USING THE WORLD


Introduction

The world is very much with us! So long as we live in the flesh, we are part of the present creation. How should the child of God view the world? How should we live in relation to it?

Body

I. The created world is not evil, but good.

   A. All that God made was "very good" (Genesis 1: 31).

   B. The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness (I Corinthians 10:25, 26).

   C. God does not require or expect us to abstain from the pleasures found in His creation (Colossians 2:20-22). Any such restraining rules are from men and perish with the using.

   D. We may thank God for all He has made, for it is good (I Timothy 4:3-5).

II. The world is to be enjoyed throughout life.

   A. While we are here, God expects us to enjoy earthly life (Ecclesiastes 2:24, 25).

   B. This is a gift from God for our pleasure (Ecclesiastes 3:10-13).

III. Yet we should live with seriousness and in the fear of God.

   A. Only a fool lives life unaware of serious matters (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).

   B. Find pleasure, therefore, but with the knowledge that God will one day judge your life (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

IV. We may take advantage of blessings in the world, but we are not to become attached to them (I Corinthians 7:29-31).

V. The Christian's mind is to be set on heavenly things and his heart settled in Jesus (Colossians 3:1ff).

   A. Christ is our life, and He is now at God's right hand in heaven.

   B. We are to put to death the evil things that spring from our lower nature and war against the spirit.

   C. We are to put on the "new man" which is patterned after Jesus Himself.

Conclusion

This world is not bad, though it is temporary. All God's creation is good, but it has been misused by sinful people. The Christian may give thanks for all God has made, use it with pleasure, and enjoy his time on the earth. But he is to be sober-minded at the same time, and not forget that he will one day be judged. As those whose new life is found in Christ, we are to set our affections on things above where He is.


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