In the World but not of the World

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."  From the prayer of Jesus for his disciples, John 17:15-18

One morning last week, the Renewing Your Mind broadcast topic was on the Christian's battle with the world.  R. C. Sproul explained that in the context of John  17, "world" refers to the fallen sphere of the planet that is anti-God or man-centered.  Christians are not to disassociate or isolate themselves in an attempt to remain pure.  The Pharisees had a doctrine of salvation by segregation, and they accused Jesus of contaminating himself by associating with publicans, tax collectors, and sinners.  Contrary to the Pharisees' teaching, Jesus prayed not that his followers would be taken out of the world, but that the Father would keep them from evil while they are living out their lives in the midst of the world.


In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul instructs Christians:  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."  Dr. Sproul explained that many Christians through the ages have distorted the meaning of "do not be conformed to this world."  Christians tend to look around and see what the secular world does, then set up superficial types of non-conformity...no card games, no dancing, no movies, etc.  We want to show the world that we are different by what we do and don't do.  Sproul quipped, "Ladies and gentlemen, the kingdom of God has nothing to do with Rook!"  (Joel and I know of a church that actually has those provisions stated in their constitution as a mean of pursuing holiness. I'm sure it's not the only one.)  The difference that the world notices in us should be our character.  We are to be transformed, go above and beyond the structure of the world.

As a young Christian, Dr. Sproul asked a friend what it means to be a Christian.  The friend answered by saying, "It means I will out-work you, out-fight you, and out-love you."  The Christian life is a call to excellence that goes beyond what is merely acceptable according to the law or social mores.  Paraphrasing Martin Luther, Sproul explained that we don't really reach Christian maturity until we can be in the world, see it as God sees it, love it as God loves it, and even learn from it.  It's a fine line for us to live in the world and not be seduced by it.