We're in a love/hate relationship: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:14)
Recent and pending legislation in America reflects a growing tide of anti-Christian sentiment. It is a troubling development but it ought not be surprising. After all, this country as well as all political entities of this age belong to the system of this world. And, as Jesus tells us, the world hates those who align with God's word.
This is "need-to-know" information. Anti-Christian sentiment and hatred, rather than being surprising, should be anticipated. I've encountered more than one believer, however, who seemed to take an antagonistic stance toward the world and almost invited worldly hatred. That's probably not the response Jesus expected or desired from this teaching.
The word and the world are in radical opposition to each other. The closer we align with the word the more we can anticipate hatred from the world. It's a simple fact to know and live by.
"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" (John 17:17-18). The word sets us apart from the world so that we can effectively "season" the world like salt. That seasoning effect rubs against the very nature of the world, thus inciting its hatred.
All that being said, it is little wonder that we face every imaginable distraction when we attempt to read and study the Bible. The enemy will bring every tool in his arsenal against those who dare come under the sactifiying effect of the word. The word and the world are the key battlefront.
One of the simplest tools for allowing the word to have its fullest effect is to keep a simple journal and include comments on these two key questions: (1) What does this passage say? (2) What this passage say to do?
Live dangerously in the world today; get in to the word and let it get in to you.
Steve
Recent and pending legislation in America reflects a growing tide of anti-Christian sentiment. It is a troubling development but it ought not be surprising. After all, this country as well as all political entities of this age belong to the system of this world. And, as Jesus tells us, the world hates those who align with God's word.
This is "need-to-know" information. Anti-Christian sentiment and hatred, rather than being surprising, should be anticipated. I've encountered more than one believer, however, who seemed to take an antagonistic stance toward the world and almost invited worldly hatred. That's probably not the response Jesus expected or desired from this teaching.
The word and the world are in radical opposition to each other. The closer we align with the word the more we can anticipate hatred from the world. It's a simple fact to know and live by.
"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world" (John 17:17-18). The word sets us apart from the world so that we can effectively "season" the world like salt. That seasoning effect rubs against the very nature of the world, thus inciting its hatred.
All that being said, it is little wonder that we face every imaginable distraction when we attempt to read and study the Bible. The enemy will bring every tool in his arsenal against those who dare come under the sactifiying effect of the word. The word and the world are the key battlefront.
One of the simplest tools for allowing the word to have its fullest effect is to keep a simple journal and include comments on these two key questions: (1) What does this passage say? (2) What this passage say to do?
Live dangerously in the world today; get in to the word and let it get in to you.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:01 AM
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