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After being born again by faith alone in Christ alone, we are to continue in faith. Paul wrote, “as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col 2:6). We received Jesus by faith, and after being born again, we are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). The word “walk” translates the Greek verb peripateō (περιπατέω), which is here used as a metaphor for how we live, behave, or habitually conduct our lives. To walk by faith means we learn and apply God's Word to our lives (i.e., marriage, family, education, work, finances, etc.). It means obeying God's directives, claiming His promises, and utilizing His resources for our daily problems. We are also instructed to “walk by the Spirit” and not the flesh (Gal 5:16). When we live by faith and depend on the Spirit for strength and guidance, we “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” with which we have been called (Eph 4:1). As Christians, we are instructed to learn God's Word that we might come to know our new identity in Christ and lay hold of the many blessings God has provided for us as His children. Gospel information started our journey of faith, and Bible doctrine is the basis for our spiritual walk and advance to maturity. The advancing believer is living the righteous life that God expects, for He says, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38), and “faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see” (Heb 11:1 NET). To live by faith in God and His Word pleases Him, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Paul said, “we have as our ambition…to be pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). Christians who fail to live by faith, who choose not to learn and/or live by God's Word, will default to humanistic philosophies, values, and experiences. In immature or carnal Christians, experiences and feelings will be regarded as more real, reliable, and important than God and His Word. Though we can enjoy our experiences and feelings (when they align with God), these are not stable, so we must be careful not to prioritize them or make them the base of operations. Divine wisdom should be our base of operations, as God wants us to learn and live His Word, to trust Him in all things, and to live by faith as obedient-to-the-Word children. When feelings rise high, faith must rise higher, lest we get bogged down and trapped in faulty reasonings that enslave and hinder our spiritual life and victory. The walk of faith requires discipline of mind and will. Ultimately, “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom 14:23). Faith starts with God and His directives and promises. Once we learn about God's directives, provisions and promises, He expects us to live by them, to be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude” ourselves (Jam 1:22). It is possible to learn God's Word and not apply it by faith, which is why James wrote, “to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (Jam 4:17). It is a sin not to live by faith. The writer to the Hebrews warned his readers, saying, “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Heb 3:12). After hearing God's Word, it is evil for a Christian not to believe it. It's evil because God's Word is absolute truth (2 Sam 7:28; Psa 119:160; John 17:17), and rejecting or doubting it implies that God, who cannot lie (Num 23:19; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18), is untrustworthy, which is an affront to His perfect nature. This evil behavior was exemplified by the Israelites in the wilderness, for after they'd been delivered from Egyptian bondage, they failed to live by faith (Num 14:11), angered the Lord (Psa 95:8-11), and so forfeited the blessing of inheriting the land (Heb 3:15-18). The danger for us as Christians is that we might know God's directives and promises, but fail to apply them by faith, and never benefit from His blessings. The writer to the Hebrews said, “Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb 4:1-2). Hindrances to the Walk of Faith The hindrances to Christian faith are numerous, but they all share one common feature: they obstruct the believer's ability to live in active dependence on God and obedience to His Word. Among the most dangerous is ignorance of God's Word, which the Lord denounced when He said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos 4:6). The Christian life cannot be lived in a doctrinal vacuum. Truth must be learned before it can be applied. Without sound doctrine, believers are spiritually malnourished, vulnerable to deception, and unable to live a life that honors God (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). Ignorance guarantees defeat in the spiritual life, not because God withholds grace, but because we fail to appropriate it. Another major hindrance is irrational and unwarranted fear, which paralyzes faith and distorts perspective. Paul reminded Timothy that “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim 1:7). Fear can override truth when allowed to take root in the heart, leading to cowardice in witness, compromise in conviction, and retreat from divine opportunity. Like the Israelites at the edge of Canaan (Num 13:31–14:4), believers who allow fear to dominate their thinking often forfeit the blessings of forward movement in God's plan. Also, failure to claim God's promises is a silent killer of the spiritual life. Hebrews warns of “an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Heb 3:12), not in the sense of losing salvation, but of turning away from the daily walk of faith. God's promises are anchors for the soul (Heb 6:18-19), and to neglect them is to drift aimlessly through life, tossed by circumstances rather than guided by divine certainty. Faith appropriates what God has revealed and rests confidently in His faithfulness, even when circumstances contradict what is seen. Unwarranted self-reliance is another subtle enemy. While human effort has its place in Christian discipline, trust in self apart from God is condemned. Solomon cautioned, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5), and Jeremiah adds, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength” (Jer 17:5). The Christian life is supernatural and cannot be lived in the power of the flesh. Self-dependence is spiritual sabotage. Furthermore, yielding to the pressures and pleasures of the world is a treacherous distraction. James minces no words when he writes, “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (Jam 4:4), and John adds that “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). Worldliness appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life—all of which are inconsistent with the life of faith. Lastly, choosing the desires of the flesh over the will of God leads to spiritual defeat and divine discipline. Paul teaches that “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17), and Peter exhorts believers to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet 2:11). The Christian must actively choose to walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), moment by moment, if he is to live victoriously. In sum, these hindrances—ignorance, fear, unbelief, self-reliance, worldliness, and fleshly desire—are not minor setbacks; they are spiritual roadblocks. The remedy is found in consistent intake of God's Word (2 Tim 3:16-17; 1 Pet 2:2), transformation through mind-renewal (Rom 12:1-2), a life of faith anchored in divine promises (Heb 11:6), and moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength (Gal 5:16). Where faith flourishes, these hindrances fall. God's Word is Reliable Though Peter had personally seen and heard Christ (2 Pet 1:16-18), he told his readers, “We have the prophetic word made more sure” (2 Pet 1:19a). Other translations read, “we possess the prophetic word as an altogether reliable thing” (2 Pet 1:19a NET), and “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable” (2 Pet 1:19a NIV). The words “more sure” translate the Greek adjective bebaios (βέβαιος) which means reliable, dependable, or trustworthy. According to BDAG, it refers to “something that can be relied on not to cause disappointment.”[1] Kenneth Wuest states, “The idea here is of something that is firm, stable, something that can be relied upon or trusted in. The idea in the Greek text is, ‘We have the prophetic word as a surer foundation' than even the signs and wonders which we have seen.”[2] Robert B. Thieme Jr., notes, “God's Word is more real than empirical knowledge, more reliable than anything seen, heard, or felt (2 Pet 1:12–21). Unlike the grass that withers and the flowers that fade, ‘the word of our God stands forever' (Isa 40:8). God guarantees that His Word never goes forth without accomplishing His will (Isa 55:11).”[3] The point is that God's Word is absolutely reliable, “to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet 1:19b). This absolute reliability of Scripture flows from the unchanging character of God Himself. God is perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, and absolute in truth. He cannot lie, nor does He ever fail to keep His promises. As Scripture states, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num 23:19). Paul wrote that God “cannot lie” (Tit 1:2), and the writer of Hebrews affirms “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb 6:18). Because of this, His Word is completely trustworthy. God never speaks in vain; His Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and able to pierce the deepest parts of the human soul (Heb 4:12). What He reveals is not merely informative—it is transformative. As Isaiah recorded, “so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isa 55:11). God's promises are as dependable as His character, and trusting in them is never misplaced faith—it is the most rational and secure response a believer can have. Conclusion In summary, the Christian life is a walk of faith that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God's Word. Faith is not blind or speculative; rather, it is a confident trust in the revealed truths of Scripture, producing a life that seeks to honor God through obedience and reliance on His promises. To walk by faith is to live in active dependence on God, letting His Word shape our thinking, guide our actions, and strengthen us for every challenge we may face. The Holy Spirit works through the Scriptures to instruct, remind, and empower us, enabling us to live the Christian life. As believers, we are called to a disciplined life of learning and applying God's Word, and not trusting in experiences or feelings. The walk of faith is pleasing to God, honors Him, edifies others, and brings us mental and emotional stability. Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div. [1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 172. [2] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, vol. 12 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 34. [3] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Word of God”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, (Houston, TX., R. B. Thieme, Jr., Bible Ministries, 2022), 294.
Worldliness (1 John 2:15-17) Yearly Theme: “Faithfulness Is…” Series Title: ““Respectable” Sins” June 29th, 2025 Follow along on the Bible App: http://bible.com/events/49441714
Wednesday Night Service | James 4:1-10 | June 25th, 2025
Igniting Contagious Faith!Sermon Notes: https://links.kchanford.com/sunday
Pastor Joey ColeJames 4:1-12
Worldliness can be defined as being a "cultured person of the world". On the other hand, for the Christian, worldliness means becoming closer to the world than God. This begs the question as to "What is the cause of worldliness?" Using the Book of James, we are going answer that question!Please help support us by simply SUBSCRIBING and LIKING this episode., This will help us spread the good Word and costs nothing to do. Thank you for any support and love you might show us. EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AVAILABLE AT: www.StevenGarofalo.ComBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reason-for-truth--2774396/support.
Some people are living like God is wasting their time on earth.Philippians 3:18-19We are (LIVE) on our website's [Morning Devo] podcast now!:::: sELAH rADIO Network https://soulwinnerz.org ::::::::: https://live.soulwinnerz.org and we want to see who you are by simply clicking here https://chat.restream.io/fb :::::Join the Adult Bible Study: https://soulwinnerz.org/adultSponsored by: Bethlehem Kung Fu Center https://bethlehemkungfu.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-blaze-bible-study--525630/support.
Title: Worldliness - Revelation 18:1-19:5 Preacher: Mark Dever Series: What Will Finally Happen? Passage: Revelation 18:1-19:5
Series: 1 John: That You May KnowPreacher: Pastor Anson McMahonThis sermon from 1 John 2:15-17 provides a crucial examination of the Christian's relationship with the world. Anson powerfully unpacks the seemingly paradoxical command to "not love the world," carefully distinguishing this from a hatred of people or creation. Instead, he illuminates "the world" as a Satan-influenced system of values and desires that stand in opposition to God. Through a detailed exploration of the "devil's trinity" – the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life – the sermon reveals the core temptations that lure believers away from a life devoted to God. Ultimately, it contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly satisfaction with the eternal significance of loving and obeying God, urging listeners to choose a path of lasting value.Key Points:The Command Against Worldly Love: An explanation of 1 John 2:15 and the call for believers to resist loving the world and its allurements.Defining "The World" Biblically: Clarification that "the world" in this context refers to a system of values opposed to God, not people or the created order.The "Devil's Trinity" of Worldly Temptations:The Desires of the Flesh (Lust of the Flesh): The pursuit of immediate, sensory gratification that disregards God's will.The Desires of the Eyes (Lust of the Eyes): The temptation towards materialism and coveting based on visual appeal and societal trends.The Pride of Life: The arrogant self-sufficiency that rejects dependence on God and seeks validation through worldly success.The Transitory Nature of Worldly Pleasures: An emphasis on the temporary and ultimately unsatisfying nature of sin and worldly pursuits compared to eternal joy in God.Choosing a Love with Eternal Significance: A strong encouragement to prioritize loving and obeying God, investing in what has lasting value beyond the fleeting nature of the world.Reflect & Discuss:In what specific ways do you see the "desires of the flesh," "desires of the eyes," and "pride of life" manifesting in our culture today?How can believers practically distinguish between enjoying God's creation and loving the world's system?What are some areas in your own life where you might be tempted to love the world or the things in the world more than God?How does understanding the temporary nature of the world impact your priorities and decisions as a Christian?Discuss practical steps you can take to cultivate a greater love for God and resist the allure of the world.Scripture:1 John 2:15-17Genesis 3:62 Samuel 11:2-4Joshua 7:20-21Proverbs 27:201 Timothy 6:9-10John 12:42-432 Timothy 3:2-4John 3:16Psalm 24:1Genesis 2:9James 1:14-15Proverbs 14:12Hebrews 11:25Matthew 16:26John 15:18-191 John 5:19Colossians 3:2Philippians 3:20Keywords:Love, World, Worldliness, Desires of the Flesh, Lust of the Flesh, Desires of the Eyes, Lust of the Eyes, Pride of Life, Temptation, Sin, Eternal Life, Temporary, Values, Culture, God, Obedience, Discipleship.
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Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:5-11 || Dr. Timothy Mathis
Scripture Reference: Colossians 3:5-11 || Dr. Timothy Mathis
Sunday evening message from the Baptist College of Ministry Commencement service at Falls Baptist Church
Worldliness sets in so subtly. It can be hard to identify ways we have taken up a friendship with the world that is opposed to God. Though it may be subtle, it is deadly. We must wage war on worldliness and we have to know the battle plan God gives us to do so. James 4:1-12 gives us the answers to four questions we must know in order to wage war on worldliness in our lives.
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Christians are repeatedly warned in Scripture about the dangers of worldliness. So how do we live in this world without this world living in us? Let's explore this important subject together in this podcast message from James 4.
The World and Worldliness: Christian Freedom and Christ | Selected Texts | 04/27/2025 by
We often ignore flaws in our body until they demand attention, but flaws in the soul are even harder to see—the deeper the damage, the less aware we are of it.Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/senecaListen to other letters from Seneca:Seneca on Despising DeathSeneca on Conquering the ConquerorSeneca on Philosophy and FriendshipSeneca on Practicing What You PreachSeneca on The Reasons For Withdrawing From The World Seneca on Master and SlaveSeneca on Worldliness and Retirement
Send us a textGUEST: SCOTT ANIOL, Executive VP and Editor-in-Chief G3 MinistriesThe highest calling for Christians is to pursue holiness.Scripture says this definitively, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16).What hinders the pursuit of holiness, defined as Christ-likeness, is the opposite—worldliness. Worldliness is defined in Scripture as the sinful lusts and pride which the world around us relentlessly promotes:“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16).Here's what WORLDLINESS tells us: >> If it feels good, do it. >> If it looks good, get it. >> If it elevates me, go for it.Not surprisingly, the fallen world ruled by Satan presents endless ways to draw us off the path of holiness and down the dead end of worldliness. And most problematic, there's something inside us that is drawn to what the sinful world offers. It's enjoyable. It causes us to laugh. It makes us feel “in.” It boosts our view of self. And it's really not going to affect me, right?Scott Aniol, Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of G3 Ministries and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary, joins us this weekend on The Christian Worldview to discuss worldliness and how to identify and overcome it.We hope you find the conversation edifying for your Christian life.
World and Worldliness: Our Faith | 1 John 5:4-5 | 04/13/2025 by
There is a lot of confusion about what this term means when Christians use it. Pastor Shirk seeks to bring clarity to our understanding of a common sin in the life of the Christian.
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You know that falling into sin is dangerous business. So if God gives us the power to overcome temptation and avoid sin, why do we still give in to sin . . . and cling to it? More important, how can you defend yourself from sin's allure? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29
Speaker: Matt HargraveSeries: "Respectable Sins" and SanctificationText: Various PassagesTheme: Worldliness
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If you had a terrible disease, you would obviously want to know how to treat it. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29
REVELATION 17 The Deceptive Pleasure of the Prostitute (1-6) The Destructive Power of the Beast (7-14) The Divisive Pride of the Wicked (15-18)
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The difference between godliness and worldliness comes down to values and how you live concerning God.1 Timothy 6:11We are (LIVE) on our website's [Morning Devo] podcast now!:::: sELAH rADIO Network https://soulwinnerz.org ::::::::: https://live.soulwinnerz.org and we want to see who you are by simply clicking here https://chat.restream.io/fb :::::Join the Adult Bible Study: https://soulwinnerz.org/adultBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-blaze-bible-study--525630/support.
Gerald E. Weston | Recorded December 21, 2024
Gerald E. Weston | Recorded December 21, 2024
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Worldliness characterizes Babylon. Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. That is prevalent everywhere you look. God's people can feel small and insignificant in the belly of Babylon, but the truth of the matter is: God rules “Babylonian” leaders and “Babylon” for the good of his people.A megalomaniac's testimony...1) Intellectual disruption2) Experiential crisis3) Volitional submissionText: Daniel 4:1-37
"Warning Against Worldliness" (James 4)_Speaker: Mike Mahoney
Jesus said it best in Luke 17, "Remember Lot's wife!" We know the infamous story of her turning into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. What is the warning for us, Christians, mercifully rescued by our Savior?
In this letter, Seneca talks about intentionally pulling back from societal pressures to find real fulfillment and contentment. He talks about living a life away from the spotlight, but also recognizes that our past achievements can't be erased.Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca
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Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Today’s message continues our study of 1 John and is titled “Light Reveals Love.” The Apostle John, known as the Apostle of Love, had a different disposition in his younger years. He and his brother James were nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus due to their hot-tempered and impulsive nature. However, after years of reflecting on Jesus' teachings and experiencing both physical and spiritual maturity, he recognizes that Love is the better way to navigate life. Love is the central theme of today’s message. How we love others is a significant indicator of whether we are genuine followers of Jesus. We live in a world of spiritual darkness; John tells us that we know we are true followers of Christ if we walk in the light and love our fellow brothers and sisters as Christ does. A clear sign of our love is how far we are willing to limit our spiritual liberties to avoid becoming a stumbling block or, in other words, a negative influence in someone else’s life. Scripture warns strongly against those who would cause a weaker or younger believer to stumble and fall away from God's grace. Our Christian liberties come with serious responsibilities and consequences if we live carelessly. Worship and study with us as we are encouraged and challenged in our exploration.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Today’s message continues our study of 1 John and is titled “Light Reveals Love.” The Apostle John, known as the Apostle of Love, had a different disposition in his younger years. He and his brother James were nicknamed the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus due to their hot-tempered and impulsive nature. However, after years of reflecting on Jesus' teachings and experiencing both physical and spiritual maturity, he recognizes that Love is the better way to navigate life. Love is the central theme of today’s message. How we love others is a significant indicator of whether we are genuine followers of Jesus. We live in a world of spiritual darkness; John tells us that we know we are true followers of Christ if we walk in the light and love our fellow brothers and sisters as Christ does. A clear sign of our love is how far we are willing to limit our spiritual liberties to avoid becoming a stumbling block or, in other words, a negative influence in someone else’s life. Scripture warns strongly against those who would cause a weaker or younger believer to stumble and fall away from God's grace. Our Christian liberties come with serious responsibilities and consequences if we live carelessly. Worship and study with us as we are encouraged and challenged in our exploration.
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James 4:1-12For more information about Sojourn Montrose, visit sojournmontrose.org
Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. Worldliness characterizes "Babylon". Babylon is in every country in the world. It's also present in our communities, schools, and places of employment. So how do God's people live wisely in Babylon? Join us as we begin a new series on the book of Daniel, which serves as a manual for wise living in Babylon.Life in Babylon...1) How we get there2) What we maintain there3) Who we bless there4) The promise we cling to while thereText: Daniel 1:1-21
2 Thessalonians charges out of the gate by discussing two of the scariest subjects in Scripture: hell and the antichrist. Both of these frightening subjects carry a message of hope for the church experiencing a sampling of hell and antichrist-like figures.
“[Worldliness] is as common and as fatal a symptom of hypocrisy as any other, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a visible and passable profession of religion, than by this; and therefore Christ, having warned us against coveting the praise of men, proceeds next to warn us against coveting the wealth of the world... lest we be as the hypocrites are, and do as they do: the fundamental error they are guilty of is, that they choose the world for their reward...” -Matthew Henry