May 8, 2022

Spiritual Warfare: The World

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Why Do I . . . ? Scripture: John 17:14–18

Why Do I…? 
The World 
John 17:14-18

“Why do I…?”  “Why can’t I…?”

Reality of Spiritual Warfare

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1–3, ESV)

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Source: Comer, John Mark. Live No Lies (p. xxiii). The Crown Publishing Group.

What Is The World?

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19, ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15–17, ESV)

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4, ESV)

“Our cultural and social practices, that are under the control of Satan and, thus, opposed to God.” Dallas Willard

“The world is Satan’s domain, where his authority and values reign—though his deception makes that hard to realize. If you are of the world, then it all seems right.” Gerry Breshears

“A system of ideas, values, morals, practices, and social norms that are integrated into the mainstream and eventually institutionalized in a culture corrupted by the twin sins of rebellion against God and the redefinition of good and evil.” John Mark Comer

How Does The World Influence Us?

Do not be conformed to this world…” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Two Types of “Conforming Power”:

  • Hard Power
  • Soft Power

How Do We Live In The World, But Not Of The World?

“Now, let me be very clear: the people of the world are not our enemy; they are the object of Jesus’s love. As Paul wrote, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood,” (Ephesians 6:12) including people of differing religious, ethical, or political perspectives. “God so loved [the people of] the world that he gave his one and only Son”(John 3:16); our fight is not against them but for them.”  John Mark Comer

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Working Theory:

Spiritual disciplines are Spiritual Warfare

  • Prayer (Solitude and Silence)
  • Truth (God’s Word – The Scriptures)
  • Fasting
  • Confession
  • Community (The Church)

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, ESV)

We can’t follow Jesus Alone

The church is to be a Counterculture – an alternative society – living in an alternative but compelling way.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles…” (1 Peter 1:1, ESV)

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11–12, ESV)

We are called out of the world to live together in a counterculture, not just Against the world, but For the world.

Three Examples:

  • A community of deep relational ties in a culture of individualism and Isolation
  • A community of holiness in a culture of Hedonism
  • A community of order in a culture of Chaos

“A Christian community in a web of stubbornly loyal relationships, knotted together in a living network of persons, in a complex and challenging cultural setting, who are committed to practicing the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.” Jon Tyson

Making It Personal

  • What has been my understanding of the world? What needs to be adjusted in light of what the Bible teaches?
  • What specific areas of my life are being powerfully shaped by the world? How can I better recognize its shaping conforming influence in my life?
  • What needs to be adjusted about my understanding of the church? How will I invest my life in this counterculture with a purpose?
  • Who can I share these truths with?

Ready to take your Next Step?

  • See Pastor Jeff after the service today
  • Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box
  • Text Next to 803-637-8484
  • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps”

other sermons in this series

May 1

2022

Spiritual Warfare: The Flesh

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Galatians 5–6 Series: Why Do I . . . ?

Apr 24

2022

Spiritual Warfare: The Devil

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: John 8:31–45 Series: Why Do I . . . ?