WORLDLINESS

    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  1st John 2:15-16.

    It is written that the true God is a jealous God! (Exodus 20:5)  We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.  We did not become the children of God through our plan but we become members of His body the church (Colossians 1:18) when we complied with His terms (Luke 24:46-47, Acts 2:38).  When this is done, Jesus adds to the church (Acts 2:47).  After becoming a child of God by His grace (Ephesians 2:8) we are told by the Master to faithfully endure unto the end in order to be eternally saved.  (Matthew 24:13)  Jesus tells us that many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Luke 13:24)

    Jesus spoke of His disciples in these words:  "They are not of the world even as I am not of the world."  (John 17:16)  Yes, these disciples were still in the world (verse 11) but from the standpoint of worldly living and worldly evils they were separated!  He spoke of his disciples again in this manner:  "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:  but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  (John 15:19)  Yes, the world hateth these disciples because they were different!  They were called and set apart by the Master to show forth His goodness and to proclaim His great salvation.  Here we see a people living among sinners of every type but separated by the grace of God in conduct and indulgence!  In the world but not of the world!  Praise God!

    God said, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed;" -(1st Peter 4:16)  Let no man deceive you, there is a portion of "suffering" that goes with being a real, Bible Christian.  It is true there are many church members who live, dress, act and goes, just like the other sinner man or woman.  We are not discussing "church members" in this lesson, we are speaking about real Christians and how God expects them to live and act.  Yes, there is a portion of suffering in the form of "self denial" that one must undergo.  We simply cannot turn loose and conform to the world in all her pomp and glory.  We must above all remember that we are Christians and regardless of style or custom, we must abstain when God's regulations are being threatened or overlooked!  Remember the Lord said:  And be not conformed (to make like or similar; as a pattern) to this world:-(Romans 12:2)

    Sometimes it is hard to see where HOLINESS ENDS AND WORLDLINESS BEGINS.  I am sure in most cases you will see a gradual tapering off.  For example we might use Television, Radio, manner of dress, etc.  I insist that it is sometimes difficult to see "God's line" - I believe in the things that are not specifically mentioned such as the the majority of things classed as worldly by holiness people, it would be good to notice the words of Paul when he said: "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin," (Rom.14:23)"Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."  (Rom. 14:22) Of course all will understand that the above scriptures have no bearing on circumstances where the word of God "commands" or "forbids" -- These verses deal with incidentals not specifically mentioned or clearly inferred by the scripture rightly divided.

    Notice the words of Paul: "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."  (2nd Corinthians 6:17)  Here are the conditions set forth by the Lord in order to be received of Him!  God commands that we "Come out from among them" - "be ye separate" - How plainer could words be?  This just doesn't include certain worldly practices and then give license to practice others!  This is a complete and entire withdrawal from everything that is evil or even has an "appearance of evil" - (2nd Thessalonians 5:22)  Real Bible holiness deals with every walk and circumstance of life.  It is either permissible or rejected!  There must be a line in everything that must not be crossed where the Christian growth is concerned.

    James tells us that "the friendship of the world is enmity with God.  Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.  (James 4:4)  This passage isn't teaching that we are disobeying God by lending a helping hand to those of the world when they need our help!  This verse teaches that we must not subject ourselves to their standard of living and conduct!  We must not cater to their practices in worldly dress, conversation, amusements, and manner of life.  Surely every Spirit filled saint will know where to stop if they will listen honestly to the voice from within!  On the other hand it is sad to know that many will not even stop to listen!

    Heaven is a holy place and God is a holy God.  He knew no sin neither was guile found in His mouth.  He didn't even please Himself when He walked among men but lived a life of self denial.  He left the perfect example and we are to follow His steps!  We are to be holy, even as He is holy.  (1st Peter 1:15-16)  He has told us that the standard is perfection and we are to go on unto perfection.  (Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 6:1).

    Men will tell you that we cannot live separated from the world but remember that false teachers must arise in order for the scriptures to be fulfilled.  It is true that we cannot live free from sin nor apart from the world within ourselves but Jesus has come that His children might have power (Acts 1:8).  By the power of God we can be free from sin and the habits of this life!  Through the Blood of Jesus Christ one can be sanctified right now!  (Hebrews 12:14, Hebrews 13:12)  Yes, the individual can be sanctified today, in this sinful world with the Devil howling on every side!