Be in the world but not of the world.
I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them,
because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:14-16
Yes, as Jesus walks through the Valley of the Shadow of Death with us.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Here we are, in the world.
This world is what we taste, see, hear, smell and feel.
Obtaining the ability to keep our eyes on Christ Jesus can take a lot of effort on our part.
The other important thing that we are taught in the Bible is that we must not love the world.
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 2:15
This all sounds simple, but the application in our lives can be very taxing,
especially when the world is all around us and constantly reminding us of the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life.
We are exhorted to forsake not the gathering together.
It is vital to maintain relationships with God’s people. A three-fold cord is not easily broken.
In other words, our brothers and sisters help keep us in check for righteousness sake in God.
Keep our armour strong and without decay and rust.
Fortify our walls.
Don’t seek to please me, but rather God.
Scriptural References:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:5
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11
Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities,
and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars,
while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God,
we have sought Him, and He hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
2 Chronicles 14:7
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
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 2:16