Come Out of the World and Pleasing God

3) Come out of the world

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world.

Amplified = fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs

We shouldn’t look like everyone else.

James 1:27 – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Amplifed = spotted and contaminated

We are called to be different.

James 4: 4-10 (Message) You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

Amplified = (vs. 4) You are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vows to God.

Jesus said, in John 15:19, You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

I John 5:4-5 - Message - Every God-begotten person conquers the world's ways. The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

Does this describe you? Are you flirting with the world?

OR… Are you winning over the world’s ways?

Have you resisted the pull?

4) Pleasing God

Joshua 24:14 - "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away your gods and serve the LORD.

2 Corinthians 7:1 – (Message) Let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved.

2 Corinthians 5:9 – So we make it our goal to please him.

Is He pleased with you?

Are you… resisting the pull?