Which other scriptures emphasize being set apart from worldly values? Root Verse: Chosen Out of the World “If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” – John 15:19 Threads of Separation in the New Testament • Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • 2 Corinthians 6:17 – “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” • James 4:4 – “You adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.” • 1 John 2:15-17 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world… the world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” • Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” • Colossians 3:1-2 – “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above… set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • Ephesians 5:8, 11 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” • Titus 2:11-12 – “For the grace of God has appeared… It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” • Galatians 1:4 – “[Christ] gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” • 1 Peter 2:9-11 – “You are a chosen people… that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light… abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Old Testament Echoes of Separation • Leviticus 20:26 – “You are to be holy to Me, because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.” • Psalm 1:1-2 – “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” • Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Living Out the Difference • Identity – Remember each day that citizenship is in heaven, not in culture’s shifting sands. • Mindset – Renew thinking through Scripture; filter every value, trend, or habit through God’s revealed will. • Conduct – Say “yes” to what reflects Christ and “no” to practices that dim His light. • Community – Walk with fellow believers for encouragement and accountability. • Witness – Let distinct choices and attitudes testify that Jesus truly rescues from the present evil age. |
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