Introduction: How can we be “in the world but not of the world”? Obviously, we have to live in this world. But the problem is not being a CHRISTian in this world; the problem is when the world gets in us! How are you doing combating this world system? Our Lord knew that we would have difficulty balancing our life. So He led John to give us some spiritual insight.

1. Do not LOVE the world! (1John 2:15-17)

“15Love 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. 16For 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. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Here we find the biblical reasons the world must be overcome; i.e. the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Adam and Eve were tempted and fell into sin as Satan used these seducing traps to ensnare them. At the same time, Jesus Christ was tempted in these areas. But hallelujah, He OVERCAME! That means we can OVERCOME in Him!!

2. Do OVERCOME the world! (1John 5:4,5)

“4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”