The Church in the World

I Timothy 6:11-16; I Peter 4:12-16

GOLDEN TEXT: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.”—Matthew 5:33

APPROPRIATELY it has been said that as a ship is safe in the ocean so long as the ocean is not in the ship, so the church is safe in the world if the world is not in the church. The apostles maintained vigilant watch over the interests of the early church, and under their personal leadership it remained separate from the world, growing thereby in grace and in knowledge. The spirit of the world, however, was knocking at the door of the church, seeking admittance, even before the apostles died. “The spirit of iniquity doth already work,” wrote Paul. (II Thess. 2:7) Here the reference is to the worldly spirit of ambition for power and glory which later caused the apostate church to unite with the kings of the earth and thus to establish a counterfeit Kingdom of God; forgetting that Christ is the only true King of kings and Lord of lords.

True Christians have always found it necessary to struggle in order to keep themselves separated from the world. Paul calls the “good fight of faith.” We also fight this good fight of faith in order to “lay hold on eternal life.” The world offers—though it seldom gives—present riches, honor, ease and pleasure. Why wait for the “sweet by and by,” the world argues, when these good things can be enjoyed now?

But if we are true Christians we will not be turned aside by this alluring argument of the world. By faith we will continue to look upon the things which are “not seen” by the natural eye, the things which are “eternal” in the heavens. (II Cor. 4:18) But it requires constant effort to set our affections on things above. It is a “fight” indeed, and only through faith may we hope to gain the victory.

To the extent that we are victorious in overcoming the world and its spirit we will experience a peace and joy of heart which is deeper and more abiding than anything the world can offer. We should not consider that turning aside from the selfish pursuits of the world means giving up that which makes life worth while, but rather that it is the giving up of empty and worthless pleasures for the genuine and eternal joys: of the Kingdom. It is because we have learned to appreciate true this values that we “seek first the Kingdom of God.”

Those who follow in the Master’s footsteps are invited to share in His suffering—to suffer as He suffered. It is only as we view this in the light of the divine plan that we are able to understand it. One might reasonably conclude that those who live nearest to God should expect to be free from suffering. Many do reason this way and point to their good health and prosperity as evidences that God’s favor is upon them. But this was not the understanding of the apostles; nor was it the viewpoint of Jesus.

Jesus suffered and died because He served God faithfully. His faithful service was the laying down of His life for others. He went about doing good. He injured no one, but blessed all as He had opportunity, yet He suffered and died. But Jesus did not suffer for His own sins, but rather as a sin-offering for the world; and the reason Christians have the privilege of suffering and dying with Jesus is that they share in the world’s sin-offering.

The great sin-atonement phase, of the divine plan will ultimately make an end of all suffering. Then the favor of God will be manifested by joys and blessings unmixed with suffering of any kind. God’s favor is now extended to the Christian by giving him the privilege of filling up that which is behind of the “afflictions of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) The sufferings of The Christ—Head and body—were not finished on Calvary.

Christians, then, should not think it strange when they are confronted with the opportunity of suffering with Christ. Peter writes that we should “rejoice” in this privilege. But it isn’t pleasant to suffer; and to continue in a course that entails suffering calls for fortitude and endurance—an endurance which will enable us to suffer patiently and faithfully even unto death.—Rev. 2:10

Yes, we are to be happy if we suffer as Christians. The mere fact that we suffer, however, is no evidence that we are enjoying God’s special blessing. We should be watchful lest we suffer as busy-bodies or as evildoers. It is a privilege and an honor to suffer for righteousness’ sake, but a shame to suffer for foolishness’ sake.

Failure to recognize the purpose of Christian suffering was probably one of the contributing factors in the development of the false church which united with the kings of the earth. Christians are promised that they will reign with Christ if they suffer and die with Him, but the apostate church sought the glory of reigning without going through the previous discipline of suffering. Thus the church nominal succumbed to the world and became a part of it.

QUESTIONS:

Why is it necessary for Christians to fight the good fight of faith?

What is the object of Christian suffering?

Is the mere fact that one suffers a proof that he is following in the footsteps of Jesus?

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