Worldliness

[trc123]

I've read and replied in many topics concerning various issues: Music in the Church; Music; What is Worship?; David's Dance, Showing Deference, etc.

One of the central themes that continues to come up during these discussions is the matter of worldliness. I must say that this is something that our Lord God has spoken about, and yet there seems to be much disagreement concerning. Many born-again Christians who are earnestly seeking to follow God all the way and yet want to reach "the world" struggle with were the "line" is to be drawn and how to balance reaching the lost for Christ while also living a separated life unto the Lord God.

I believe someone in one of the topics asked the question, What is Worldliness and how is it defined? I know that I have been re-challenged to examine my heart concerning this and to seek once again the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit's working in my heart to insure I am walking right with the Lord God concerning this matter. In our IFB church we are currently using Dr. Frank Garlock's "Pop Goes the Music" sessions in our Sunday School to examine music and worldliness and how CCM is to be viewed. This has prompted many discussions about separation and worldliness in general.

Currently I'm going through the Bible studying these words and their context and any detail given. I've been reading materials from John R. Rice, R.A. Torrey and others. During some research I came across this article on the Internet: http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=919 (stick with it and read the entire article, the conclusions may not be what you expect when you first start the article)

What does the Scriptures say about worldliness and separation?
What is it's definition? Worldliness and Separation
How is the follower of the Lord Jesus Christ to live in the world?
What was the Lord Jesus' example and how did he live in the world?
How does this practically work in the believer's life?

I honestly can't remember what topic this question of worldliness was under and where some people started to post their replies. Therefore I'm starting this topic thread.

While these are not the only questions to be answered concerning this matter, I hope this starts an earnest discussion and examination of this vital area of a Christian's life. This is NOT meant to be a screaming match, an opportunity to sling mud nor to show our debating prowess. I would appreciate your help in this matter by giving Scriptures and thoughts.

Thank you,

Peace! TRC

[Guest Guest]

The reason there is debate on what is "worldly" is because scripture leaves it very open ended. Scripture does not give a specific list of wordly deeds and say that these and only these are worldly. What we are given to define worldliness with is broad scriptural principles. As such defining specifics takes spiritual discernment.

I will try to give biblical principles to help biblically discern those who are worldly. When the specifics in the lives of the worldly are contrasted with specifics in the lives of those who manifest biblical spirituality, it may help certain, specific, "worldly" things come to light, even though these things may not be mentioned by name in the scriptures.

"1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

Principle #1
Worldly people will not understand spiritual things very well. Examining their lives in the light of scripture will generally show many things which go against the clearly revealed word of God. I am not speaking of areas of failure as long as those failures are acknowledged and repented of, I am speaking of areas where the scripture says something and they deny it means what it says. Incorrect biblical doctrine is a very good indicator of worldly people.

"John 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me."

"John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

"John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."

"1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

Principle #2
Another primary feature of worldliness will be some type of lust. Something that is worldly probably is going to be very appealing to some aspect of the flesh, it will seem desirable.

"Mark 4:18-19 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."

"2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

"2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."

"Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;"

"1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."


Principle #3
Godly people living biblically will not be very popular in the world, often they will be shunned and hated. Worldly people will fit in much better, they may be popular and accepted, or they may just wish they were, they may be looking to the world for approval and guidance.


"John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."

"John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

"2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia."

"James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

"John 17:14 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."

[trc123]

Thank you for your considerate reply with your thoughts and Scriptural references.