"Living Between Two Truths"
In The World But Not Of The World (John 17:16)
In The World But Not Of The World (John 17:16)
Text:
* John 17: 11-19 - The very important prayer of Jesus. He mentioned the word 'world' many times. What did Jesus mean?
* 1 John 2: 15-17 - John also used the word 'world'. Is the usage the same as Jesus in John 17?
* James 4:4 - A very strong usage of the word.
The Biblical usage of the word 'WORLD'
(Positive)
a) Creation or Universe (Rom 1:20; John 17:24)
b) Earth (John 6:14; 1 Tim 6:7)
c) Humanity (John 3:16; Rom 3:19)
(Negative)
a) James 4:4 - Strongest condemnation. "Friendship with the world..."
b) 1 John 2:15-17 - The temptations of the world. "The lust of the flesh..."
c) The influence and control of an evil person over the earth. E.g. 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1 John 5:19
How can we live in the world but not be of the world?
a) The love of humanity... John 3:16. Also read Matt 16:15; John 17:18. God loves humanity, He is calling us to go into the world to be His spokesman, His ambassador, His agent in the process reconciling the world to God.
b) Appreciate and take care of God's creation... 1 Tim 4:4. Also read Ps. 19:1. The appreciation of God's creation draws us closer to God.
c) Reject the negative influences of the world... John 17:14. The world hates Jesus because their values are in conflict with Christian values. Christians values are driven by love and obedience to God. Worldly values are driven by self and Satan.
How then shall we live?
(There are 3 proposal)
a) Separate ourselves from the world
b) Compromise + co-operate + allow the world to come onto us
c) Separate from sin / evil but not from the sinner