The idea that Christians are “not of this world” means that, as followers of Christ, their values, priorities, and ultimate allegiance differ from those of the secular, worldly system. They belong to God’s Kingdom and live according to God’s will rather than following the ways of a world that often opposes God. This phrase points to the transformed identity and purpose of believers, who are called to live in the world but not conform to its ways.
1. Jesus’ Teaching on Not Being of the World
- John 17:14-16: In Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, He says, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” Here, Jesus acknowledges that His followers have a different identity from those who are in the world. They are spiritually aligned with God’s Kingdom rather than the values and systems that oppose God.
- John 15:19: Jesus also says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” This verse highlights that Christians’ primary identity is no longer rooted in worldly associations; they are “chosen out” by Jesus and set apart.
2. Living as Citizens of Heaven
- Philippians 3:20: Paul writes, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse illustrates that believers’ ultimate allegiance is to heaven, meaning that their values, desires, and expectations are shaped by God’s Kingdom rather than earthly pursuits.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” As ambassadors of Christ, Christians are called to represent God’s Kingdom values on earth. Ambassadors live in a foreign land but hold allegiance to their home country, similarly to how Christians live in the world but owe their primary allegiance to God’s Kingdom.
3. Transformed by the Renewal of the Mind
- Romans 12:2: Paul urges, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” Christians are called to resist conforming to the world’s patterns and instead seek transformation by aligning their minds and hearts with God’s values.
- Colossians 3:2-3: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This passage encourages believers to focus on eternal things rather than temporary, earthly pursuits, reinforcing that their true life is with Christ.
4. In the World, but Not of It
- 1 John 2:15-17: John writes, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” This passage clarifies that worldly desires and values (like materialism and pride) do not align with God’s will and should not dominate the lives of believers.
- James 4:4: “Don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” This verse warns against adopting the values and priorities of a world system that is in opposition to God, highlighting that Christians are called to loyalty to God above all else.
5. The Call to Be Holy and Set Apart
- 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Christians are set apart by God to be holy, reflecting His character and goodness to the world.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Holiness, or being set apart, is central to a believer’s identity and purpose, differentiating them from the values of a secular world.
6. Endurance in a World That Opposes God
- John 16:33: Jesus encourages His followers, saying, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This promise reassures Christians that although they may face opposition from the world, Jesus has ultimately triumphed over it, and believers share in that victory.
- 1 John 5:4-5: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” Christians’ faith in Jesus empowers them to overcome the world’s challenges, temptations, and oppositions.
Summary
To be “not of this world” means that Christians live with a mindset, values, and allegiance aligned with God’s Kingdom rather than with earthly or secular priorities. Their purpose, identity, and way of life are shaped by their relationship with Jesus and the teachings of Scripture, setting them apart from the worldly system that often opposes God. While they live in the world and interact with it, they do not conform to its values or pursue its temporary rewards. Instead, they live as citizens of heaven, ambassadors of Christ, and holy representatives of God’s character.