What In The World?
As followers of Jesus, we live in a world that often feels hostile toward our faith. This is nothing new; Jesus Himself told His disciples that they would face persecution for following Him. In John 15:18-27 (NLT), He says, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” These words resonate deeply with us today, as we navigate a culture increasingly at odds with the values of Christ. The Greek word used for “world” in Scripture is kosmos, meaning “arrange,” “order,” or an “ordered system.” The word kosmos is used in three distinct ways:
- The Physical World: Refers to the created world—the actual earth. For example, “He was in the world” (John 1:10).
- All of Humanity: Refers to mankind as a whole, both godly and ungodly. For instance, “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16).
- Sinful Humanity: This describes the collective system of ungodly thinking and behavior. It’s not about an individual, but a culture of godlessness—a wave of darkness, a movement away from God. It’s a system that fosters godlessness and moves in the wrong direction.
This is why 1 John 2:15 (NIV) warns us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” The world here refers to this ungodly system that opposes God’s ways. But why does the world seem to reject those who follow Jesus? Let’s explore this together.
- We Are Not Ashamed
Jesus was not just a good man or a great teacher; He is the Savior of the world. Because of our identity with Him, we are often misunderstood or even hated. John 15:19 reminds us that, “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it.” When we align ourselves with Christ, we’re aligning with the most loved—and the most controversial—figure in human history. Jesus brought light into the darkness, and that light exposed sin. Many people find that truth uncomfortable, and as His followers, we can expect the same treatment.
But we stand unashamed. Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” We are called to boldly proclaim His name, to live out our faith without fear, and to spread the love of Christ in every aspect of our lives. The world may reject us, but we hold fast to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
- We Do Not Conform
The world’s system thrives on conformity. It demands that we think and act a certain way, or else face rejection. Romans 12:2 (NIV) warns us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As Christians, we are called to stand apart. We are not fair-weather followers who only cling to Jesus when it’s easy; we are committed to following Him, even when it’s difficult.
The world may offer acceptance if we conform to its ways, but true fulfillment comes from staying rooted in Christ. We are called to have strong morals, a firm foundation in the Word, and the courage to stand up for what is right, even if it means being misunderstood or persecuted. Our goal is not to fit in with the world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, living out God’s will.
- We Are Not Blind
The world is spiritually blind, unable to see the truth of God’s love and salvation. In John 9:25, the man healed by Jesus says, “I was blind, but now I see!” Those who follow Christ have had their eyes opened to the truth. We see the world for what it is—a temporary place that will pass away, while the unseen, eternal kingdom of God is our true home.
Matthew 15:14 warns that “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” The world does not know God, and as a result, it rejects those who follow Him. But as believers, we fix our eyes on what is unseen—on the eternal hope we have in Christ. Even in the face of persecution, we endure, knowing that our ultimate reward is with God.
Persecution: Inevitable, Terrible, and Endurable
Persecution is an inevitable part of following Christ. Jesus Himself warned us in John 16:33 (NIV), “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” If we are living boldly for Him, we can expect opposition. It’s terrible to not be liked or to be misunderstood, but it’s also part of the cost of discipleship. However, persecution is also endurable. John 17:15-19 reminds us that while we are in the world, we are not of it. God equips us with His truth and sanctifies us through His Word, giving us the strength to stand firm. The courage to endure comes from knowing that we are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, and that our temporary trials pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Conclusion:
Living as a Christian in today’s world is not easy. We will face persecution, misunderstanding, and rejection, but we are not alone. Jesus promised that He would send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, to be with us and guide us. As we follow Christ, let us be bold, unashamed, and unwavering in our faith.
Let’s refuse to conform to the world’s standards, keep our eyes fixed on eternity, and remember that, through Christ, we have the victory.
***This blog post was adapted from a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Kimbrow at Legacy Church. Click the “Watch Sermon” button below to view the sermon in its entirety.***