> General Discussions
In the world, but not of the world?
mharrell08:
Great point Darren
hillsbororiver:
Hi Everyone,
Here are a few (of many) verses to consider and meditate on in regard to this seeming paradox, living and existing in this world, a strange land.......
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Jam 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
1Jo 2:15 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.
1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
This portion from 1Peter Chapter 2 might also help clarify living in but not living like the world.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1Pe 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
1Pe 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
1Pe 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
Peace,
Joe
Roy Monis:
Hi! Darren
That was just great. Keep it nice and simple, I like it.
God bless
Love in Christ Jesus.
excellenttrader:
Hey Matt--LOL, I love the frying pan comparison:) I had to read it a couple of times until it sank in, and then I busted out laughing.
Arcturus--You make an interesting point about not claiming to be a Christian. I can see how that would actually mislead most people since they would sterotype you as a member of mystery babylon. I'm going to have to rethink my response now.
It seems like the more I think about this and reread these verses that even being involved with organizations with "good agendas," would often still be wrong for me to be a part of. If nothing else, my motivation may often times really be motivated by pride of life.
Things that make you go, "Hmmm."
Mike
Akira329:
Thanks Joe for those verses!!
When I read these verses all I can think about is all the things I have to separate myself from.
All my wants and desires, my goals, my dreams, my aspirations and I sit back and think that every thing
I try to accomplish is vain, not worth the time and effort. I would be spending more time seeking my pleasure
than seeking the kingdom.
Then when I'm finally done thinking about it, I think of John the Baptist.
Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
And he lived like this:
Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Life is so hard, salvation is so hard
Antaiwan
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version