What Is Worldliness? (John 17:13-19) Part Five

This is the last part of our five-part series that examines the way Jesus was in the world. In this lesson, we're going to look at some ways in which Christ followers are to be distinct from the world as our Lord was distinct from it. 1. To be distinct from the world is the way to experience real joy! This is seen in Jesus' words of verse 13. He says, "But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves." Most people when thinking of holiness do not think of fullness of joy! Most people, even some Christ followers, associate holiness with being deprived of good times! The truth of the matter is, holiness always results in lasting joy and pleasure. The reason that we're to be distinct from the world is we would experience fullness of joy. 2. To be distinct from the world, we must have a separate origin. The reason that our Lord was not of this world is because He came from heaven! The Christ follower is not of this world because we have been born from above by the precious Holy Spirit. According to John 3:1-8, being born again is what makes the Christ follower distinct from the world! Being God-inside minded goes a long way in helping us to remain distinct from the world. 3. To be distinct from the world, we are to live in obedience to the Bible. We have to know God's Word because we can not obey what we do not know. The purpose for knowing the Bible is the application of its truths to our lives. 4. To be distinct from the world, we must recognize that we're in enemy territory. Examine Jesus' words in verse 15. Jesus prays, "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one." Here, the Lord is referring to the "evil one." This is none other than Satan. Peter tells us, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). In the context of Peter's words, the devil especially is on the prowl when we're experiencing difficult tests. We go through trials as a result of being in this world. It's during these times we need to be sober, resisting the devil by being firm in our faith. The lion is still prowling. Walk carefully! Your move. Be encouraged!