IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD: THE CHRISTIAN’S CALLING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 17:14-16
Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17, Philippians 2:14-16, James 4:4, Colossians 3:1-3
INTRODUCTION:
We live in a world filled with moral confusion, spiritual compromise, and growing hostility toward righteousness. In John 17:14-16, Jesus prayed for His followers, acknowledging that although they must live physically in this world, they are not of it. This prayer highlights the tension between our earthly environment and our heavenly citizenship.
The Christian is called to live as a representative of God's kingdom while navigating a corrupt and decaying society. We are called to be salt and light—preserving, influencing, and transforming our surroundings, not conforming to them. Yet, this calling comes with challenges: pressure to fit in, compromise truth, or blend in with culture.
Living "in the world but not of it" means maintaining a distinct identity and spiritual focus. It’s a daily decision to honour God, even when it’s unpopular. It means guarding our hearts, renewing our minds, and aligning our lifestyles with God's Word, not societal trends. This is the Christian’s calling: to live as citizens of heaven while walking faithfully on earth.
1. THE BELIEVER’S IDENTITY IS ROOTED IN CHRIST, NOT THE WORLD
Our true identity comes from our relationship with Christ, not from worldly labels or systems.
a) We Are Not of the World – John 17:16
Jesus declares that just as He is not of the world, neither are we. We are spiritually separated.
b) Our Citizenship Is in Heaven – Philippians 3:20
We belong to a higher kingdom and must live with eternal values.
c) We Have Been Set Apart – 1 Peter 2:9
We are a chosen generation, called to show forth God’s light in a dark world.
d) The World Cannot Define the Child of God – 1 John 3:1
The world doesn’t understand us because it doesn’t know God.
Biblical Example: Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-21) – Though he lived in a foreign land, he maintained his godly identity and refused to defile himself.
2. THE CHRISTIAN MUST RESIST WORLDLY CONFORMITY
Worldly influence is subtle, but we are called to stand out.
a) Do Not Be Conformed to This World – Romans 12:2
Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
b) Love Not the World – 1 John 2:15-17
The world’s desires pass away, but doing God's will leads to eternal life.
c) Friendship with the World Is Enmity with God – James 4:4
You can’t be loyal to the world and to God at the same time.
d) Set Your Affection on Things Above – Colossians 3:2
Live with heaven in view, not worldly gain or applause.
Biblical Example: Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) – Her love for the world made her look back and lose her place in God’s plan.
3. THE BELIEVER IS CALLED TO BE A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
We’re not called to escape the world, but to influence it with Christ’s light.
a) You Are the Light of the World – Matthew 5:14-16
Your life should shine and give glory to the Father.
b) Shine as Lights in a Crooked Generation – Philippians 2:15-16
Hold forth the word of life as you live differently.
c) Be an Example of Righteous Living – Titus 2:7-8
Let your life silence critics and lead others to Christ.
d) Influence, Don’t Imitate – Romans 13:12-14
Cast off works of darkness and put on Christ.
Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39–41) – Despite being in a pagan land, Joseph walked in integrity and became a vessel of national deliverance.
4. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE IS NEEDED TO REMAIN UNTOUCHED BY THE WORLD
We must be intentional and disciplined to stay holy and faithful.
a) Be Watchful and Prayerful – Matthew 26:41
Temptation is everywhere, but we must guard ourselves in prayer.
b) Renew Your Mind Daily – Romans 12:2
Feed your mind with God’s Word, not worldly content.
c) Fellowship with the Saints – Hebrews 10:25
Stay accountable in godly community to grow stronger.
d) Live by the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
The Spirit empowers us to overcome the flesh and worldly desires.
Biblical Example: Enoch (Genesis 5:24) – In a wicked world, Enoch walked with God and pleased Him.
5. THE HOPE OF THE CHRISTIAN IS BEYOND THIS WORLD
We endure because we look forward to eternal glory.
a) Our Hope Is Anchored in Heaven – Hebrews 6:19
We are pilgrims journeying to an eternal home.
b) Don’t Lose Focus of Eternity – 2 Corinthians 4:18
What is unseen is eternal, what is seen is temporary.
c) The Sufferings of Now Cannot Compare – Romans 8:18
What awaits us far outweighs present challenges.
d) We Will Reign with Christ – Revelation 3:21
Faithfulness in this world prepares us for eternal reward.
Biblical Example: The early Christians (Acts 5:40-42) – They endured persecution with joy, knowing their reward was not in this world.
CONCLUSION:
The Christian’s calling is to stand as a holy remnant in an unholy world. Though surrounded by compromise and corruption, we are not to blend in. Jesus didn’t pray for our removal from the world, but for our sanctification within it. Our identity is in Him, our power comes from Him, and our hope rests in His return.
To live “in the world but not of it” is to shine brightly, walk wisely, and love purely. It is to be set apart yet impactful, visible yet humble, and influential without contamination. Let us rise to this calling and show the world what it means to belong to Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, keep me spiritually alert and separated from the corruption of this world.
2. Father, help me to resist worldly patterns and live for Your glory.
3. Holy Spirit, renew my mind daily with the truth of God’s Word.
4. Empower me to shine as a light and influence others for Christ.
5. Strengthen me to stand firm in faith, no matter the pressures around me.
