Not Of This World....
When this thought first came to me on Tuesday morning, I thought the Lord wanted me to tell Winnie “she was out of this world, to the moon and back, the stars in my heaven”... but when I rolled over, she had gotten up, and was out in the living room, in another world in prayer and intercession.... So I’ll tell her now.... “Baby, you’re out of this world”!! So, when I discovered she wasn’t there, I realized the Lord was giving me the message I was to share today.
I used to read all the magazines that predicted what it would be like in the future.... flying cars, space travel, time travel, robots doing all the work while we just enjoyed life... well, here we are, they really got it WRONG!.... IN THIS WORLD, we end up with inflation, nation against nation, leaders that are slaves to power, and everything wants to kill us.... or at least leave us limping.
The downward pull of the world is always working against any goal, any dream and any attempt which would strive to attain the success and prosperity that God promised believers. The God of this world is determined to do what he does best....Kill, steal & destroy. Hang on.... John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I have overcome the world. The good news still is, that at the end of the book which is still called “THE GOOD NEWS”... WE WIN!!!!
There’s a scripture that comes to mind on this subject which I call the real Lord’s Prayer. The prayer which we refer to as the Lord’s prayer, is actually the believer’s prayer or the “Our Father, prayer”...
So in John 17:15-21 We see the Lord’s prayer...."I do not ask You Father, to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who shall believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”
I’ve discovered and I’ve seen, that God’s supernatural beats Si-fi every time!!!
As believers, we can take it for a certainty, when Jesus prayed “Do not take them out of the world, but keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth.....”
The perpetual Christian life, of strength, consistency, faith, peace, joy, and good works, must find it’s source outside of this world. It can only be sustained by a source that is free of the resistance and down ward pull and drag of this earth realm.
Jesus said this is achieved by being in the world but not of the world. He uses the term “Keep them from the evil one”....
One pastor got so frustrated with all the folks that got saved, baptized and then backslid, that he said, “Perhaps we should get them saved, baptized, and then shoot them and send them right to heaven”. (I didn’t know Jeffery Daumer was a pastor.... Well, they would get to heaven, but the pastor sure wouldn’tmake it.....
Thank God, Jesus had a much better idea! The word (KEEP) them in the world, is the original Greek word “tay-reh'-o” which is a conditional term, and is based upon another Greek word Jesus uses, which is “hag-ee-ad'-zo”... which means“sanctified”, This action is presented as already finished and completed, if it’s conditions are met in the believer’s life. It means “to be set aside for God’s purposes.” But another Greek word comes into play here, and that is
“par-is'-tay-mee” to be consecrated or dedicated to.... Having said that, there is something which is the foundation of all this and it
and it is another Greek word, “al-ay'-thi-a” the foundation of this is truth...
Now if you put all this together, you have....
The foundation to this keeping power which keeps, sanctifies and sets us apart, by our act of dedication to His purposes, is to remain unmovable in obedience to the word of His truth....
Do these sound familiar, about the “al-ay-thi-a....?
”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. “He sent His word and healed them”.... “Thy word have I hidden like treasure in my heart, that I might not sin against You, oh God”....
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.
Then we have “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”.
Also, there is “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”.
And of course Jesus said “Be not just be hearers only but doers of My word”.
The “Al-ay-thi-a” or Word of God is the foundation for truth to the believer....
One fellow came to church on a Sunday, received Christ as His savior and was excited and overjoyed. He told the pastor how the message had changed his life. He would never be the same! Then he wasn’t seen for a month....The pastor finally tracked him down and asked if everything was O.K. The guy said, Oh, it’s wonderful!That message you preached had a lot in it, and when I am able to get it all done, I’ll be back for more.....So be careful what you’re reading, watching, and listening to....it just might change your life!!....(but we would like to see you once in a while)
To be in the world but not of this world, we need something that is not of this world to be a perpetual force in our lives.
Have you ever wondered what a dog might be thinking when you are sitting in front of a computer or reading a book, or playing a musical instrument. Those things are not in a dog’s reference point.... He is not able to do any of those things proficiently. Even though he may be taught one of those things as a trick to perform.... The bible tells us that spiritual principles are foreign to those who are not believers, because the world is their reference point.
However, as we develop a vocabulary and a reference point whose source is the word of God, we have embraced a force in our lives that is not of this world as our new thought process.
The word of God is in the world but not of this world....it is something that exists beyond the scope of this world’s touch, feel and senses. Beyond it’s corruption, rust, and downward pull...
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God (not of this world) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
1 Corinthians 2:13 “These things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit of God, (out of this world) combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
2 Peter 1:20-21 “But know this first of all, (that means it’s a priority) that no prophecy of Scripture (the word of God) is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy (in scripture) was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit (out of this world) spokenfrom God.
If all this is true, and it is, then we, by virtue of this truth, are very different from the unbelieving world in which we live, weare different from its values, its priorities, its logic, its methods and its reference point. 1 Corinthians 7:31 “And we are those that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away.”
We are agents of transformation, who are commissioned to transform the things of this world as we dedicate and consecrate them unto God’s purposes...We have had many folks tell us that they are so glad we are meeting here in the resort, because it has inspired them and provided a positive atmosphere for them here.
I love that many churches in the early 1900’s started in bar rooms and that many of the early hymns were written to the music of bar room songs, because everyone knew the tunes and could sing along... There’s a church that meets in a bar every week, in Portland, Oregon, and another in Flora, Alabama. I love that we redeem the world’s money, and it’s resources, to build the kingdom that is not of this world... In the midst of all the worldly material on TV and internet, there are those who are using it for the gospel...
How then, does this “out of this world” difference, express itself in the way I live?
My values are different…I’m pro-life, pro-love, pro-family, pro-justice, pro-truth, pro-honesty, and Pro-God, because I seek to understand God’s point of view as expressed in the Bible before making decisions on how I will live my life and conduct my affairs. My reference point in relating to the world is governed by the truth of God’s word, to the best that I can understand itand apply it.
I spend my money somewhat differently than the world, giving priority to God and His church and the needs of others. A source that is out of this world, says that I should give 10% of all my increase to the storehouse, which is His church and He will bless the rest and hold back the Destroyer from my life and family. It says that I am to give offerings and alms, and I don’t question that because I want to live in this world but not of this world.
I spend my time somewhat differently from the rest of the world. I spend a lot of time at church. Even if this were not my chosen occupation, I would be here at every event this church sponsored. I do not neglect my family, which is another out of this world value. I spend time in prayer for others, and time with those who are shut-in, and with those who don’t know Christ, so they can discover out of this world living for themselves....
I use my talents and abilities differently from the world. I don’t spend them only in things that enrich or advance myself. I try to use my abilities for God’s glory, so we can influence others to live their lives “out of this world” as well!
Much has been done, but there is so much left to do.... Jesus told us to go into all the world, and share this “out of this world living”..... What meaning of the scriptural reference to the world?... The world is a system of beliefs, values, priorities, preferences and knowledge that is organized in active hostility and rebellion against God, which has the attitude of a 2 year old, who tells you, “I can do it myself.”... People have asked me what I think of the Homosexual issue, I tell them there is no Homosexual issue, it’s a anti-God issue. It's people saying “I don’t need you God, I’ll do it myself”. You know the saying.... “You can kick the can down the road, but it will still be waiting for you when you get there.”..
The Bible talks about the wisdom of this world, and the spirit of this world, that is opposed to the wisdom and spirit that is from above..
Sometimes we may refer to individuals, as “worldly Christians.” But that’s really a mis-nomer when you think about it. Billy Sunday, used to make fun of the term “worldly Christian.” He said, “To talk about a worldly Christian makes about as much sense as talking about a heavenly Devil.”
We become shaped and influenced by the things we value and cling to the most.. That’s the law of attraction....Of course if we are going to be great at following Jesus, we are going to hang out with His crowd, but still love everyone He loves, and I think, last time I checked, that’s everyone!
When I was dating Winnie, you little beauty you, I couldn’t get enough of her (and I still can’t) But I wanted to be wherever she was. I was at her house every chance I got, to the point of being a pest!! Because I loved her, I loved being in her house.... The point is, how can folks say they Love the Lord, and say they are Christians, but hardly ever go to His house. In scripture, Thelord calls it his house.... sure it’s filled with imperfect people, but if it was perfect, we would mess it up, if that was the requirement!!! (come on now)
I tell folks all the time that if you want to become good at basketball, you probably shouldn’t play football, because they have different rules, regulations, and reference points....
If you want to be just a so, so Christian, hang around those guys... but if you want to be a devil chasing, Holy Spirit filled, world changing Christian, then seek out those people, on TV, on the internet, and in person in the local church. The bible is filled with them, if you take time to read their stories, their faith, their challenges, and their triumphs, (which are really not that different than yours)
Our Shepherd is “out of this world”, and He is with us and in us. He knows the world is a dangerous place. When Jesus sent his disciples out to preach,
He told them, Matt 10:16 "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves." No sensible shepherd would ever do that, b/c wolves are dangerous predators. With one slash of their teeth they can rip a sheep’s throat wide open.
Maintaining a close and loving relationship with our (out of this world Shepherd) is what enables Christians to be in the world, but not of the world, to make contact with the world, to love them, but not their sin. Matthew 6:24. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and a self-centered world." That’s the description of a spiritual schizophrenic, who has lost all sense of direction and will become lost in confusion, compromise and the enemy’s deception.
The teacher of the earth science class was lecturing on map reading. After explaining about latitude, longitude, degrees and minutes the teacher picked a random place off the top of his head and said, "Suppose I asked you to meet me for lunch at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude?" After a confused silence, a voice spoke up, "I guess you'd be eating alone, in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert."
Don’t get confused about your purpose, your identity, and your source of light, and life, and what makes you an “out of this world” believer!! Or you may find yourself out in the world at 23 degrees, 4 minutes north latitude trying to find your way back.
Get this down into the very center of your being...... 1 Corinthians 1:2 Paul wrote this entire letter “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours,”
The word sanctified is “to separate out from”....as in marching to the beat of another drum....
The moment we received God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, we were looked upon by God as being “not of this world”... or Separated out from.....
We need to understand and know the difference between our position and our experience....
Our position, is “Seated with Christ in heavenly places”... Our experience is battling devils here on earth...
When our Position gets more and more clear and more and more real to us. Then we will begin to know things in the spirit which are more real and have more substance than the physical world...
Here are some scriptures I want you to get into your spirit....
1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – even our faith”.
You may be battling, but God sees you in a position of victory, as an overcomer...Do you know your position...
You have favor, above your co-workers, your neighbors, in your finances, in your plans and dreams, in your physical body, and in your relationships....Favor is the work of God’s grace which we never deserve and yet still receive freely and without merit on our part....
Psalm 90:17 “The favor of the Lord our God is upon us;
And confirms the work of our hands..” (that’s positional)
Psalm 89:17 “For You are the glory of our strength,
And by Your favor our horn (influence and power) is exalted”.
Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory, No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly”.
You are in a position of divine favor, promotion, exaltation, blessing, and honor....You are not of this world.....
In the midst of decay, Positionally, you are the salt... in the darkness, you are the light...in the midst of despair, you are the agent of hope.... In the midst of conflict and contention, you are the agent of peace....in the midst of sickness and disease, you are the agent of wholeness...
You are not of this world....You need to speak these things over your self and your family every day....(This message will be posted so you can access it as you need to...)
Don’t be afraid to be different, you are supposed to be different!You are redeemed to be different, you are separated to be different!
Colossians 3:1 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”.
This scripture tells us to “set our mind”.... fron-eh'-o.. (have the same mind as those things above) This is not a suggestion, but it is in the form of a command to every believer who wants to live a victorious life....He whom the son sets free is free indeed!
God is giving us a command “Be an out of this world, Christian”.....
Let’s pray together in closing....Lord Jesus, I receive your mandate, to live a life that is out of this world. I realize that one of the things I must do is let go. Help me Lord, to take every thought captive, and to hand it over to You as it rises up in my mind, and help me to replace it with Your thoughts, words and actions. You have told us to think about whatever is lovely and pure and holy and good, and I pray that You would help me to turn the eyes of my heart upon those things, and away from any thing that would be anything less. So, I now receive Your mandate and I let go and give you control. I want to live and walk in what you desire for me. Help me to see the good in all your creation. Let me leave the judging to you, so that I can concentrate on living to please you! My heart is yours and yours alone.Thank you for all those who have entered my life and those you have removed as I move forward in my spiritual journey. I want to be who and what you want me to be as I continue to let go and surrender to you, Lord Jesus....Amen...
