“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled
Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity
that is in Christ.” -2 Corinthians 11:3
“The simplicity of preaching the gospel is foolishness
to the world.”-Bro Ed Miller 1950
The
world in the Word of God sometimes has a different meaning than what it means
in your physical science textbook. The
world in the physical is something we all know and understand, but the world in
the spiritual is something that many are blinded too. We live in this world, but this world does
not have to live in us. The emancipation
of the heart from the world is only accomplished through, and by, the power of
Christ. It brings a contentment and
simplicity that the world finds foolish.
1600
Pennsylvania Ave NW., Washington, DC 20500; do you recognize this address? No? It
is near Old Ebbitt Grill. Anything? It is next to the Eisenhower Executive Office
Building. It has great big columns and a
fountain on the North lawn. Still
nothing? It is white, it is a white
house, The White House…and now you know.
In America (and abroad in most cases), all you have to say is “The White
House” and everyone will know to what you are referring. That said, the building itself is just a
building. If you strip away, the history
created by the men and women that passed through those halls it is nothing more
than another house. The people, who they
were/are, create the distinction between a white house and The White House. The Word of God says that all that is in the world is the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:13). God’s Word is highlighting the distinction
between a world (i.e. Earth) and the world.
The men and women that live here on Earth create the distinction between
the two. If God just made trees, water,
dirt, plants, and animals and no people, there would be a world but not the
world. The world is/was created when
Adam sinned in the Garden; the sinful nature in man creates the world. The gospel of the world seeks to gratify the
flesh, and exalt the sinful nature of man that is rooted and grounded in serving
and preserving self. It claims that we
will find peace, contentment, love, joy and happiness by doing what makes you
happy. It is all about you. The gospel of Christ is to deny yourself, die
to yourself, and serve/follow Jesus no matter the cost. Jesus will direct your life and give you
peace, contentment, love, joy, happiness, and a home in heaven when you die. The corruption of the world says “Follow You.” The simplicity of Christ says “Follow Him.”
Look
no further than your own heart for the end of the world. As long as man is on
this earth and sin is reigning in the heart of man; there will be the
world. Jesus Christ came to destroy the
world within man and bring victory over the sin that reigns within our wicked
heart. Jesus can give you victory and he
will give you victory if you give up yourself and follow him.
