Greetings friends! I pray you are well. It Has been a couple days since we gathered here. One thing that im often asked is, ''How do I, being a Christian, walk in this world that lives in darkness?" Well, this is both a difficult question and a simple one. Bible Gateway suggests a twofold answer, which they use Titus 3:1-2 to answer. This suggests conduct was believers toward (1) government and (2) other people. I suggest a third component, being (3) conduct in our own life and toward God.
When ''obedience'' is mentioned in scripture (I.e. Romans 13) the teaching is that when something is obligatory, or doing what is required as a citizen. Other scriptures state the church should pray for the government and leaders, that they make godly rulings. People, I should note, often misinterpret Romans 13 and suggest the Christian is to obey the government and support leaders even when they are against scripture. The chapter actually states, as I've often taught, that when the government is conducting itself in accordance to the Scriptures, we are to obey.
As an example, there is legislation that defines biblical teaching is ''hate speech'', punishable by jail time and/or fines. If a couple of the sesame sex come and want me, a Christian minister, to marry them, I can't refuse. If I refuse, though scripture is clear on homosexuality, I may be arrested on ''hate crimes''. I will never obey the mandates from the government in this area, as they are acting in anti-Christian ways.
Then, we have ''subjection'' to the government. This means we follow the rules of the leaders. When we approach a red light, we stop. We avoid drugs and reviling. Simply put, we are good citizens. Why wouldn't we be? Scripture says we are ''ambassadors of Christ''. We represent Him on the earth! We should go about being model citizens, showing ourselves to be great examples of of our God, and our King.
This includes acting in peaceableness, gentleness, and meekness. There was once a statement, ''Christians are to be doormats''. Obviously, this is not true at all. We are to bee kind, considerate, humble people. Christians do not make waves, stir up trouble, or set out to rebel. BUT, we represent a just. God, who discerns when there is injustice. We must not compromise our faith, values and morals in serving as citizens and fellow citizens in our society. We are not to tolerate abuse, immorality, violence or sacrifice the biblical principles to honour corruption, immoral, unjust leading. If you're physically attacked or threatened call the police. If abortion, gay marriage, drug use, sexual immorality are the law, we, as ambassadors, may (and ought) speak boldly against such. Make sense?
There is the personal aspect also. Friends, first and foremost - COURAGE! We must hold fast to the faith, standing strong against all adversity. There are many Christians who are filled, tortured, jailed for their faith. In Afghanistan, for example, it is a capital offense to speak out loud, anything pertaining to the faith, scripture, and especially mentioning Jesus Christ. Churches are not allowed. Its not so prevalent here I in America, however, there is a more ''camouflaged'' persecution. Such is the sort of thing I mentioned above, hate speech, no public prayer, media prohibiting and bashing biblical Christianity. We need to stand firmly on God's word, He said what He meant and He meant what He said!
In Romans, we read, ''do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'' (Ro 12:2). 1 John 2:16 defines the world as all that is in it, and begins with, ''the lusts of the flesh.''. How pertinent to our lives today!! We are in a lust-filled, lust-driven world. Everywhere is sex, money, power, murder (abortion, drug-related crimes, actual murder...), adultery, gambling, drug abuse and addiction, theft, idolatry, etc. All is drivenby lusts, or desires, of the flesh. ''If it feels good, do it'' has become the mmantra of the world today. We are called to come out and be separate from all this, be in the world, but DO NOT be of the world. Let's be honest, this world is not as God intended, rather it is as man made it. Men choose the way of living and do it. As Christians, we must adhere to God's intended wayof life for us as dedescribed in the bible. If the world chooses immorality, rejection of God, we can choose for proper living and obedience of God and His holy word.
Let's look at some verses:
''In him was the life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in darkness comprehended it not.''. John 1:4-5
''This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his son, Clea Seth us from all sin.''. 1 John 1:5-7
''But if a man walketh in the night he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.''. John 11:10
''To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.''. Acts 26:18
''Ye are all children of light, and children of the day, we are not of the night or the darkness.''. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
''Who has delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.''. Colossians 1:13
''Then spake Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.''. John 8:12
''You are the light of the world, a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.''. Matthew 5:14,16
So, besides ''abstaining from evil'', what does the bible say regarding believers in the last days, living in a wicked and darkened world?
''Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. ''. James 4:4
''Beware lest any man spoil you through philsohy and vain deceit, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.'' Colossians 2:8
''And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.' Colossians 3:23
''And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.''. Ephesians 5:11
''Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the fullarmor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.''. Ephesians 5:11-18
Lastly, a great thing in confronting and standing strong in this fallen, ungodly world is fellowship. It is important to fellowship with believers, as it strengthens, edifies, and carries us til the soon appearing of Christ, who is coming soon to rapture His church.
''And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.''. Acts 2:42
''Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?". 2 Corinthians 6:14
''And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.'' Hebrews 10:24
''Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.'' 1 Peter 5:8
See, brothers and sisters, we find ourselves in the last days. While we know and anxiously await the return of our Lord, we are doing so in very perilous times (2 timothy 3:1). We are commanded to live holy lives, walking always in righteousness. I often hear how hard it is to remain in the light when surrounded by darkness. Read and study your bible daily. Pray daily. Fellowship as often as possible. No matter what manner of evil you see and hear, rebuke it and stand fast in your faith. Stay close to your heavenly Father. Every morning, as you get your clothes on, put n the full armor of God. Christ is coming, stay focused and keep looking up!
Blessings!
In His Service,
Pastor Aaron
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