04 Nov Being Different From the World

Last Sunday, Pastor Jeremy Chasteen preached from Titus 2:14-15 and showed us that grace motivates us to declare the gospel.

Read: Titus 3:1-3

This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will preach from Titus 3:1-3 and will exhort us to display God’s grace through our relationships in the world. In preparation for our Sunday gathering, consider this devotional by John MacArthur on being set apart from the world to the glory of God and the advancement of his Kingdom.

Reflect: “Being Different From the World”

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise.”

Ephesians 5:15

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Living wisely will set you apart from the world.

Walking in wisdom is an element of the worthy walk that Paul has been describing since the beginning of Ephesians 4. He says in verse 1, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” and then proceeds to describe this worthy walk with the following characteristics: It’s a humble walk (4:1–3), a united walk (4:4–16), a unique walk (4:17–32), a loving walk (5:1–7), an illuminated walk (5:8–14), and a wisewalk (5:15–17). The point that Paul is making in describing the various elements of the worthy walk is that Christians are different from the world. The world can’t be humble because everyone is fighting for his rights. The world can’t be united because it celebrates and exalts differences. The world can’t be unique because it’s trapped in its own self–destruction. The world can’t love because it doesn’t have the life of God—the source of real love. The world can’t know light because it lies in the system of darkness. And the world can’t be wise because the wisdom of God is hidden from the mind of man. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:7, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Realize that being different from the world is an asset to your Christian witness, not a hindrance. When others see you obeying Scripture—when they see you walking in wisdom—they’ll notice you’re not like them. That difference can create opportunities to tell them about your Savior. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Keep walking in wisdom, and let others be attracted to the light of Christ!

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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you be a witness whose testimony shines brightly for Christ.

For Further Study: How does 1 Peter 2:12 say you are to live? Why?

November 19^th Devotion: “Being Different From the World,” in Strength for Today, by John MacArthur.

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder,” by Daniel Renstrom
2. “Every Knee Shall Bow,” by Crosspoint Music
3. “Christ Is Mine Forevermore,” by CityAlight
4. “Jesus, Your Mercy,” by Sovereign Grace Music