A Churchy World and a Worldly Church

“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.” 1 JOHN 2:15

 

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A worldly Christian really is a contradiction in terms. The world has become so churchy, and the church has become so worldly, that people don't really understand the principle of biblical separation. When the Bible speaks of the world, it's not speaking of the people who live on planet Earth. There's nothing wrong with loving people. If you don't love people, there's something wrong with you. The Bible says God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16). You should love everybody, and God set the example for you.

The word that is translated world is the Greek word cosmos. It means an order of things or philosophy. We speak of the world of sports, the world of business, or the world of fashion. You cannot love this world's system and love God Almighty at the same time. Don’t get caught into the way of the world saying, “That’s just how things work.” Dare to believe God and trust the better way He has given you through Jesus. It is the way of extraordinary love and sacrificial service.

What is the difference between loving the world and loving the people in the world?

What are some ways you are influenced and shaped by the world for good and for bad? What are some ways you are shaped by God?

PRACTICE THIS

Pray, asking God to help you take on His life and love of others without following the way of the world.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

Staying on Board Through Storms

“And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’”

JOHN 13:2-6

 

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We all have friends who get on board when the ship is sailing smoothly and the wind is blowing gently. But when you get into rough water, they abandon ship. Others, like the Lord Jesus, will stay on board through the storm.

Jesus’ love is steadfast. He loves until the end. He will never stop loving you. And if you want to love as Jesus does, you’ll never stop loving. There was a boy who had abused, misused, and absolutely ruined his parents. But the father kept loving that boy. Finally, somebody said to that father, “I’ll tell you what. If he were my boy I would forget about him.” The father replied, “I agree. I would do the same thing if he were your boy, but he’s not your boy, he’s mine. He’s my son, and my love will follow him to the end.” That’s the love of the Lord Jesus.

When have you wanted to give up on loving someone? How did you respond?

How does Jesus’ sacrificial and steadfast love challenge you? Who has been difficult for you to love steadfastly and sacrificially?

PRACTICE THIS

Extend love to someone you have struggled with in the past.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

No Draftees in the Lord’s Army

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

ROMANS 12:1

 

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Consecration does not mean giving God anything; it means taking your hands off what already belongs to Him. But He’s not going to make you do it. There are no draftees in our Lord’s army. Everyone is a volunteer.

This sacrifice is personal. I can’t do it for you; you can’t do it for me. You don’t need to ask, “Lord, what would You have Adrian do?” I don’t need to ask, “What would You have these people do?” Each of us must say, “Lord, today, I present myself.” A sacrifice was an animal that was slain and put on an altar. Are you willing to do that? The reason many don’t have a ministry and the reason many don’t have the anointing and power of God is because they’re not willing to die. They’re not willing to be living sacrifices.

An altar is a place to die. When you die, you have no more rights to claim. Your wife, your husband, your children, your car, your home, your ambitions, your education, your business—it all belongs to Him. God doesn’t want you take Him into your business as your partner. He’s your boss. He owns it. It is His. God will not accept half a sacrifice. Present yourself as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to Him.

When was the last time you presented yourself to God in this way? What are some of the things you’ve surrendered to God?

What are some of the things you have had a hard time submitting to His authority? What makes this difficult?

PRACTICE THIS

Talk to an accountability partner or trusted friend about the things you feel like you need to surrender to God. Ask that person to check in with you about this regularly.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers 

The Best Part of Waking Up

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

ROMANS 12:1

 

PONDER THIS

How do you start your day? Try lifting your hands to God and praising Him for all that you have. Say, “Lord, I praise You that You gave Yourself for me.”

How beautiful it is that God pours His life into you. Then put your hands up, bow your head, surrender, and say, “Now, Lord, I yield to You. Live Your life through me.” He gave Himself for you so that He might live His life through you.

That is the beginning of a great day. You must dethrone sin; you must say, “Satan, I’m not going to let you do that. You have no right. You’re trespassing on my Father’s property, and in the name of Jesus and by the authority of the Word of God, leave me alone.” And then, “Lord Jesus, I put You on the throne of my life today. Lord, I am Your servant. I’m here to do Your will.”

How do you start your day? How could a reminder of your identity in Christ change your day?

Which of these steps is most difficult for you to do? Why?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a practice of starting your day by reminding yourself who you are in Christ, asking for His help, and surrendering to His direction. Write this down somewhere you will see it each morning.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers