SUNDAY 10TH MAY, 2020

MEMORY VERSE: - “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in Him.”(1John2:15).

INTRODUCTION: - The Christian is in the world as a pilgrim and sojourner. He is not a permanent resident to begin to mingle with the world and follow its system (1Pet.2:11). As Christians, we must consistently beware and reminded of this truth that this world is not our home, we are only just passing through (like the Israelites passed through the wilderness to the promised land), on the way to our true home with God in heaven.

1) The World And It’s Constituent Lusts.

The term “world” (GK. G Kosmos), as it is used throughout the New Testament, often refers to the vast world system that exists independent of God (i.e. going its own way without regard for God) and basically opposed to Him. It is how things in the world have operated ever since the first humans gave in to Satan’s temptation, disobeyed God and brought the curse of sin upon all of creation. As a result of defying God, human kind gave up the authority over creation that had originally been delegated to them (Gen.1:26-30; 2:15; 19-20). Satan then seized control (Jh.12:31; 14:30; 16:11) and began to dominate human endeavours with his evil purposes (1Jh.5:19). This means that the “world” in its present condition is characterized not only by wicked, immoral and selfish lifestyles, but also by a spirit of rebellion and indifference (i.e. apathy, unresponsiveness, lack of concern) toward God and His revelation. This attitude is characteristic of all humans, and human endeavours that are not submitted to Christ’s leadership and authority.

Consequently, Satan often uses the world’s ideas of immorality, its philosophies, and its social custom to oppose God, His people, His Word and His standards (Mtt.16:26; 1Corint.2:12; 3:19; Tit.2:12; 1Jh.2:15-16).

Most of these issues and areas of life are not evil in themselves, yet Satan will work through any or all of them to promote his purpose and cause spiritual deception. For example, health system may be used to promote taking lives, as with abortion, or educational systems may be used to nurture in students an ungodly and humanistic philosophy (Col.2:8). Or more subtly, the clothing industry can be used greatly to promote general habits of dress that would definitely bring shame and offense to those who live according to the standards given by God for His people.

Christians must be aware that behind all human endeavors, apart from God, there is a spirit or power that moves against God and His word in varying degrees.

Finally, the “world” also includes all unbiblical religious systems and organizations that use the name of the Lord Jesus Christ or His family of believers yet teaches and encourage life styles contrary to God’s true Church and standard of holiness that are given in His Word.

One of the greatest problems of the Church today is attempting to experience God’s blessings while refusing to separate itself from the world’s corrupt beliefs, behaviours and lifestyles.

The Pastors and Church leaders today are allowing people who claimed to have accepted Christ to come into the congregations and become part of the Church ministry without giving up their ungodly practices. We have in the Church today, selfish divisions, politics, immorality, world’s philosophy, envy and jealousy, quarrelling, pride, idolatry, teachings that twisted the original message of Christ to suit their selfish gains.

Heavenly minded Christians must beware of these and take caution.

1) Describe the world in few words?

2) In what ways does Satan use to oppose God and His Word?