Walking in the Light: Renouncing Worldliness

August 1, 2009
Larry R Evans

Reflective Introduction

Jesus redefined worldliness. He did it when He was by Himself and when He was the most vulnerable to its influence. Worldliness has a way of hitting us at our weakest points but it was here that Jesus stands in stark contrast to us. The wilderness temptation account graphically illustrates the cunning allurement of worldliness and the necessity to avoid any compromise. In each of the three temptations referenced in the gospels, Jesus is attacked in subtle ways to compromise both his relationship with the Father and with His appointed mission. It is no coincidence that immediately after the temptation account Jesus begins His ministry. His focus had not been altered. There was to be no compromise with His mission. Later at Gethsemane, in another agonizing moment with the call of the world to abandon both His mission and His relationship with His Father, Jesus cried out, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” (Matt. 26:42) We must not confuse the mechanisms of worldliness with worldliness. Ultimately the worldly things, influences of this world, are all alike: They come in many forms but worldliness is that influence which dilutes our relationship with our Heavenly Father and detours us from the sacred mission God has entrusted to us. This week we will explore the meaning of worldliness with its accompanying darkness and contrast it with a walk in the Light. What a contrast! What an opportunity is ours! What a caution!

Reflective Quiz

1. A first step towards combating worldliness is knowing that our sins are forgiven. [1Jn.2:12-17; Eph. 4:32] True or False?

2. Once we become “overcomers” the battle is won. [1Jn. 2:12-14; Rev. 3:21,22] True or False?

3. Our “knowing God” constantly changes. [Hosea 4:6; 2:14-16; Jn.15:1-5] True or False?

4. God is love but not all love comes from Him. [1Jn. 2:15; Matt. 10:37-39] True or False?

5. With a desire to be like Jesus we should not love the world. [1Jn. 5:18-20; 4:13-17; Jn.3:16,17] True or False?

6. Lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes are the same thing? [Gal. 5:19-21; Ex. 20:17; Matt. 5:27-30] True or False?

7. Self-esteem and “the pride of life” are two different things. [1Jn. 2:16; Isa. 14:12-14; Prov. 16:18; Eph. 4:22-24; Mk. 12:31] True or False?

8. In times of uncertainty we can be certain of the outcome. [2Cor.4:16-18; Rev. 5] True or False?

9. Theology must inform our lifestyle and not vice versa. [1Jn. 2:17; 2Pet. 3:10-13; Matt. 4:1-13] True or False?

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