In the World, But Not Of It: Part Two

If you have not read part one, please click here to read part one.

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Part Two: Transformation by the Spirit, Not Conformity of the Flesh

In this series we are considering the precise wording of Jesus in John 17: these are in the world, but they are not of the world. Clearly, we are in the world, but not to be of it. How? Three distinctions of true separation from the world formulate by perusing key passages that address the believer’s relationship with the world. In Part One we discussed transcendence over the world, not isolation from it. Now we will consider a second distinction of true biblical separation. 

The second distinction is transformation by the Spirit, not conformity of the flesh. To demonstrate this conclusion we will compare worldliness and godliness.

Worldliness 

In studying the use of the words cosmos and aion, both of which are translated world, we see that worldliness is the corrupt side of culture under the influence of the god of this world that influences people away from the one true God. 

First, worldliness involves a heart for this world. This is internal. It’s why the Scripture commands, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16). The lust of the flesh describes physical desires taken beyond biblical boundaries. The lust of the eyes describes material desires taken beyond biblical stewardship. The pride of life describes egotistical desires that replace God’s will. Ultimately, a heart for the world is a heart for the god of this world. 

Second, worldliness is conformity to the world. This is internal and external. It’s why the Scripture commands, “And be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). Stop allowing yourself to be pressed into the mold of the world. The world sets its own standards, both of belief and practice. Yet not everything in culture is bad. Sometimes culture has been influenced by the church in times of great revival. The issue is when culture’s beliefs and practices are under the influence of the god of this world. For example, fashion may display God’s creative beauty by highlighting particular colors. However, fashion can also violate God’s divine order regarding modesty. 

Third, worldliness is enmity against God. You can’t love the world and God simultaneously. It’s why the Scripture says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity [hostility] with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). When we ignore the reality that our regenerated spirit is joined to the Holy Spirit, and that He is jealous over that relationship, then the strong language here makes sense. 

Godliness

Let’s compare the three defining issues of worldliness with the three defining issues of godliness.

First, godliness involves a heart for God. This is internal. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 22:37-38). We are to set our affection on Christ (Colossians 3:1-2). Godliness is a relationship with a person, not a system. It is relational, not ritual. Godliness is fierce loyal love to Jesus!

Second, godliness is transformation by the Spirit, not attempts at conformity to God. Since worldliness is conformity to the world, we might think that godliness is conformity to God. But the Scripture is clear here in its precision. After commanding, “And be not conformed to this world” it does not say, “but be conformed to God.” Rather, it says, “but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). This word transformed comes from the word metamorphosis and is used in the phrase changed into his image…by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). 

We cannot be godly without God. Any attempt at godliness without God is still flesh. It’s still worldly. Godliness does not attempt to replace one conformity with another conformity. Godliness demands transformation by the Spirit. Only then can we be, in any way, conformed to the image of Gods Son. 

Conformity without the Spirit becomes oppressive rigidity, which is never of the Spirit. It is only a form of godliness that denies the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). But when God in you is manifested to you and through you, that’s genuine godliness. Holiness is not a mere list, it is the Holy life of God in the believer, shining through with the beauty of Jesus, whose fruit is love in all its myriad of expressions (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Relativism or “Christian license” is worldly irreligion. Ritualism (mere conformity) or “Christian legalism” is worldly religion. But relationship or “Christian liberty” is godly. Any attempt at godliness without accessing the life of God is not godly. It’s counterfeit sanctification. An overreaction to the excesses of some in the name of the Spirit has left many without the leadership and life of the Spirit and bankrupted any demonstration of true godliness. 

Third, godliness is amity or friendship with God. Not just separation from, but primarily separation to God from anything that hinders that friendship and fellowship. Following the strong denunciation of friendship with the world being hostility toward God, the Scripture emphasizes how the Spirit yearns with jealousy over those He indwells, how He is giving grace that can be taken through simple humility and faith, how God will draw near to those who draw near to Him and choose Him over anything that is hindering unfettered fellowship (James 4:5-10). 

Next in the series, we will consider one final distinction in this matter of being in the world, but not of it. 

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Click here to read part three.