In conversation, I've over-heard a lot of devout Christians say, "We're not of this world." I've also heard a number of Southern Baptist/Methodist ministers use the same type of phrase in their sermons. Specifically, who are they talking about, and what do they mean?
Thanks so much for your help!
2006-07-31 10:38:57 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The bible tells us we live in the world, but we're not "of" the world. It also says that our citizenship is in "heaven". When you are born again, the bible says you become a new creation. You are no longer a slave to sin. God has "called us" out of this world, not to follow the things of the world, but to follow the things of the spirit.
The things of this world are very much reflected in, for instance, the media, TV, movies, magazines, advertising, etc. It's about more stuff, how you look, what you drive, where you work, making sure no one crosses you...getting even, getting yours, you first, and on and on.
The things of God are found in the pages of the bible. Self sacrifice, humility, kindness, not returning evil for evil...these things are spiritual, not "worldly" pursuits. One verse in particular, I think, underlines this. Matthew 10:39 "He that seeks to keep his life shall lose it, but he that loses his life for My sake, shall find it". Completely opposite to the "find yourself" sort of mentality the world centers around.
2006-07-31 10:43:23 · answer #1 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They feel that they are above the pleasures of this evil realm because this is supposed to be a temporary thing, eternity is looming just beyond this life for the devoted, you dig? So they pony up to the Lord now and get a free ride in Heaven for the rest of what ever comes next. Interesting trade off, kind of like picking what's behind door number two on a game show!
2006-07-31 10:45:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you stand with God you become a New Person, and a Temple of God, when sealed with Gods Anointing, You then also become a Child of Go, which is a Spirit and is Celestial or Heavenly, and are no longer of this world , we are in the world, but not of the world ,we are a Peculiar People A Spiritual Person, and a Royal Priesthood , A Holy Nation. and
Eternal.
2006-07-31 10:46:02 · answer #3 · answered by kritikos43 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
John 15:18 If the world hates YOU, YOU know that it has hated me before it hated YOU. 19 If YOU were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because YOU are no part of the world, but I have chosen YOU out of the world, on this account the world hates YOU.
This hopefully puts it in perspective a little. The "world" means the secular goings on in our world. Holidays, smoking, heavy dri nking, violence, sexual promiscuity etc. were not things that Christ engaged in. Someone who is no part of this world, as Jesus was not and as he instructed his followers to be would be the minority. Jesus's life in the bible is a model for us to follow. If we want to be Christ like then it would be visible to others as well that we are no part of this world. While always showing respect for those that feel differently than you do.
2006-07-31 11:24:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's a common saying among us, reminding us that we are to be separate (sanctified) and different from most of this world and its lusts, hatred, deceipt and other ungodly things.
The saying may come from John 17:16 or possibly other Bible verses too. The Bible tells us that this world is Satan's dominion; God is allowing him to have so much control over it and people - for a while.
"In the world" means, well, we're here.
"Not of the world" means we're not FROM here or destined to always be here. Those who are born again are children of God and will return to Him one day.
2006-07-31 10:57:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the phrase comes from many biblical references, primarily the writings of Paul and John the apostles. The books of John and his 3 letters (1rst, 2nd and 3rd John) are repleat with his use of the term "the world" to refer to the tainted environment of the earth that is captivated by the power of sin.
John 17:16 says "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." when Jesus is talking to his disciples.
Similarily, he uses similar phrases, in John 15 , such as John 15:19, where he says "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
The chapters 14-19 of the gospel of John have numerous uses of this term.
Paul in his writings reuses this terms as well, especially in his letter to the Romans and Corinthians, with a common quoted text being:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
Saying "we are not of this world", simply means that the new testament writers were laying claim to the fact that their allegience was to the Kingdom of God first, and that the operations of the earthly interests (money, greed, lust, power) are not of concern to people who are looking for God's kingdom to be made manifest throughout the world and for His Song Jesus to return.
2006-07-31 10:55:16 · answer #6 · answered by K of the G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bible says to remove yourself from the things of this world. It basically just means to resist temptation. There are so many bad things in our faces everyday (lust, greed, etc) and we are supposed to turn away from those things. It doesn't mean we aren't on earth it just means we have to hold ourselves to a higher standard than we did before we became Christians. This way our lives can be an example to others.
2006-07-31 10:44:38 · answer #7 · answered by vanembryzoe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What they are referring to is John 15:18-19:
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
The secular world is ignorant of its own sin. Some examples: today, the "world" considers porn and premarital sex "normal". However, God's Word tells us differently. We Christians are called to live a radical life in the footsteps of Jesus. Jesus' teachings don't really mesh with pop culture values.
2006-07-31 10:45:09 · answer #8 · answered by Oopsie Daisy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that Christians are not tied to the secular traps of this world. There is life beyond this world and through faith & grace we have secured our place in Heaven, which we know is the true preferred destination for all. In staking our claim in Heaven we have ceded our claim on earth. Therefore we are “not of this world” but of Heaven.
2006-07-31 10:53:06 · answer #9 · answered by byhisgrace70295 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means we choose not to participate in what the world believes will make them happy, will get them into heaven, will make them successful. It means we choose to have fun without alcohol unlike the rest of the world. It means we can dance without making it look like foreplay like the world may do. It means we stick it out in our marriages instead of immediately running to the divorce attourneys. Do christians get divorced? Of course. It means living by Biblical standards and not by the standards of the world.
2006-07-31 10:44:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋