How can we "come out" from worldly influences in our daily lives? Setting the Scene “Come out of her, My people! Save your lives, each of you, from the fierce anger of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 51:45) Jeremiah addressed Judah’s exiles living inside Babylon’s glittering, seductive culture. God’s call was urgent and literal: separate from a doomed system. The principle still stands—step away from whatever entangles us with a world bent against God. What ‘Come Out’ Looks Like Today • Relocation of the heart before relocation of the feet. • Deliberate distancing from values, entertainments, and habits that dull spiritual alertness. • Moving toward God’s kingdom priorities rather than merely moving away from bad influences. Taking First Steps of Separation • Examine input streams: music, shows, apps, social feeds. If it normalizes sin, unplug. (Psalm 101:3) • Guard language: refuse jokes or speech that belittle holiness. (Ephesians 4:29) • Reorder calendar: give prime time to Scripture and fellowship instead of endless scrolling. (Acts 2:42) Guarding the Door of the Heart • Philippians 4:8 filter—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy—let these occupy the mind. • Romans 12:2 strategy—“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Consistent quiet with the Word rewires desires. • Memorize verses; they function like security codes that deny entry to corrupt thoughts. (Psalm 119:11) Living Distinctly in Relationships • Respectfully decline activities that compromise convictions; suggest wholesome alternatives. (1 Peter 4:3-4) • Choose close friends who push you toward Christlikeness. (Proverbs 13:20) • Serve others openly in Jesus’ name—light dispels darkness. (Matthew 5:16) Investing in Eternal Priorities • Give generously to gospel work; money detached from worldly cravings becomes kingdom seed. (Matthew 6:19-21) • Volunteer gifts in the local church; service reorients ambitions. (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Speak the gospel; it reinforces personal separation by declaring allegiance. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Replacing, Not Just Removing • Worship music fills the silence left by discarded playlists. • Christ-centered literature displaces empty scrolling. • Family or small-group devotions replace passive entertainment. Continual Course Corrections • Daily self-check: “Am I drifting toward Babylon or toward Zion?” • Quick repentance keeps build-up from becoming bondage. (1 John 1:9) • Celebrate small victories; gratitude fuels perseverance. Standing Firm Together “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord…’” (2 Corinthians 6:17). God never calls without empowering. The Spirit enables what He commands, and the church family provides needed reinforcement. Walking out of Babylon’s gates is a daily choice, but joy outweighs the cost because it keeps us under the smile, not the anger, of the Lord. |
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