Living as Light in the World
The Bible teaches that Christians should separate from the world, but not by hiding from it, rather by living differently and following God's commands.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christians are called to live as light in the world, firmly stating that separation from worldly values is a biblical mandate. He references scripture to illustrate that friendship with the world equates to enmity with God, urging believers to understand their identity as not of this world. Tozer warns against the misconception that separation means complete withdrawal from society, advocating instead for active engagement while maintaining spiritual integrity. He encourages Christians to navigate their relationship with the world wisely, without losing sight of their divine calling.
Text
Whether or not the Christian should separate himself from the world is not open to debate. The question has been settled for him by the Sacred Scriptures, an authority from which there can be no appeal. The New Testament is very plain: "They are not of the world," said our Lord, "even as I am not of the world." James wrote, "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." John said, "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." Such teaching as this would appear to be plain enough, and there should be no doubt about what is intended.
But we must never underestimate the ability of the human mind to get itself lost on a paved highway in broad daylight. Some well-intentioned souls have managed to get themselves confused about their relation to the world and have sought to escape it by hiding from it. They read into the biblical command to separate from the world the idea of complete withdrawal from all human activities and seek peace of heart by cutting themselves off, as far as possible, from the great stream of human life and thought. And that is not good.
Sermon Outline
- The Christian's Relationship to the World
- The danger of getting confused about separation
- The importance of living in the world, not of it
- Separation is not about hiding from the world, but living differently
- Some people misunderstand separation as complete withdrawal
Key Quotes
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” — A.W. Tozer
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Christians should strive to live differently from the world, not by withdrawing from it, but by engaging with its needs in a way that honors God.
- Separation from the world is not about hiding from it, but about living in a way that is pleasing to God.
- Following God's commands and living in obedience to Him is the key to living in the world, but not being of it.