Overcoming Worldliness

Years ago, an elder in the church told me that an older preacher had told him that worldliness was the greatest threat facing the Lord's church. Things have not changed.Just as church members, because of where they walk, bring dirt into the church building on the bottoms of their shoes, so also, because of how some members choose to live, they bring the world into the church. Converts often come into the Lord's church without fully abandoning their worldly ways. Some who are raised in the church long to enjoy the sinful pleasures of the world around them. Some elders turn blind eyes; some preachers speak in generalities without making specific applications; and the sin in the church worsens.When we hear a Christian say, "I don't see anything wrong with dancing, drinking in moderation, playing the lottery, or wearing revealing clothing," we know that person's moral compass is aligned with the world, not with Scripture. However, these days we also hear, "I see nothing wrong with getting a tattoo;" "we shouldn't be so condemning of homosexuals;" or "I caught my husband viewing pornography!" Today's church is suffering through the drug epidemic that is impacting the world around us. Adultery is common, even among preachers, elders, and deacons. Divorce among brethren occurs at an alarming rate. Through their social media posts, Christians often reflect a love for the world. No, things have not changed. Satan is still having his way with many of God's people.In this workbook, we consider numerous forms of worldliness that trouble God's people. The lessons look at how these various practices violate the standards God has clearly set forth in His word, and then consider what we can do to overcome these challenges in our lives. The final lesson addresses the importance of maintaining our influence and reputations in this world.