Lovers of God or Lovers of the World

It will bring you no benefit, for we all die and then face judgment.

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Embracing a friendship with the world often results in a troubling compromise of one’s fundamental values and beliefs. In this fast-paced, modern society, it’s disheartening to see that many individuals who faithfully attend church on Sundays fall prey to this dilemma.

The allure of societal acceptance, materialism, and fleeting pleasures can create a powerful temptation that clouds their spiritual judgment.

Embracing the world places you in direct opposition to God; He boldly declares that you are adulterers and adulteresses. Recognize the gravity of this truth and choose your allegiance wisely.

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.

Many churchgoers are undeniably drawn to the world and its material possessions.

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.

1 John 2:16 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.

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

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.

The term “conformed” refers to the idea of not aligning oneself with worldly values and behaviors. Take a moment to reflect: do you find yourself acting like those around you, engaging in the same activities and frequenting the same places as others in the world?

Or do you stand apart from the crowd, embodying a distinct identity shaped by your faith? It’s essential to consider how your beliefs influence your choices and interactions in daily life.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

So it’s evident by scripture that we are to overcome the world and the lust thereof.

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

To sum this up: We are to overcome the world, not be a part of it. If you are friends with the world, you are an enemy of God. If you love the world and the things in it, the love of the Father is not in you. You are committing adultery with the world because you are Christ’s.

Christianity is more than just attending church once a week for an hour and then living for yourself the rest of the week. If this is your Christianity, I would advise you to read the Bible, because you are deceiving yourself.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

It is essential to discern between genuine teachers and preachers of God and those who are false teachers. True spiritual leaders focus on imparting wisdom and guiding their followers toward a deeper relationship with God, demonstrating humility and selflessness.

False teachers often seek to accumulate worldly riches and fame, promoting materialism and glorifying individuals based solely on their worldly achievements.

These false teachers may prioritize popularity and status, diverting attention away from the spiritual truths and values that truly matter. By understanding these distinctions, we can better navigate our spiritual journeys and reject these liars who serve themselves and the devil.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

Matthew 5:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 5:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 5:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Matthew 5:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Matthew 5:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 5:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

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