Bible Studies

---

In, Not Of, the World
God, in His wisdom, provided a safe place for the Hebrews to settle and multiply. They were in Egypt but separated by distance and custom from their hosts. It was most important at that time for the Hebrews to grow in number undistracted by squabbles with the Canaanites. This was a separation which promoted God’s will. The world is much more crowded today; all the “good” land is taken and the population density is now something like 30 times what it was in Jacob’s era. Physical separation of large groups is not feasible. And yet, Jesus warned us that a separation is still necessary: "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.” (1 John 2:15). Jesus’ heavenly origin meant He was separated from and never part of the world system, and the world responded as though He was an unwelcome outsider: “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.” (John 15:24). Even so, Jesus’ ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing brought Him into close contact with thousands; He sought them because He loved them. Those who followed were told to do the same: “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

So we’re faced with the dilemma of needing to avoid the world’s ways while becoming deeply involved with its people. While we are being His witnesses, we have many moral choices to make, and fortunately we have help in making the right choices. The desires of God are written on our hearts; we call it a ‘conscience’. Romans 1 makes it clear that even the worst of us has a conscience. The Ten Commandments codify what is already written on our hearts. Yes, there are some difficult moral choices which don’t seem to be covered by the commandments. This is why we have prayer, pastors, friends, and Christian counselors, to help us with these choices.

Remember, we were “bought at a price” and we represent God on earth. Some of those who are watching would like us to falter so that we are just like them, and sometimes it feels good to be just like them. This not an option for Christians. As God’s people were prepared to populate Canaan and displace the sinful Canaanites, He made very clear the role of His chosen people: “I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples… And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.” (Leviticus 20:24,26)

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE