Engaging With The World Without Being Of The World. Series

As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel with a world in need of salvation. However, to effectively communicate the message of redemption, we must first understand the context and worldview of those we seek to reach. This is where knowledge of the lost world comes in.

As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of the world (John 17:16). This raises the question: how much should we engage with popular culture, including celebrities and shows, and the evil that exists in the world?

On one hand, we are warned not to love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15-17). We are also cautioned against being conformed to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). However, this does not mean we should completely disengage from the world around us.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul writes, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." To become "all things to all people," we must first understand their beliefs, values, and worldview. This requires us to engage with the lost world, to learn about their perspectives, and to find common ground from which to share the Gospel.

Jesus himself modelled this approach. In John 4, he engages with the Samaritan woman at the well, asking her questions and listening to her responses. He uses her own experiences and beliefs as a starting point to share the truth of God's love and redemption.

Paul also writes about being all things to all people so that by all possible means we might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). This requires us to have some understanding of the culture and world around us.

In Acts 17, Paul takes a similar approach with the Athenians. He begins by acknowledging their religious beliefs and practices, and then uses their own philosophers' writings to point them to the truth of God.

By understanding the lost world, we can:

- Better communicate the Gospel in a way that resonates with those we seek to reach (1 Corinthians 9:22)

- Build bridges of understanding and find common ground with those who do not yet know Christ (John 4)

- Effectively respond to objections and questions about our faith (Acts 17)

In short, knowledge of the lost world is crucial for Christians who seek to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with a world in need.

- "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5)

- "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

- "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15).

So, how much should we know about celebrities, popular shows, and the evil of this world?

1. Be aware, but don't be obsessed (Matthew 10:16-22). We should be aware of what's going on in the world, but not be consumed by it.

2. Use discernment (Philippians 1:9-11). We should be able to discern what is good and what is not, and make wise choices about what we engage with.

3. Engage with the world, but don't be conformed to it (Romans 12:2). We should engage with the world around us, but not let it shape our values and beliefs.

4. Use popular culture as a bridge to share the Gospel (Colossians 4:5-6). We can use popular culture as a way to connect with others and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, as Christians, we don't need to be experts on celebrities, popular shows, and the evil of this world. However, we should be aware of what's going on in the world, use discernment, engage with the world without being conformed to it, and use popular culture as a bridge to share the Gospel.

- "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11)