Syaloom in Denpasar

We have to know our position in Christ then we have to be growing in preparation and finally we have to be going out fulfilling the mandate. Verses 16-18: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”

So what Jesus is saying, we are not of it but we are sent into it. That is the relationship we need to know. We need to know our position with the world. In it but not of it. The term “world” here and so often in the scripture, it does not mean the earth, the environment. It does not even mean the people on the earth as much as a system, a mentality, a way of thinking. The greek word is ‘cosmos’ and it means an ordered system of ideals and energy controlled by the devil. The bible calls satan the god of this world who has blinded the minds of those who believe not. So the world is this ordered system of ideologies that is against God and His purposes.

The world can appear to be very intellectual, very sophisticated, very alluring, even very religious and at the same time anti God, anti Christ and they are not too crazy about His followers either. So we are in it but not of it. In verses 3-4 we notice the relationship with Jesus Christ to the world. “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

Jesus Christ saw the world as a stopping-off point in which to do His Father’s work and then He is out of here. So He was in this world but not of it because He was sent to do a specific task. “I have finished the work You have given me to do”. It is the same with us. Why is it if we know that this world is so temporary, that we have become so occupy with it? “..they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (v.14). It is sort of like a scuba diver who needs a special equipment in order to survive in the water. So unless we know our position with this world, in it but not of it, we are going to drown. Why? Because in verse 14 Jesus says, “.. the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” An occupational hazard of following Jesus Christ is that they are going to treat you based on their view on God. If they don’t like God and you represent Him, they are not going to like you. Therefor, knowing will help us rescue them.