the lifestyle and influence of the world are antagonistic to grace and heavenly mindedness. To make any progress in the race set before us, we lay aside every weight that can hinder our freedom and movement (Hebrews 12:1-2).
THE WORLD
1John 2:15-17; 5:19; James 1:27; Luke 4:5-8; Matthew 16:26; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:1-2; 2Timothy 4:10
Satan is the god of this world and his purpose is to hide the truth of the gospel from us (2Corinthians 4:3-7). The devil controls the ways, customs, and system of the world. All the influence of Satan is directed at destroying the desires of people towards God. The things in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life fight against our spiritual lives (Galatians 5:17; 1Peter 2:11).
Temptations always come to make believers love the world and the things of the world and thereby choke the spiritual life. Those who yield to temptation make themselves enemies of God.
WORLDLINESS
1John 2:16; Exodus 23:2; Deuteronomy 12:29-30; 1Samuel 8:4-7, 19-20; 2Kings 17:15; Mark 4:18-19; James 4:4; 1Timothy 5:6
We are surrounded on every side by worldly things and practices that are contrary to God’s will. The pull downward – towards the world and the human nature – is so strong. Except we watch prayerfully and constantly, the enemy is so cunning that we may not know when our hearts begin to lean towards the world. Some have already been influenced and captured without their knowing(1Timothy 5:15; Hosea 7:8-9). The human mind is clever at excusing self and times without number, the conscience is silenced and conquered to the extent that it can no more accuse or alert the worldly minded person(1Timothy 4:2; Matthew 13:15). Unless we respond to the piercing sword of the Word and the convicting voice of the Spirit, the prodigal son may lose everything before realizes his error (Luke 15:13-17).
WARNING
1John 2:15-17; Luke 21:34; 2Timothy 2:4; 1Corinthians 7:31; Exodus 12:2; Hebrews
11:24-25; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 3:1-3
“Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning, if the sword come, and take him away, then his blood shall be upon his head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul” (Ezekiel 33:1-7). The warning against worldliness is very clear in the scripture, take heed to your self that you may be kept in fellowship with God.

Akinbowale Isaac Adewumi
www.devinehome.blogspot.com

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