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In the World, but Not Part of the World
John Ogden Sr
August 19, 2025
“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. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV).
Many scriptures deal with not being part of this world or coming out of the world. How could we possibly do this? Scripture sets the scale by allowing the Spirit of God to lead us, as we strive to crucify or overcome fleshly desire. Romans 12:1-3 (NKJV) says, “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. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” These scriptures set the guidelines for being separate from the world.
There are three basic truths in these scriptures. First, it is our responsibility to have our flesh-nature under control as a sacrifice. Second, it is our responsibility to renew our minds with God’s Word so that we may know the will of God. Third, our thought process should be according to the measure of faith given to us. In essence, I am to reprogram the natural with the supernatural of Christ’s Spirit. It is when we accept Jesus Christ as our savior that this process begins. It is our job to progress through the leading of the Spirit from babes in Christ to mature Christians. In this process, we will go through testing and trials, while growing in faith and being molded and made into the image He’s called us to be.
In my life, I use a simple rule as to what is important and right. If it comes from Heaven, then it becomes the priority of my life. The things that come from this world, the natural, will always be in opposition to the things settled in Heaven. The closer I grow in my relationship with the Lord, the less important fleshly desires become. I desire that the old man die and that I become what God has called me to be. I can only do this by turning my heart towards Heaven and away from this world. God does not call us out of the world physically, but He calls us to have a mindset of Heaven, which is different from the world. In this world, we are ambassadors from Heaven.
What are you pursuing? Is it the things of this world or what God has called you to be in this world?
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