LIVING IN A FALLEN WORLD
INTRODUCTION
Living in a fallen world includes those who changed (exchanged) the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature (human depravity) more than the Creator (God). Apostle Paul wrote: The women did change (exchanged) the natural use into (for) that which is against nature.
Likewise the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working that which is unseemly (shameful) (Romans 1:25-27). This and other events such as the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit were living in a fallen world category.
Living in a Fallen World
Surrounding Culture
It was noted that some blame the ills of mankind on the surrounding culture, but after the Great Flood (in Noah’s day), people were given a fresh start; a blank slate to begin anew. What happened; the ancient evil erupted with a vengeance. Our problem is not external; it is in the heart. We are all family, one race, one people, but, sad to say, we are a fallen race and a depraved family.
Where there is no fear of God, no reverence for God, every evil can and will abound. The idea that we humans will be good without God is a deceptive fallacy. When people are devoid of the knowledge and wisdom that come from believing God and having reverence for Him, they become morally corrupt, exceedingly evil, violent and destructive.
Wicked Thoughts
The Prophet Jeremiah cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)? It was noted that such thinking today can arise from many sources: absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the Internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring the Word of God; giving into a materialistic worldview.
A question was asked: Will we allow the sanctifying Scriptures and the purifying blood of Christ to cleanse our heart and mind or will we persist in sin-filled thinking and experience God's judgment? Has one become so blinded by lustful pursuits that they fail to see the need of a redeeming (delivering) Savior (Jesus) from the grip of sin? Has living in a fallen world become acceptable rather than repulsive; a question that needs to be answered by each individual towards the saving of the soul.
Church World
Some of the church has embraced living in a fallen world concept; thank God for those who have not fallen into such a concept. It was noted that we are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. This permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society. Very few people this day hold to their heart’s convictions; they change to blend in with their environment.
As tolerance and acceptance play into the picture; we witness more of what is described taking place. The influence of a younger generation is becoming more persuasive in its influence. A question was asked: Which will it be Christian Biblical values or secular? It was noted that we are in a crucial moment in that nations previously noted as Christian nations are becoming more secular in nature leaving God out of the equation.
Pawns in Hands of
Ungodly Influence
Of all influences brought to bear on the Jewish exiles (Daniel 1:3-5), none was more damaging than the attempt to make them forget their God. We are witnessing the youth of the land becoming as pawns in the hands of the ungodly; programming them at a young age rather than a godly influence.
There is an ongoing influence through Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transformation; to name but a few, that would upset the normality of life for generations to come.
Goals include: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them violation of free speech and free press; break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV.
Promoting homosexuality as normal, natural, healthy; infiltrate the press, gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with progressive social religion.
Making a Difference
Living in a fallen world it may seem difficult to believe that we, as believers, can make a difference. It was noted that sometimes our little light seems small indeed; with the darkness being overwhelming, but throughout history of the church it has been a community of light than cannot be quenched.
Jesus said: You (the believer) are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14); let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). It was noted that this is descriptive of the essential mission of the Christian as a light to the world; a light that clearly shines forth into the darkness of human depravity. Darkness is the absence of light; and darkness alone cannot dispel the light but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.
Seemingly Hopeless Situation
Living in a fallen world can at times project a seemingly hopeless outlook as in the case of the Prophet Elijah, who cried out to the Lord: I have been very zealous for the Lord God; the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant and thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only am left, and they seek my life to take it away (1 Kings 19:10).
God’s answer to Elijah’s distress: Yet I have left (reserved) me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal (a false god) (1 Kings 19:18). One may be dismayed at the power of the enemy prevailing but God has equipped His people to fight the good fight of faith during such troublesome times.
Whole Armor of God
Apostle Paul wrote: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (human standards), but against principles, against powers, against the rules of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take (take up) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day (living in a fallen world), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 5:10-13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God; in addition, Paul emphasized the importance of prayer (Ephesians 5:14-18).
Weapons of Our Warfare
Apostle Paul revealed: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to tearing down of strongholds, casting down of imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Jesus said to Apostle Peter (representative of the church): You are Peter, and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (opposition) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
Jesus’ gave assurance that even living in a fallen world; the gates of hell (forces of evil) shall not prevail against the church. Forces opposition may appear to be victorious in nature but reality is that in the end the forces of righteousness will prevail. We may be living in a fallen world but God’s Word assures a victorious life with Jesus being the source of that victory.
God's Provision for Mankind
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36).
Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:14). Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Living in a fallen world does not preclude salvation of the soul; the choice lies with each individual as to where they will spend eternity when life on earth if finished.
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