On November 9, 2016 people of India woke up to a shocking news; the cash they hold are of no value now onwards. Government of India demonetised 86% of the currency in circulation. The shock was so severe that in the last three weeks around 70 lost their lives.
As Indians were worried about the consequences of this historical announcement, many others around the globe faced another surprise – the spectacular result of the presidential election in the US. Many could not easily accept that verdict even now.
General public of both the countries are confused and troubled about the days ahead under these circumstances. One thing true, as the days go by we see the most unexpected and unimaginable events unfolding throughout the world.
Startling situations
Who could imagine that man would commit such barbaric and heinous crime against humanity as we see in the Middle East today? How can the world leaders keep quite while innocent men and women are being slaughtered in the name of religion?
Each leader whether national or international claims to make the world a better place; but we find the opposite is taking place. Terrorism is growing in an unprecedented manner. Arson, mob-violence, rebellion, fanaticism and injustice are all greater than ever.
In such a condition, what should be the response of a child of God? Naturally common people are upset, but what about a Christian?
Praise be to God, we are not in the dark. It pleased the LORD Almighty to reveal all that is necessary for our encouragement and reassurance. As man is perplexed and distressed over the unparalleled events all over the world, a true Christian is completely peaceful. Let us consider five things the Bible says about this present world system that can comfort and strengthen us in this earthly soujorn.
1. The present world system is against God and His people. John 17:25; 15: 18; 14:17.
The Lord Jesus said it repeatedly that the world does not understand or appreciate God and His purposes. Notice four verses that make this truth very clear.
John 17: 25: “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.”
John 14: 17:- “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
1John 3:1:- “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
John 15: 18, 19: - "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
From the above mentioned scripture portions it’s very much obvious; never expect any favour or recognition from this world. On the contrary the world hates Christ and His followers. Even after two millenniums the words of the blessed Lord Jesus stands true.
The Lord has graciously taken us out of this Godless world system and transferred us to the kingdom of Christ which is not of this world cf. Colo 1:13; Matt 18:36. Though we are here for a while, we are not of this world. If the world does not see us as its own, how can we? John 17:15, 16.
2. It’s an evil system controlled by the wicked one. 1John 5:19
“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”
The Lord Jesus also said many times, satan is the prince of this world. John.12:31; 14:30; 16:11. He controls it from behind the scene, influencing and energizing man to invent and practice utter wickedness. Ephesians 6:12 gives us a glimpse of the way satanic forces carry out their evil designs throughout the universe.
That is the reason why there is so much evil this world. In spite of all the development in the society, the moral standard of man is declining in an alarming manner. The Lord Jesus said, “Woe to the world for temptations to sin!” Matt 18:7. Apostle John adds further, “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.” 1John 2:16
What the world gives us are things to boost our old sin nature, the cravings of our eyes and to make us more proud and haughty. None of these are coming from God our Father. Peter says the world has so much pollution to corrupt our heart. 2Peter 2:20.
We ought to have the spiritual insight to discern these realities as we move around the world. We should not forget our identity and responsibility as true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. The world and all its attractions will pass away. 1John 2:17
“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
What we see today is not going to stay forever. There will be an end to this period of time. Cf. Matt 12:32; 13: 39, 40, 49. The glamour and joy of this wicked world will disappear. Similarly the pain and sorrow that the world inflicts upon us will also be over one day. In fact Apostle John writes about the dwindling state of the world. The world system is already in the path of destruction, slowly but surely degenerating to be vanished away one day.
How important it is for us to remember always that the all the glory and attractions of this world has no lasting value. Cf. 1Cori 7:31; 2Pet. 3:10; Jn.12:31; 16:11; Rev.20:11; 21:1. William Macdonald the commentator compares the world to a collapsing bank, shaking foundation, and a sinking ship. As we see the deteriorating values, declining humanity, and the diminishing morality in the society, let us be away from its influence earnestly waiting for the world to come.
4. Affection for the world affects our Christian life badly. Matt 13:22; 1John 2:15
In the Parable of the sower and seed, the Lord Jesus likens the thorny ground to a heart that is filled with the cares of this world. The word of God cannot work in the heart of such a person and he becomes unfruitful. Matt 13:22. Apostle John also says the same thing, “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.”
Any attachment for the worldly things will harm our spiritual progress. When we cherish the pleasures of the world, we fail to enjoy the love and affection of our Lord. Apostle Paul puts it very practically, “those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.” 1Cori 7:31.
In His high priestly prayer, the Lord Jesus frequently refers to our life in the world. Cf. John 17: 11 – 18. Though we have been separated from the world, God has kept us here for a purpose. As we fulfil that we ought to make sure, even as we use of various facilities of this world, we are not taken over by it. How seriously we ought to be careful lest we lose the balance and the world defile us by its temptations. James 1:27
Love for the worldly style will gradually lead us to be conformed to it and finally become one among them. We have so many examples in the scripture as well as church history, when saints fell miserably in to the trap of this world. Story of Demas and the like should always warn us to keep reasonable distance from the fashions and passions of this world. Cf. Colo 4:10; 1Tim 1:19, 20.
5. By faith a believer can overcome the world. 1John 4:4; 5:4
None of the above realities should discourage or depress us. We are not just helpless victims in this world. We have the resources and reasons to be strong and victorious in the midst of all the uncertainties and unpleasant incidents. Apostle John says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world --- our faith.” 1John 5:4.
By faith we can claim and experience victory over the evil forces. Our Lord has already defeated the world and its ruler. John 16:11. He is on the throne and nothing happens without His permission. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. 1Jn 4:4. In Christ we are more than conquerors. Rom 8:37; 2Cori 2:14.
Conclusion:
Remembering these five important facts, let us refuse to be deceived and defeated by the world. Be active in fulfilling our responsibilities and live a holy and separated life in this world. "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.” Heb 10:37. Then we shall know for sure our labour and sufferings were not in vain. 1Cori 15:58.
Related topic:
Separation from the world
