Lesson 26
1. How should the Christian relate to the things of the world?
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2. What similar appeal does Paul give?
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3. Anyone who is allied with the world is what?
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
4. How is our need of distinction from the world emphasized?
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. We are to be transformed by renewing what?
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our mind is made up of what we feed it. If we would develop the mind of Christ we must be very selective in what we allow to enter it through our eyes and ears.
6. When must we stop our ears and shut our eyes?
Isaiah 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
7. How did Job control his eyes?
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
8. What did David resolve?
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
9. What should we think about?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Whatsoever things are true
Whatsoever things are honest
Whatsoever things are just
Whatsoever things are pure
Whatsoever things are lovely
Whatsoever things are of good report
if there be any virtue
and if there be any praise
think on these things.
A true Christian will allow these principles to direct all his choices of reading, listening, viewing, recreation and leisure activities. If the words of Philippians 4:8 were prominently displayed on top of the television, much good would result.
10. How does the Bible describe people’s great desire for entertainment today?
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
11. Under what description would someone who loves fiction fall?
Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
12. When people were converted in Ephesus, what did they do with their evil books?
Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
13. What type of music is best for the Christian?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
14. What about our associations?
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3.
15. What is the best defense against sin?
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
16. What should be our prayer?
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
17. How ought Christians to adorn themselves?
1 Timothy 2:9,10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
18. When preparing to go before God, Jacob’s household washed, changed their garments, and gave what two things to Jacob?
Genesis 35:2-4 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
The Bible associates cosmetics and jewelry with the vain worldliness of the wicked:
“They had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.” Judges 8:24.
“Jezebel... painted her face, and tired her head.” 2 Kings 9:30.
“Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair.” Jeremiah 4:30.
“The Lord said,... wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations.” “That ye have sent for men to come from far,... for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.” “Which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.” “Thus will I cause... that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.” Ezekiel 23:36-49.
“She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.” Hosea 2:13.
“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” Revelation 17:4.
Isaiah 3:16-24 provides a very revealing list of worldly decorations which the Lord rebukes among the daughters of Zion. In verse 9 He says, “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them.”
19. What did the Lord command Israel to take off at Horeb?
Exodus 33:5,6 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. 6And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.
20. What did Peter say about the proper adorning of a Christian?
1 Peter 3:3,4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
21. What has God said about distinction in clothing?
Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
22. What, on a man, would blur that distinction?
1 Corinthians 11:14,15 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering
23. What motive is behind the dress of the world?
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
24. What has God’s grace been given to teach us?
Titus 2:11,12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
25. Why did Jesus give himself for us?
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
26. How did Paul indicate that it was with gladness that he gave up all things in order to have Christ?
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
27. A true Christian will want not only to keep God’s explicit commandments, but also do those things he knows are what?
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
28. Whatsoever is born of God does what?
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
In the Light of God's Word...
I understand that the lifestyle of a true Christian is markedly different from that of an unbeliever.
I understand that God requires me to reveal His principles in my thoughts, my dress, my reading, and in all my activities.
I desire to do all that is pleasing to God.
Next Lesson: Recognizing God’s Ownership
How much do you own? How much does God own? Obviously, only God can answer the second question but when you realize that He's the creator of the universe, including this tiny planet, you must also realize that He owns everything! So I ask again, how much do you own? You'll discover, in Lesson 27, that God does own everything and that we owe Him something. The Bible makes it clear as to what that is and that God has promised to bless us when we give back to Him.
1. How should the Christian relate to the things of the world?
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2. What similar appeal does Paul give?
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
3. Anyone who is allied with the world is what?
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
4. How is our need of distinction from the world emphasized?
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. We are to be transformed by renewing what?
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our mind is made up of what we feed it. If we would develop the mind of Christ we must be very selective in what we allow to enter it through our eyes and ears.
6. When must we stop our ears and shut our eyes?
Isaiah 33:15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
7. How did Job control his eyes?
Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
8. What did David resolve?
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
9. What should we think about?
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Whatsoever things are true
Whatsoever things are honest
Whatsoever things are just
Whatsoever things are pure
Whatsoever things are lovely
Whatsoever things are of good report
if there be any virtue
and if there be any praise
think on these things.
A true Christian will allow these principles to direct all his choices of reading, listening, viewing, recreation and leisure activities. If the words of Philippians 4:8 were prominently displayed on top of the television, much good would result.
10. How does the Bible describe people’s great desire for entertainment today?
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
11. Under what description would someone who loves fiction fall?
Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
12. When people were converted in Ephesus, what did they do with their evil books?
Acts 19:19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
13. What type of music is best for the Christian?
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
14. What about our associations?
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3.
15. What is the best defense against sin?
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
16. What should be our prayer?
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
17. How ought Christians to adorn themselves?
1 Timothy 2:9,10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
18. When preparing to go before God, Jacob’s household washed, changed their garments, and gave what two things to Jacob?
Genesis 35:2-4 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
The Bible associates cosmetics and jewelry with the vain worldliness of the wicked:
“They had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.” Judges 8:24.
“Jezebel... painted her face, and tired her head.” 2 Kings 9:30.
“Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair.” Jeremiah 4:30.
“The Lord said,... wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations.” “That ye have sent for men to come from far,... for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.” “Which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.” “Thus will I cause... that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.” Ezekiel 23:36-49.
“She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.” Hosea 2:13.
“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” Revelation 17:4.
Isaiah 3:16-24 provides a very revealing list of worldly decorations which the Lord rebukes among the daughters of Zion. In verse 9 He says, “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them.”
19. What did the Lord command Israel to take off at Horeb?
Exodus 33:5,6 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. 6And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.
20. What did Peter say about the proper adorning of a Christian?
1 Peter 3:3,4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
21. What has God said about distinction in clothing?
Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
22. What, on a man, would blur that distinction?
1 Corinthians 11:14,15 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering
23. What motive is behind the dress of the world?
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
24. What has God’s grace been given to teach us?
Titus 2:11,12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
25. Why did Jesus give himself for us?
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
26. How did Paul indicate that it was with gladness that he gave up all things in order to have Christ?
Philippians 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
27. A true Christian will want not only to keep God’s explicit commandments, but also do those things he knows are what?
1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
28. Whatsoever is born of God does what?
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
In the Light of God's Word...
I understand that the lifestyle of a true Christian is markedly different from that of an unbeliever.
I understand that God requires me to reveal His principles in my thoughts, my dress, my reading, and in all my activities.
I desire to do all that is pleasing to God.
Next Lesson: Recognizing God’s Ownership
How much do you own? How much does God own? Obviously, only God can answer the second question but when you realize that He's the creator of the universe, including this tiny planet, you must also realize that He owns everything! So I ask again, how much do you own? You'll discover, in Lesson 27, that God does own everything and that we owe Him something. The Bible makes it clear as to what that is and that God has promised to bless us when we give back to Him.