We Are Not To Be Apart Of This World
John 17:14–15 KJV 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Colossians 3:1-4 KJV 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
The believers battle to not be of the world is raging on. Persecution began with Stephen (Acts 7) and continues today. As hate for true believers rises, never forget this is not your home.
The above verses tell us about our past, present, and future.
Our Life In The Past
Ephesians 2:1 says we were dead in our sin. What does this mean? This means we were spiritually dead. We were alive to the world and its ways. We were slaves to sin, our flesh, and Satan.
Our Life In The Present
Colossians 3:3 says we are dead. That is to say, we are dead to the world and its ways. We are now slaves of Christ, righteousness and holiness. As a believer we walk further and further away from this world as we walk deeper and deeper into the kingdom of God.
This world should no longer be the seat of our affections. Christ having given us new life moves our heart to heaven.
Ephesians 2:4-7 tells us we are made alive in Christ. God saved us from eternal death. Therefore our life is marked with gratitude to God. Our heavenly Father crowns us with loving-kindness and mercy (Psalm 103:4). He is worthy of our praise.
Our Life In The Future
Christ is where real life is hidden. Ephesians 1:3 says in Christ we have every spiritual blessing that is in heaven. We are awaiting the return of our blessed hope. We will, one day, see Christ in all His majestic glory. This corrupted body will be replaced with an uncorrupted body. We will truly become the likeness of Christ.
Sometimes it seems as if the darkness will smother the light and hope becomes a sporadic flicker in the heart. The word of God tells us:
John 1:5 KJV And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
I encourage all of us to hold to the truth, darkness has tried to put out the light for over 2,000 years with no success. 1 John 1:5 has a message,
