Not Of This World
Submitted by Frank Williams
September 16, 2024
Joh 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
This chapter records the special and true Lord’s Prayer. It is chock-full of glorious and personal thoughts direct from the Lord’s heart. One day all of this prayer will be fully answered.
The words describe the character of Jesus, as well as, the character of the believer. It does not say merely that believers are not of this world, but that we are not of the world—even as I am not of the world.
A lot of people may be considered to be not of this world. Many live in a fantasy world and cannot cope with the reasonable demands of life. There are religious people, like monks and priests, who think themselves to be somewhat holy because they are “not of this world.” The wealthy and powerful elites in the world think they are a cut-above the rest of us.
However, the difference between true believers in Jesus and the world is not like those listed above. We are not of this world—even as He is not of this world.
Jesus was not of this world in Nature. As the Eternal Son of God, He was full of grace and truth. Nothing worldly could stick to Him. There was something so different about Him that everyone knew it. His Light could not be extinguished.
Just so, believers are different in Nature. In being born again, we have been given a new, Divine nature. The influence and presence of the Holy Spirit in us changes us. A believer cannot be content to remain in the hog wallows of this world.
Jesus was not of this world in Office. He is King. He is High Priest. He is Prophet and Teacher. He fulfills every other office that God has ordained among mankind.
Just so, believers have been made kings and priests and preachers and teachers.
Re 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
So, beloved, you are new and unique in this world, like Jesus was—a new person, new husband, new wife, new parent, new worker….
Consider – Thanks to Calvary, I am not the man that I used to be
Thanks to Calvary, things are different than before.
