God’s People and Conflict With Society Part 2.

God’s people are inevitably in conflict with society because of a clash between kingdoms. Mark compares the kingdoms of this world and of God in society.

Who Was Jesus?

When was the last time you needed to identify yourself? What did you use? Your driver’s license, student card, passport? We use these types of identification to prove to others that we are who we say we are.

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was; they responded that there was uncertainty, and there were differing opinions. Then He asked them, “who do YOU say I am?” Peter answered on behalf of the others, “you are the Savior, the Son of the living God!”

Conflict Between God’s People and Society

Why was their view of Him different than their societies? Jesus said that the reason was because spiritual insight was given to them by God alone: it was not something they learned or understood by themselves. Their ability to identify Jesus for who He truly is, and to identify as His followers is what made them distinct from the world.

We are continuing to look at the conflict between God’s people and society; in our earlier session we considered the inner workings and friction of the Kingdom of this World with the Kingdom of God. Now we will look at the distinction of the people groups from these two worlds.

Identification in the Kingdom of God

In the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ becomes the one to whom its citizens identify with. When they subject themselves to Him as their King, they become united with Him; sharing all things in common and becoming like Him.

This causes a moral change of heart regarding their conduct, conversation, and character. This is expressed in Ephesians 4:17-32

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the world does, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
wEphesians 4:17-32

When Opposites Don’t Attract

They say, “opposites attract,” this is not true when a believer in Jesus Christ collides with society. Before trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice for their sin, they were like everyone else around them, but when conversion happens; the old way of life is put away, life is now lived in Him, being renewed, restored, and forgiven.

When we see Jesus great love, and the extent of the price He paid on our behalf, this causes a lack of interest and a denial of the old life; Jesus becomes the focus. Endeavors and passions for this world diminish as a heart turns in love for Christ.

In 1 John 2:15-17 we read,

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:15-17

Change of Affection for God’s People

The change of affection from the world to Jesus, will be noticed by friends, colleagues and family, but in many cases met with resistance. Challenges will arise as a result of living in a world that you are no longer taking part in.
How the world views Jesus, will be the same way they view His followers.

Jesus said in John 15:18

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.
John 15:18

The Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:12

…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12

Paul points out how our condemned world sees God’s plan of salvation as illogical, and to the believer in Christ, it is most practical;

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Kingdom Contrasts for God’s People

The way of thinking between one kingdom and the other is a stark contrast and the Bible encourages believers to conform their minds to spiritual renewal; to no longer think the way they used to.

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
Colossians 2:8

and

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 2:2

Is it True There is No Absolute Truth?

Today, many believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. This is a real hurdle that God’s Children must face when dealing with the world, standing firm in their dependability of the Bible. There are many things now in discussion that are being redefined, contrary to what the scriptures say; evolution is the basis of scientific thought while creation is a myth, marriage is not commitment, sexuality can be self-determined, the family unit has been rethought, child rearing is private, morality and ethics are a matter of opinion, etc.

Dependence upon the Lord is very important; His mind must be sought out in these matters. Often Paul would pray for those he wrote his letters to, that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding; this prayer for all of God’s people still applies. Meditation upon God’s Word and prayer is foundational in keeping a right mind, so as to not be lured into the different trends of thinking which oppose Biblical truth.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 teaches us,

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5

God’s People and Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is important for everyone, and a follower of Jesus should endeavor peace with all they come in contact with. Situations may occur when a believer needs to stand upon biblical truth, and that may mean stepping away, not taking part, turning the other cheek, or taking a stand for Christ. Many times, there will be no room for compromise, and truth will need to be spoken. As a result, friction will occur but lingering debate and any potential for animosity should be avoided.

Any good soldier is well trained in the art of self-disciple, likewise, the Kingdom of God needs footmen that exercise restraint in what they say and do. The believer must remember who they represent in order to properly deal with those who oppose them.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the example of proper kingdom conduct; His mandate was to love a world that hated Him and forgive those who wronged Him; this is what those saved by the blood of Christ need to mimic. The temptation can be to fight back. Jesus gave up His rights and privileges and came into this world, not to be served by others, but as a humble servant, although He was a king.

God’s People and Reconciliation

Paul emphasizes this high calling to be considered by those saved by God’s grace in 1 Corinthians 5:18-20

God, through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
1 Corinthians 5:18-20

An ambassador is a high ranking government official that lives in a foreign country representing his own nation; what a perfect way to illustrate a follower of Christ. This world is not their home, but their mandate is to show forth “Christlikeness” where they are. Knowing that their life in Christ, will extend past this world into heavenly glory.

For now, they live for the One, to whom they love and serve, seated on the throne of their hearts, sovereignly reigning within them. As Jesus was a light of truth in this dark world, those who serve Him must radiate the same light.

God is Always With His People

God never intended anyone to fight alone in His cause. He gave the promise that, “He would never leave or forget His Children.” He is always there for them. Let’s face it, this battle against such great opposition can appear very overwhelming and this is when “rallying the troops,” regularly is very necessary.

After Jesus went to heaven, which concluded His earthly ministry, the tradition began of His followers gathering on the first day of the week. This practice continues to this day, where those who follow Him, get together to worship, study, pray, and encourage one another. This is a very necessary custom, for all those separate from the world, to be together, glorifying the One who died for them! It acts as a family, helping each other remember “this world is not our home, and we’re in this together!”

Be Encouraged

If you are a believer in Jesus, be encouraged with Paul’s words to the Romans,

I am certain that….nothing can separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39

The battle against your faith is real; there are those you are surrounded by who curse your Savior, along with unseen spiritual forces of evil, but let’s not forget-despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.