Page 86 - Christ and Culture Textbook

in the world affecting it for good. That is why its difference from the world is so important. We are to be
in the world as our Savior was. It is possible to live a Godly life without loving the World.

Definition of “the world” – the humanistic system of values and thinking centered on pride, power,
prestige, accumulation of material goods, and independence from God.

The negative side of Culture is inescapable, and this biblical principle is crucial for Christians who are
trying to live godly lives. Of course, we are in the world: we are ourselves part of the world, and the
world constitutes our whole environment. Escaping the world is inconceivable. Similarly, it is obvious
that we should not be “of” the world; for to be of the world is to accept the world’ s values and its
opposition to God.

The Bible has no ambiguity on how believers are to conduct themselves in the world. The admonition,
“Be very careful, then, how you live” (Eph. 5:15), is direct enough so none may miss its message.
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” was the word for the Philippian
Christians (Phil. 1:27). “You must no longer live as the Gentiles do,” Paul wrote to believers living in the
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shadow of the immoral cult of Diana (Eph. 4:17). If Christians are not living up to their calling the world
will have no reason to admire or to be attracted to them. The main reason why the Church has failed to
have positive impact on culture is compromise and lack of Courage.

How the Church can influence and overcome the World?
Believers are constantly exposed to a world system energized by Satan and his demons. Their effort is to
discredit the church and to destroy its credulity and integrity. One way these spirits work is by finding
Christians whose lives are not consistent with the Word of God, and then parading them before the
unbelievers to show what a sham the church is. Christians, however, must stand against the enemy and
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silence the critics by the power of holy lives. In order to pursue sanctification in the world, the Church
must overcome the external opposition of the world. Christ overcame the world (John 16:33), and
Christians can claim His victory over the world by meeting following requirements:

One must be born of God through faith in Christ (John 1:12–13). Spiritual birth is the Christian’s
launching pad for victory over the world. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world” (1 John
5:4). Until you belong to the Lord by faith in the Lord, you belong to the world and the world will
overcome you.

What Are the Main Results of Being Spirit-Filled?

The Spirit-filled Christians can expect the following results:
 Spirit-filled believers manifest Christlike character (Gal. 5:22–23).
 Spirit-filled believers overcome sin, the world, the flesh, and the devil (Gal. 5:16–18; Eph. 6:10–
18).
 Spirit-filled believers can pray “in the Spirit” and according to God’s will (Eph. 6:18; Jude 20).

36 Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, Understanding Christian Theology (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson
Publishers, 2003), 1205.

37 John MacArthur Jr., ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997),
1937.

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