Society – An Adversary Of The Christian Soldier

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, January 04, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

SOCIETY – AN ADVERSARY OF THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER

Scripture Reading: John 15:11-21

Text: John 15:19

John 15:19 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. 

Introduction: Our theme for this year is “Prepare for War in 2004.” One of the reasons the attack upon our country by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001 was so devastating was that we were not prepared for it. We did not expect it. 

Bible students have long realized that there are three great enemies of the Christian: the world, the flesh, and the devil. This morning I want to talk to you about the first of these enemies:

SOCIETY – AN ADVERSARY OF THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER

When I talk about the world being your enemy I am not talking so much about the ground, the flowers, the trees, etc., but rather by society in general, its mindset, its goals, and the spirit that is behind it.

Our main battle against the world is not physical:

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

It is mostly fought on the inside of the believer, in his heart and mind. On the outside the war is fought on his knees in prayer and with the Bible in his hand.

The world is out to deceive you Christians, defile you, and defeat you.

However, you do NOT have to lose the battle to society:

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

If you are going to win the battle against your enemy, the world, you need to heed the following warnings:

I. DON’T BE CONFORMED TO THE WORLD

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

A. Their clothes (uniform)
1. Not just regular clothes, but UNIFORMS
2. The uniforms of the world – men with queer-rings and neck-laces, pierced body parts, etc.

B. Their conversation and communication
1. “Shibboleth” – your speech identifies you
2. Peter denied his Lord by adopting the conversation of this world

C. Their conduct

D. Their conscience – their concept of good and evil

II. DON’T BE A COMPANION TO THE WORLD

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 

A. You should not be aligned with the world – Amos 3:3

B. You should not be accepted by the world
1. John 15:19
2. Lot shifted TOWARD Sodom then sat in the GATE of Sodom with the elders of the land.

C. You should not be admired by the world
1. Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 

III. DON’T BE COMFORTABLE IN THE WORLD

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

A. Don’t embrace the world
1. Cuddling with your spouse – don’t snuggle up to the world
2. They “embraced them” – the PROMISES. Don’t embrace the world; embrace the WORD OF GOD!

B. Don’t get entangled in it – 2 Timothy 2:4

IV. DON’T BE COVETOUS OF THE WORLD

1 John 2:15 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. 

A. Don’t desire the pleasures of the world
1. They are temporary
2. They all have “hangovers”

B. Don’t desire the praise of the world
1. The world, without Christ, is crazy! You don’t WANT their praise!

C. Don’t love the possessions of the world
1. 1 Timothy 6:10
2. This is what knocked Demas, a  coworker of Paul, off track – 2 Timothy 4:10