This message focuses on the importance of being aware of the spiritual dangers that exist in the world and not conforming to the ways and values of the world. The pastor started by looking at a passage from Romans, which commands believers not to conform to the patterns of this world. God gives these commands and injunctions because, as our creator, he understands our sinful nature and wants to protect us from the harm that can come from conforming to worldly ways. When God tells us to beware of this world, it is always for our benefit because he alone sees the consequences of those actions.
God himself describes the spiritual state of the world. Only God has a complete and truthful understanding of the nature of the world, not philosophers or religious leaders. God’s word tells us that “World Beware” the whole world lies under the influence and deception of Satan. Scripture passages reveal that many deceivers have entered the world and spread diverting influence through systems of belief, laws, music, and other cultural influences. Believers are strongly warned to be aware of this and not be deceived by the world’s assumptions and priorities.
Believers are given promises and divine grace to escape being conformed and overcome the corruptive nature of the world. The book of Romans promises that believers will not conform to the world. Also, 2 Peter promises that through God’s divine power, believers can partake in his nature and avoid being negatively influenced by the world. We have examples from the Bible of people like Achan who faced downfall after giving into worldly temptation when God had expressly said to beware of this world. For those not yet believing, he invited them to come to Christ in repentance and faith, providing the only means to truly escape the world’s corruption through God’s power at work in us.
