Thoughts from the Christian perspective: discernment issues as they relate to the current state of the church and society.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
A Difference Between Christians and Unbelievers
One difference between the non-Christian and the Christian is that the non-Christian is overcome by the world, he is absolutely controlled by it. There is no need to demonstrate this; the way in which people live is an absolute proof of it. It is all depicted in the newspapers. Non-Christians are entirely controlled by "the thing to do," and by "what everybody is doing." Controlled by the world! The Christian, on the other hand, is a man who has a victory over the world. What a contrast! He is taken out of that realm.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, God’s Way of Reconciliation: An Exposition of Ephesians 2, p.97
6 comments:
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Well said by Lloyd-Jones, though sometimes those in the church sadly allow themselves to be controlled by the world.
ReplyDelete-Carolyn
I disagree. Jesus overcame the world. No Christian has overcome the world no matter how much they may fancy themselves.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteTake a look at 1 John 5:4
I stand corrected. Although I still don't feel comfortable saying I have overcome the world when it's vices continually have their grip on me. Maybe I have issues accepting freedom through Christ.
ReplyDeleteThat's the point -- our overcoming is through Christ and not of our own will. Through Christ we actually have the ability to choose to not sin - but we still remain sinners and will sin; we just don't live there like unbelievers do.
ReplyDeleteI think of an old hymn. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
ReplyDeleteThat's what happens. The things of this world no longer appeal to you. I still sin. Definitely. But I am not loving the world anymore. I'm not living there anymore. The spell the world had on me is broken. The vice-like grip the world had on me is gone. The chains from the worldly bondage i was in are broken. I'm free. What a wonderful miracle. Love for the world was the strongest pull I ever felt. I'm so glad it's gone. It was destroying me. It came close. I am considered strange by many people because I don't think the appearance of evil is cool, I don't like R-rated humor.... that was my old life. Jesus makes you a new creature. Literally. I don't need the anti-depressants or anti-anxiety pills anymore. But my friends who love the world? Many are taking meds to cope. Love for the world gives so much misery. Jesus gives life and strength and hope. And the Bible takes on a whole new meaning.