“In” but Not “Of” the World

Wendell Winkler

 

Worldliness is one of the greatest dangers facing the church of the Lord. Many congregations are seething with it, and legion are they who are headed toward perdition via the pleasure route. The line of demarcation, so sharply drawn by our Lord between the church and the world, is gradually being erased. Indeed, worldliness is a malignancy gnawing at the vitals of our spiritual beings. Such must be excised with urgency. Elders, preachers, Bible school teachers, and parents, as watchmen on the walls of Zion, must arise and fulfill their responsibility in teaching of the existence, dangers, manifestations, and ultimate end of this evil. Thus, a study on “in” but not “of” the world, based on First Corinthians 5:9-11, is most appropriate. The passage reads as follows:

 

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1. “In” but Not “Of” the World: Corroborating Passages

First John 2:15-17 clearly prohibits us from loving the “world” and “the things that are in the world.” The “world” refers to the aggregate system/order of ungodliness; “the things that are in the world” refers to every particle or specific which makes up the aggregate. Thus, we are forbidden to love even one particular or specific item of this forbidden world. There can be no divided allegiance (Mt. 6:24; Jos. 24:15). Second, according to 1 John 2:16, we learn that the “world” consists of what is involved in it and would come under the heading of (a) the lust of the flesh, (b) the lust of the eyes, and (c) the pride of life. This is worldliness. Third, the appositional aspects of the text explain what is meant by the “world.” Over against the “world” that we are forbidden to love is “the love of the Father” and “the will of God” (verses 15 and 17). Therefore, worldliness is anything that weakens or destroys our love for God or sets us in opposition to his will.

Romans 12:2 uses the word “world” (aioni, aion) as defined by Baxter as “a period of time of significant character . . . age.” Paul is exhorting us not to be conformed or fashioned according to this age. Yet with some, the standard by which to determine an act of morality is the current and popular practice of others. Christians are not to be conformed — that is, fashioned — according to the world in their speech (Eph. 4:29), dress (1 Tim. 2:9-10), or recreation.

The word “transformed” in this text is from the Greek metamorpho, which is translated “changed” in 2 Corinthians 3:18 and “transfigured” in Matthew 17:2. From this word we get our English word “metamorphosis,” a term descriptive of the biological change which occurs when a caterpillar shuffles out of its ugly cocoon and emerges as a lovely butterfly. In like manner, Christians are to “put off” the old carnal, worldly man and be changed into the image of Christ.

Analyzing 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 presents the following:  First, there is a call for separation from the world— “wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate.” Second, the separation from the world is an answer to the call of God—”saith the Lord.” Third, the separation must be complete and final—”be ye separate . . . and touch not the unclean thing.” Fourth, blessings will attend the separation—”and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.”

Ephesians 5:11 states a positive and negative responsibility. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” is the negative. The word “fellowship” means joint participation. “But rather reprove them” is the positive responsibility. The word “reprove” means to expose. Thus, it is not sufficient to be just a non-participant in evil practices; we must expose them. This should awaken preachers, elders, parents, and Bible school teachers to their responsibilities as related to worldliness.

Ephesians 5:25-27 clearly sets forth the church in its purity. When the purity of the church is corrupted, its identity is lost and destroyed. Therefore, it becomes a solemn obligation of all the members of the church to maintain at all costs the chastity of this divine institution. Yes, the church is to be glorious, “not having spot.” Worldliness spots the church (James 1:27).

James 4:4 states that “Friendship of the world is enmity with God.” The original text is “the love of the world.” Christians should have no love for the maxims which govern the world, the principles which reign therein, the ends that are sought in it, and the amusements and gratifications which characterize it. A love for such is enmity with God!

James 1:27 teaches us that worldliness spots, but it also plainly teaches us that the religion of him who is worldly is not pure and undefiled!

2. “In” but Not “Of” the World: The Prohibition Violated

The prohibition under study can be violated in a multiplied number of ways. First, a materialistic approach to life endangers us because it equates individual success on the basis of the size of our cars, wardrobes, houses, and bank accounts, and our ability to be a world traveler, eat in the finest restaurants, and otherwise pamper our every whim and fancy. Consider, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15); Colossians 3:1-2 and Matthew 6:19-21 raise similar thoughts. Materialism was in danger of killing post-captivity Israel (Mal. 1:7-14; 3:8-10; Hag. 1:2-4; Amos 6:14). Such conditions as were existent in the days of Amos, Haggai, and Malachi have their counterpart in the twentieth century church when we lavish in luxury while the local churches have small or unmet budgets, wherein there are only small sums allocated for world evangelism.

Second, the selection of associates may be influential. We love to be with those we love. Correspondingly, if we love the world, we will choose our closest of friends from among the people of the world. Let us resolve as did David: “I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts” (Psa. 119:63). Our association must be watched for the following reasons:

 

(a) We become like those with whom we associate (1 Corinthians 15:33).

(b) Our marital companions are chosen from among those with whom we associate.

(c) Our lives become enmeshed with the lives of those with whom we associate (Amos 3:3).

 

Third, our choice of recreation may lead us astray. Our Lord taught the need for recreation (Mk. 6:31). However, such does not preempt wisdom in the selection of the same. The overall tenor of the Scriptures dictates that the following should be considered when a recreational pursuit or activity is being selected:

 

(a) Is such forbidden by the Scriptures?

(b) Will this hurt my influence?

(c) Will this cause me to be associated with evil people?

(d) Will this jeopardize my influence for Christ?

(e) Would Jesus engage in this activity?

(f) Would I want to be taking part in this activity when Christ comes?

(g) Do the best people on earth engage in this activity?

(h) Would I have difficulty praying during this activity or after engaging in the same?

(i) Would it cause me to violate the principles of Christian stewardship in the area of time, talent and money?

 

That such matters are not always carefully considered is most apparent. Consequently, many and varied are the activities engaged in by some members of the church with such activities definitely being on the wrong side of the biblical ledger! Of what do we speak? Dancing (a violation of Galatians 5:19-21); drugs (a violation of 1 Corinthians 6:15-20); gambling (a violation of Ephesians 4:28; Romans 12:17; Matthew 7:12); drinking (a violation of 1 Peter 2:11); immodesty (a violation of 1 Timothy 2:9); pornography, (a violation of Philippians 4:8); and immorality (a violation of 1 Corinthians 6:18).

Fourth, the arrangement of our priorities is important. God has always demanded first place (Ex. 20:3; Matt. 22:37-39; Matt. 6:33). However, when we come to love the world, we will put this-world-oriented matters ahead of God and his church. This is why every item on the family budget is often listed before the local church. This is why it is job then God, rather than God then job. This is why it is Super Bowl rather than the Sunday evening service.

Fifth, our conversation reflects what we love. Thus, we ask, what is it that dominates our conversation? Is it boats and motors, stocks and scores, hunting and fishing, fashions and prices, politics and stock market? Why? Proverbs 4:23 and 23:7 teach us that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Yes, when such matters dominate our conversation, it is because our hearts are centered on this world. Truly our speech betrays us (Matt. 26:73). Our conversation should rather be centered on what method of soul winning is working, what does this passage mean, how would you answer this question, what good book have you read lately, have you heard about this good work, this church is growing, and such like.

Sixth, our attitude toward marriage and the family is important. Romans 7:1-4 and Matthew 19:3-9 teach us that marriage is to last for a lifetime, there being only one exception to the same. The dissolution of marriage/home is common in the world, and it is crystal clear that the same is invading the church of the Lord with disturbing proportions and rapidity.

3. “In” but Not “Of” the World: Reasons Why Such Is Violated

First, if we become “of the world,” we fail to appreciate the true nature of the New Testament church. The word “church” is from the Greek ekklesia, from “ek,” meaning “out” and “kaleo,” meaning “to call.” Hence, the church is the “called out.” Therefore, in his relationship to the world, the member of the church is called a “saint” (1 Cor. 1:2), sanctification being defined as “to set apart.” The church is in the world, but not worldly; it is in the earth, but not earthly. As the ship is in the ocean, but the ocean must not be in the ship, so the church is in the world, but the world must be kept out of the church.

The church at Corinth had many problems; in fact, there is some problem discussed in every one of the sixteen chapters composing the First Corinthian epistle. The root from which these problems sprang is found in First Corinthians 1:2: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth . . . .” Along with the church being at or in Corinth, Corinth got into the church!

Second, we do not properly love God (1 Jn. 2:15-17). Yes, the kind but true fact of the matter is that the worldly person does not properly love God. The love we should have for God is not the controlling principle of his life. First John 2:15-17, in principle, is affirming that love of God, his Son, his church, his word, and his home is inconsistent and incompatible (yea, impossible!) with the love of the world. The two cannot mutually survive in the same heart and life. There is no peaceful coexistence between the two.

Third, we are practicing conformity rather than “transformity.” Israel wanted a king to be like the nations round about them (1 Sam. 8:5). Every tear that bedewed the cheek also dimmed the eye—yea, their ultimate captivity—came about as a result of this desire to conform. Incidentally, concerning this matter, why cannot we teach our young people to be leaders rather than followers and trend setters rather than trend keepers? Our young people should be out front, being a definite and determining factor in planning the end-of-the-school-year function rather than letting children of the world constantly plan the traditional prom, etc. However, such is usually not the case. Rather, the people of the world plan these illegitimate activities, and then our young people feel pressured to conform. We march to the sound of a different drummer.

Fourth, the type preaching we are hearing—or not hearing—has made its contribution. We are what we are taught. We are no stronger than our diet. Accordingly, where are our sermons and lessons on love not the world, evil communications corrupt good morals, the sin of dancing, the sin of immodesty, give us a king, wine is a mocker, the sin of gambling, and how to determine what is right and wrong in selecting recreation? Where are the educational committees in local churches who will plan a special series of studies during the summer months on worldliness and lessons adapted to the present needs? Where are the elders who will write and/or verbally exhort members on seasonal sins? Where are our tracts on dancing, tobacco, and drinking, which used to be so prominently displayed in our tract racks? What happened to the majority of our young people who used to say unequivocally, “No,” to these worldly activities we have mentioned? What are they being taught in the home, in the classroom, and from the pulpit?

Fifth, a woeful lack of discipline is among us. Have we cut out 2 Thessalonians 3:6? The word “disorderly” in this text suggests the idea of breaking rank. In the army, when a soldier deserts his ranks and aligns himself with the ranks of the enemy, he faces court-martial. By way of analogy, the world is our enemy (Jas. 4:4). How many soldiers in the Lord’s army have deserted ranks and become aligned with the ranks of the enemy without any disciplinary action ever having been taken?

Sixth, heaven, the ultimate antithesis of the world we are not to love, is not very real to us anymore. This in spite of the fact that our Father is in heaven (Matt. 6:10), our hope is in heaven (Col. 1:5), our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20-21), our treasures are in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21), our names are enrolled in heaven (Phil. 4:3), and our Lord is coming from heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18). There are not many folks today homesick for heaven. There are not many who have “a desire to depart, and to be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). We are this-world oriented. We need to remember that the rich man, in the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), was basically lost because he had chosen to have his good things in this world, whereas Lazarus had chosen to have his good things in the world to come.

 4. “In” but Not “Of” the World: Help in Obeying Such

First, we must realize we are not here for much longer. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). See James 4:14 and Proverbs 27:1. To illustrate, if you are forty years old, and the average life span is seventy-five, then you only have 11,775 days left. What then? It is the height of folly to become enmeshed in this world to the neglect of the “what then” matters.

Second, we must realize that the world cannot satisfy. Did the prodigal find happiness, contentment, fulfillment, and a meaningful way of life in the far country? (Lk. 15:11-32). You see, there is a basic nature about us that the carob beans of the far country cannot satisfy.

Third, we must realize the world does not last. “The world passeth away, and the lust thereof” (1 Jn. 2:15-17). First Corinthians 7:31 reads, “For the fashion of this world passeth away.” Further, we read, “Heaven and earth shall pass away” (Matthew 24:35). This old world is very fleeting and transitory.

Fourth, we must realize that we cannot take anything in this world with us. Even in the starlight age of patriarchy, Job realized this when he said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither” (Job 1:21). Paul reiterates this fact in 1 Timothy 6:6-7.

Fifth, we must realize the true nature of worldliness. The prodigal son became worldly (Lk. 15:11-32). In the far country, he came to realize that life away from the father can and will be disillusioning (where was the freedom and happiness he had sought?), divisive (was he not away from his father and his home?), disgracing (was he not sent to feed swine?), dominating (was he not sent to his task?), destructive (had he not wasted his living in a riotous way?), and death-bringing (did his father not say this my son was dead?). Such are the rewards of a worldly life! Now, why choose it?

Conclusion

Consider a recapitulation. In this study of “in” but not “of” this world, we have observed corroborating passages, how this prohibition can be violated, reasons for such violations, and helps in obeying the prohibition.

Consider n exhortation. Let us sincerely sing and affirm, from the roots of our hearts and not just from the roofs of our mouths, “Take the world, but give me Jesus” (Fanny J. Crosby). For after all, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through . . . And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore” (Albert E. Brumley).

Consider a question: Are we willing to pay the price? Once when T.B. Larimore had preached one of his great sermons, a person walked out the door and said, “Brother Larimore, I would give the world to be as good as you are.” Whereupon he replied, “That is what it cost me!” Are we willing to pay the price?