1 John 2:15; 1:6-7
The Problem of Worldliness
• Worldliness is spiritual adultery
committed against God (James 4:4)
– The bride of Christ can be unfaithful
just as God’s people were in Old
Testament times (2 Corinthians 11:2;
Jeremiah 3:1-14; Ezekiel 23:1; Hosea 1:1)
The Problem of Worldliness
• Worldliness starts as an attitude
(Colossians 3:1-3)
• Worldliness is exhibited in actions
(Galatians 5:19-21)
• Christians must keep themselves
“unspotted from the world” (James 1:27)
The Problem of
RESPECTABLE Worldliness
• As the world changes, our perception
and definition of worldliness tends to
change.
– In Galatians 5:21, what do you include in
“such things”?
– Would it be only those things that seem
wrong to you that others are doing?
• Respectable worldliness makes sin
seem normal, righteousness strange,
and the approval of the world desirable
(Isaiah 5:20; 1 Peter 4:3-4)
The Problem of
RESPECTABLE Worldliness
• Respectable worldliness OFTEN
involves good things that are valued
above God and His will (Matthew 6:33)
– Professional over commitment
(Ecclesiastes 2:9-11)
– Pursuit of Possessions (Luke 12:15)
– Participation in Pastimes (Ephesians 5:16)
– Popular fashion attire
(Proverbs 7:10; 1 Timothy 2:9-10)
– Pleasures (1 Timothy 5:6)
The Problem of
RESPECTABLE Worldliness
• Could a person be lost…
– Because He worked too many hours?
– Watched too many ball games?
– Bought a new car, TV or house?
• In Luke 14:16-24, people were lost over
a piece of ground, five yoke of oxen
and a new wife.
• PUT GOD FIRST! For what profit is it to
a man if he gains the whole world, and
loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)