dealing with people of this world
How are we to deal with the people of this world? We are the aliens i peter 1:17 , we are not at home here hebrews 11:14-16 ; we are ambassadors called apart for Heaven ii corinthians 5:20 , but we are still exiled i peter 2:11 unto this world, but not of it john 15:19 . So how are we to have dealings with the people of this world?
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,
return
For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Additional scripture that we want to keep
return
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
return
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul
return
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
return
section 2
One thing we need to understand is that we will never be as adept at this world’s system as those who are of subject to this system luke 16:8 colossians 2:8 romans 6:16 . We should not hope to be or try to be for we live on completely different principles deuteronomy 18:14 colossians 2:20 romans 8:4-5 . We are to conduct ourselves in this world according to God’s grace and not according to worldly wisdom ii corinthians 1:12 . As such we must entrust ourselves to our Faithful Creator and continue to do good i peter 4:19 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
return
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
return
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness
return
for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.
return
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—
return
in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
return
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you
return
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
return
section 3
But how do we affect eternal good in a world of evil that runs on different principles? Do we just fit in and befriend the world hoping that Jesus will somehow just rub off on them? Do we avoid people of this world as much as possible hoping to keep ourselves from their corruption? How does God instruct us to do the good of administering His grace i peter 4:10 ?
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
return
First, if we are to do God’s idea of good for the people of this world, we are to keep ourselves from being dragged into the way of this world and thereby rendered ineffective matthew 13:22 luke 21:34 . We are to keep ourselves free from the stains of sinful living james 1:27 , and continue to add to our faith so that we may be productive ii peter 1:5-8 john 15:8 .
supporting scriptures
As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
return
"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.
return
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
return
my notes:
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
return
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
return
section 4
This means we are not free to be in an intimate relationship with this world as that puts us at odds with the Lord james 4:4 . We can’t truly participate in worldliness i peter 4:4 or partner with worldly people because we are to abstain for the Lord’s sake and even unbeliever’s sake from anything that sinfully contaminates our body and spirit ii corinthians 6:11-7:1 . To be effective witnesses we must be altogether different, separate john 17:19 so as to be a contrast of what is good and right so that the Truth might be exposed ephesians 5:8-16 and remain available to the unbeliever galatians 2:5 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
return
With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
return
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
"I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."
1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
return
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
return
my notes:
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
return
to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
return
section 5
If we keep too much company with unbelievers, we are going to be corrupted i corinthians 15:33 . This separation may put us in unfavorable positions with people of the world because of the conviction john 16:8-11 7:7 , confusion i peter 4:4 and their logical equation of seeing us as just more hypocritical liars ii peter 2:1-2 romans 2:17-24 , but we should never fear their reaction more than God’s if we want to be effective in blessing unbeliever’s with God. So, we are to entrust ourselves to His instruction to do good despite our necessary separation from the people of this world matthew 10:16-39 . The wisdom of a righteous life testifies and magnifies the Lord in unbeliever’s eyes despite what slanders may be thrown our way; continue to do good matthew 11:12-19 i peter 2:12 psalm 37:5-6 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."
return
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
return
The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.
return
With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
return
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
return
my notes:
But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
return
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
return
26 "So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
return
my notes:
From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17 "‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."
return
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
return
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
return
section 6
So, then we must simply stay away from the people of this world; live in secluded communes, and wait for our deliverance, right? Obviously not, as such avoidance of the people of this world would strip us of our mission matthew 28:19-20 and still not really keep us from sinfulness colossians 2:23 . The separation we are aiming for is not as much physical as it is spiritual, we have a wholly different type of life: a different mindset, different love, a different spirit, and different purpose philippians 2:2 in everything we do i corinthians 10:31 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
return
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
return
complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
return
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
return
section 7
We are still in this world for the purpose of proclaiming the Lord’s goodness i peter 2:9 , exhibiting His goodness psalm 4:6-8 and inviting others to partake in His goodness mark 2:17 psalm 34:8 proverbs 9:4-6 . We are to literally make the effort to attract people to God by making that which is naturally offensive to the fleshly nature at least a viable option to investigate acts 17:32 acts 26:24-29 and not even more offensive by our hypocrisy, selfishness or misrepresentation of the Truth i corinthians 9:19-23 i corinthians 10:31-33 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
return
There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
return
And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
return
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
return
"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" To him who lacks sense she says, 5 "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight."
return
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this."
return
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind." 25 But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?" 29 And Paul said, "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains."
return
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
return
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
return
section 8
So, we must in our everyday business associate with unbelievers for their sake just as well as for ours i corinthians 5:9-10 . We should be careful not to expect them to live as believers as that is not only unfair, but impossible romans 8:5-8 and none of our business to demand or push them to live unto the Lord without even knowing Him i corinthians 5:12 i thessalonians 4:11-12 . They are blind to their state and to what is truly good i corinthians 2:14 ii corinthians 4:3-4 . So, we are responsible to warn, but not demand ezekiel 3:18-19 ezekiel 3:27 and to not try to control them no matter what hurt or inconvenience their sin may cause us as believers ecclesiastes 11:9 i corinthians 9:12 ii peter 2:7-8 . Our warning is of their need for Jesus, not for good living as good living for prosperity in this world can only make them more children of Hell matthew 23:15 isaiah 64:6 psalm 36:2 i timothy 6:5 . Jesus is everyone’s need for all eternity.
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
return
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
return
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
return
and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
return
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
return
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
return
If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.
return
But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, Thus says the Lord God.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
return
my notes:
Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
return
If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
return
and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8 (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);
return
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
return
We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
return
For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
return
and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
return
section 9
The sick need a doctor matthew 9:10-13 , but what good is an infected, germ-spreading doctor romans 1:28-2:24 ? And what good is a doctor that does not treat patients jeremiah 8:20-22 matthew 23:3-4 ? We must be in the world, but not infected by the world so that our faith may be evident and beneficial to the lost philippians 2:12-16 . We are to live a righteous life amongst the world and yet totally different from the world daniel 12:3 proverbs 11:30 proverbs 10:17 so that they might find the Way, the Truth and the Life john 14:6 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
return
romans 1:28-2:24 (for further reference)(too long to include here)
"The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." 21 For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
return
so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
return
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
return
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
return
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
return
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
return
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
return
section 10
We should always interact with outsiders with grace so as to properly affect them with God’s goodness colossians 4:5-6 . In developing and honing our own faith we should exude such hope that they have reason to investigate the reason for our hope i peter 3:15-16 , but how could they see it if we do not interact and intentionally interact differently than the world? Our greatest influence is to LIVE the Word ii corinthians 2:14-3:6 and SPEAK the Word i corinthians 1:18, 21 , in all humility, understanding that those we are seeking to save will be benefited by God’s goodness in our actions, attitude and earnestness titus 3:1-8 .
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
return
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
return
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
Ministers of the New Covenant
1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
return
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
return
my notes:
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
return
section 11
Being upset AT the people of this world for their sin is like picking a flower and cursing it for dying ephesians 6:12 i corinthians 5:12-13 . God is their judge. Being afraid of the people of this world rather than your own sinful heart is misplaced fear and blame shifting proverbs 4:23 jeremiah 17:9 genesis 3:11-12 jude 23 proverbs 29:25 isaiah 51:7 12-13 hebrews 13:6 . This is their nature, just as it was ours, ephesians 2:1-3 that can only be redeemed in Christ ephesians 2:4-5 . So rather than thinking we are too holy for people of this world isaiah 65:5 , we should be seeking to reconcile them to the Lord ii corinthians 5:20 .
my notes:
jump to next section →
supporting scriptures
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
return
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."
return
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
return
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
return
He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."
return
save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
return
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
return
7 "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
12 "I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass,
13 and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and you fear continually all the day because of the wrath of the oppressor, when he sets himself to destroy? And where is the wrath of the oppressor?
return
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
return
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
return
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved
return
who say, "Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you." These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day.
return
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
return
conclusion
So let us be on guard from the corrupting influences of this world jude 23 while humbly, gently, charitably practicing kindness and love to those who are lost in hopes that they may also come their senses ii timothy 2:24-26 and be saved from this kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of the God of Light colossians 1:12-14 .
my notes:
supporting scriptures
save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.ii timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
return
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
return
my notes:
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016