In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
The appeals of the world can become strong to the Christian, but as we live a life that is complete through our Lord Jesus Christ, He will lift us up to see the need of the lost & dying world. We can become the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
Introduction: one of the great benefits of being a born again is the ability to triumph over the strong allurements which have defeated us in the past. We do not have to live frustrated by the enticement of sin. When we are planted in the likeness of Christ's death and raised in the power of His resurrection, sin has no more dominion over us.
A. The appeals of the world — the beauty of America. America can be extremely attractive. The fruit in the garden of Eden was certainly attractive to the eyes.
1. It's discontentment — The sight is the beginning of most of the appeal of the world. The things that we see often stimulates the imagination of an individual.
a) what has been done will be doing again. A man usually finds more enjoyment in the pursuits that in the possession of the things he desires. The eye never has enough of seeing.
b) Wanting more. When the thing for which he sought is obtained, he is usually more discontent than ever.
2. It's deceptive designs. What is seen in the world is not always what it appears to be.
a) the deceit of satan. It draws a person to a web of worldly involvement like a spider does to an insect using the web a trap.
b) sin beget sins. Once a man allows self deception in his heart, all other sins become more acceptable to him.
3. It's enhancing effect. The cunning with which the enemy of our souls can beguile us is amazing.
a) Everybody is doing it. Satan first tries to take away the shamefulness of our sins. He makes it appear that everybody is doing it or that there is nothing wrong on doing it.
b) Visiting the sanctuary. The house of God gives new perspective to circumstances. Inside the sanctuary, we will realize that the important thing in life is to draw near to God.
B. The place of victory. God's sanctuary is a holy place, where He can call the soul asides for rest and understanding. It is a place where we can receive a clear perception of the purpose of life and the ways of God. The natural man does not comprehend what happens in the sanctuary for it is foolishness to him. But the child of God has the mind of Christ and can discern spiritual things.
1. The sanctuary of God. A sanctuary is a place of refuge. Was able to see only those things which pertained to righteousness. The nearer we get to God, the less of the world is noticeable to us and the more of God is recognized.
2. Talking to God. One of the surest ways to overcome worldliness is to learn how to communicate with God through prayer with fasting and meditation of His word. When we read the Bible, God is talking to us, but when we pray, we talk to God.
a) the devil strategy. He tries everything possible to hinder a Christian from keeping a constant prayer and fasting life.
b) Not one sided. Bless me Lord, but we never bless Him. When the petition is made there musttbe an action on our part obtain that for which we ask.
c) Daily Bible Reading. Song said: Read your Bible, pray everyday, you will grow, grow, grow. God makes certain demands of us if we're to live our lives for Him. He does not merely suggest that we forsake worldliness. He demands it!
1. Forsake its friendship. God desires that we forsake the friendship of the world because it's basic goals are temporal and in opposition to those of God.
a) worldly minded. These individuals search for material wealth, fame and power over the lives of others.
b) the kingdom seeker v/s kingdom builder. The kingdom of this world is eating, drinking and pleasure seekers. The kingdom of God is not a temporal thing, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
2. Reliquish it's affection. There is too great a distance between God, and the world for a man to hold to both. He must decide between the two and cleave to the one while mindful the other.
a) Two opposite loves. It does not remain in a man's heart for long. When our affections begin to turn to the world, they will drive out our love for God.
b) Prosperity without God. All these designs of the world are to be avoided. We are to follow the design of spiritual disciplines that lead to virtue and truth.
c) sound mind. The bodies should be surrendered as a living sacrifice, so that we can have a renewed mind and transformed spirit.
3. Modify its character. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, that will transform our lives.
a) the cares of this world. Instead of allowing the world to form us and put us into its mold, we must let the Holy Spirit of God to transform us into the image of Christ.
b) God is so mindful to man. As He created is with the spark of divinity, God is only satisfied with our lives as He sees us in His image and likeness.
III. Conclusion.
Victory over anything is sweet, but never does it come without struggle and effort. There must be a battle waged and a risk of life in the process. So, it is also in gaining victory over the world. It will not come easy, but the reward will be a great contentment and satisfaction of soul. Why pay for an expensive damnation of our soul while we can get it free?
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!