“In” or “Of”? Which One are You?
This is an incredibly fine line and one we should consider consciously. Passivity in this decision leads to destruction. How will you choose? Consider scripture:
“…the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” 1 John 5:19
“…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God…. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:2, 9
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:19-20
“Friendship with the world is enmity to God.” James 4:4
“…the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” John 3:19-20
“…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:5
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness…. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21
“He [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:23
“Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Psalm 40:4
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin….” 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” Proverbs 1:10
“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.” Proverbs 4:14
“…all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:21
So how can we live IN this world but not live OF this world? We’ll discuss it in more detail tomorrow.
