Springs Article 2021-08 (1)
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Romans 12:1-2
1 John 2:15-17
What is worldliness?
- The world is the wife of Satan and the mother of Babylon!
- Israel is the wife of God and the mother of the Church
- John 14:30, 1 John 2:15-17, Revelation 12
- Worldliness is conforming to the ungodly customs of this world, Romans 12:2
- Worldliness is idolatry and immorality!
- Babylon (the Great Harlot) is the the bride of the Antichrist – full of idolatry and immorality, Revelation 17:1-5
- The Church is the Bride of Christ – full of righteousness and inner beauty (good quality works), Revelation 19:7-8
Why do some people follow after idols?
- Covetousness (lack of godly contentment)!
- 1 Timothy 6:6-10
- The pursuit of popularity, power, money, comfort and pleasure
- 1 John 2:15-17
- Aiding and abetting idolatry is also idolatry!
- “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” – 1 John 5:21
In what aspects of life can a believer be worldly?
- Thoughts: lustful, prideful or selfish thinking, jealousy, malice, bitterness, lack of repentance, lack of forgiveness, hypocrisy, deception
- Words: strong, foul, filthy, rude or careless language, lying, gossiping
- Actions: materialism (the love of money and riches, stinginess), showing off, pulling other people down, cheating, the pursuit of comfort and pleasure (ungodly entertainment), liberalism (the spirit of looseness and immorality)
- Selfish ambition and the pride of life!
- Living in sin (e.g. having sex before marriage)
- Alcoholism and the use of hard drugs!
- Flirting and seductive dressing
- Lack of modesty and moderation in dressing and adornment!
- Clubbing and partying
- Prayerlessness!
- Lack of fellowship with true believers
- Lack of regular church attendance!
- Lack of regular tithing and generous giving
- Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 8-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4
What are the effects of worldliness on your relationship with God?
- Worldliness and spirituality are incompatible!
- The more worldly you are, the less spiritual you will be
- The more spiritual you are, the less worldly you will be
- Talent is not spirituality!
- Money is not spirituality
- Effects (effizy) is not spirituality!
- Fashion is not spirituality
- Anything that an unbeliever can achieve is not spirituality
- Spirituality is a continuous lifestyle of godliness (living by faith, walking in love and persevering in hope)
- Spirituality has to do with humility and obedience to God!
- Titus 2:12, 1 John 2:15-17
2021: A Year of Sanctification