[Biblemat] S) SIX ESSENTIALS TO OVERCOMING WORLDLINESS

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

SIX ESSENTIALS TO OVERCOMING WORLDLINESS

     Most of the time we associate the concept of worldliness
with its symptoms.  The mention of the term brings to mind
such things as immorality, immodesty, gambling, social drink-
ing, dancing, profanity, vulgarity, etc.  These are manifestat-
ions of worldliness, but the real disease goes much deeper
than its indications.  Fundamentally, worldliness is a disposit-
ion of heart that emphasizes the things of the world over the
things of the spirit (2 Tim. 2:4).

     Worldliness is antithetical to the life of a Christian.  Jesus
said, "...I am not of this world" (Jno. 17:16) and He told Pilate,
"My kingdom is not of this world" (Jno. 18:36).  To His discip-
les He said, "If you were of the world, the world would love its
own; but...you are not of the world..." (Jno. 15:19).  Yet with
this question we constantly struggle: How can we live in the
world without being caught up in its entanglements?

First, we must recognize the dangers of worldliness: -- The
initial step to overcoming any problem is simply to admit to
it -- we struggle with the world!  Life here can be so consum-
ing that we put our preparations for life there on hold.  World-
liness is so subtle that it can be at work within you even while
professing great faith.  Among ancient Israel syncretism, the
practice of different and sometimes -- conflicting schools of
religious thought, was a problem.  They proclaimed their loyal-
ty to Jehovah but, simultaneously, built their idols to represe-
nt Him (Exo. 20:3-5; 32:1-6).  We stand amazed at their sin yet
we are often more like the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22)
than we like to think -- feeling secure in keeping a list of rules
but with another god enthroned above Jesus Christ.

Second, you must develop a desire to overcome the world: --
As long as you are caught between two worlds your life is
going to be miserable.  Jesus said, "No one can serve two
masters" (Matt. 6:24).  A clear choice must be made.  As long
as you compromise with the world it is impossible to overcom-e worldliness.  
You must, therefore, make the choice to be a
spiritual, rather than carnal, person.  Paul urged, "But put on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in
regard to its lusts" (Rom. 13:14) and again (note the contrast)
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" 
(Col. 3:2).

Third, overcoming the world demands that you strengthen
your faith: -- John said in 1 Jno. 5:4,5, "For whatever is born
of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has
overcome the world -- our faith.  Who is the one who over-
comes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son 
of God?"  You can resist Satan's attacks only when you are
"firm in your faith" (1 Pet. 5:8,9).  Since faith comes by hear-
ing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17), to strengthen our faith, we
must spend time with the Word (2 Tim. 2:15).  Spirituality, as
opposed to worldliness, involves the ability to discern the
things that really matter, and that ability comes with an increa-
sed knowledge of Scripture (Phil. 1:9-11).

Fourth, learn to value what God values: -- Remember, "that
which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God" (Lk. 
16:15).  We should learn to love the things
God loves and hate the things He hates (Rom. 12:9).  With
God, the inward condition of the heart is more important than
outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7); treasures in heaven are
more important than treasures here on earth (Matt. 6:19-21); 
saving one's soul is more important than gaining the whole
world (Matt. 16:25,26); and working for the food that abides
unto eternal life is more important than the food that perishes
(Jno. 6:26,27).  Our value system should be squarely rooted
in His values, not those of a perverted world.

Fifth, keep yourself busy in the service of the Lord: -- (1 Tim.
4:7-16).  God calls us to be a people who are "zealous for good works" (Ti. 
2:14).  There is a lot to be said for the old
adage my Granny used to use -- "Idle hands are the devil's
workshop!"  Our life will not remain a vacuum; it will be filled
with something, and to avoid sin and worldliness, we must
fill up our lives with righteousness and spirituality (Matt. 12:
43-45).  Folks that keep themselves busy doing good won't
have time to get caught up in worldliness.

Finally, develop close friends among the true people of God: --
In association with other Christians you are going to find peo-
ple who struggle, just as you do, to overcome the world.  But
you will also find people who have made the same commit-
ment that you have made and who will encourage you when
you fail.  The local church in your area can be a support group, an oasis of 
people in a desert of sin, who can lift you
up and give you strength by offering you the water of life
(Jno. 7:37,38).  You can overcome the world!  --- Jim Deason
in Biblical Insights, Vol. 6, No. 12, Dec. 2006.   </HTML>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070512/a6986b0f/attachment-0001.html