1st John 5:19. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” WE or THE WORLD. Children of God ------- are safe in God’s family Those of the world ---- under the control of the enemy Children of God ------- have power within Those of the world ---- powerless before sin Children of God ------- rejoice in the Lord Those of the world ---- have no where to turn Children of God ------- love what God loves Those of the world ---- this love never has Children of God ------- appreciate grace Those of the world ---- are stuck in this place Children of God ------- find fellowship with saints Those of the world ---- are full of complaints Children of God ------- look beyond present troubles Those of the world ---- just live in this bubble Children of God ------- call God their Father Those of the world ---- consider God just a bother Children of God ------- know heaven is their home Those of the world ---- will be left all alone Children of God ------- are indwelt by God’s Spirit Those of the world ---- can only grin and bear it Children of God ------- choose to live by faith Those of the world ---- can live only by chance Children of God ------- have a sure hope when they die Those of the world ---- fear their last sigh Children of God ------- will experience a bright future Those of the world ---- the future couldn’t be blacker
“I thank Thee, O God, for being able to be in the family of God. The deliverance from the world is such a blessing I am not able to express myself sufficiently for Thy grace. I praise and thank Thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The world system is in the devil's dominion. Godlessness, mind control by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life is the controlling force that keeps people helpless. In the domain of Satan, people have no choice but to submit to him. Most people are content to stay in that darkness so that their evil deeds are not exposed by the light of truth. The "god of this world has blinded the minds" of those who are in his power, and they easily, maybe even gladly, live passively under his diabolical control. There is no way to serve God and serve Satan at the same time. People yield their will to either one or the other. There is no middle ground. To adapt the Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone to suit the desires of the world, even the evangelical world, and still be consistent with the truth, is not possible.
Another positive "we know" statement confirms that our Lord Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. The incarnation of the Messiah is a fact. "God was in Christ," reconciling us to Him. "God was manifest in the flesh." "The eternal life which was with the Father has been manifest unto us." He has come "found in fashion as a man," and given us a personal knowledge of the truth. "An understanding of the truth as well as a personal knowledge of Him who is "The Truth." This has happened and has resulted in us being "in His Son, Jesus Christ."