Our world has been altered greatly by COVID-19. This highly contagious virus has a unique way of chemically hiding from our body’s immune system until it is too late and we have contracted the disease. “By evading detection with this ‘trojan horse’ feature, the virus is able to replicate in human cells upon infection and spread.” [1]
Similarly to the virus, a question should be asked regarding the church. Rather than watching for a virus that invades, we are to be guarding the holiness of God’s church and His temple, the individual Christian, against the invasion of SIN. It creeps into our lives in many ways. The ‘Trojan Horses’ of sin have been arriving and entering both the church and our lives for many years in a multitude of disguises. We have opened the gates and invited them in.
They arrive as: entertainment, as “things to do” on the Lord’s day, as lust, and coveting. We could go on and on, but it comes down to accepting the ways of the world. “When the church becomes like the world, it will have no influence to change the world.”[2]. We must stay different, holy. The Apostle John warns us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world.”[3]. James adds, “…don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?”[4].
Of course, this love of the world is not the same as Jesus’ love of the world to save all (John 3:16). This love refers to the system of the world including its godless offerings. Returning to 1 John 2:12-17, we find more specific reasons for not loving the world:
1. Because of what the world is (2:16).
2. Because of what the world does to us (2:15).
3. Because of what a Christian is (2:12-14).
4. Because of where the world is going (2:17).
On the other hand, because we have so much in Christ (2:12-14), we ought to guard ourselves against unrighteousness and godlessness – sin.
“See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.”[5]. The Apostle John sets out the plan of action for us to follow in four areas of life (1 John):
1. 2:28-29 Our walk –continue in Him.
2. 3:1-3 Our sight – we shall see Him.
3. 3:4-6 Our conduct – do not continue sinning.
4. 3:7-12 Our victories –win the battles.
In this world we have many battles to fight: personal, testimony, relationships, politics, illnesses, to name a few. We must get involved in the ways God has gifted us and called us. Do not just sit back – do not just hide. Get involved! We must be influencers in this world through the love of God, the salvation of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. First, pray about where you are personally, then, step forward to stand in the gap. Stand for truth and justice. Shout the Good News in every way you can.
1John 2:6, “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did,”
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[1] https://www.news-medical.net/news/20201120/Scientists-exploit-trojan-horse-feature-in-SARS-CoV-2-virus-to-create-antivirals-against-COVID-19.aspx
[2] Be Holy, by Warren Wiersbe, David C. Cook, 4050 Lee Vance Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, chap 13
[3]1 John 2:15
[4]James 4:4
[5]1 John 2:24-25
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