I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:14–16 (NLT)
Jesus prayed for his disciples and us before he went to the cross. In preparation for his departure, he tells the Father that he has prepared the disciples by giving them the words of the Father. He acknowledges that the world hates his disciples, because they do not belong to the world just as he does not belong to the world.
He does not ask the father to take us out of the world, but to keep us safe from the evil one. I want to look at four things: our preparation, our separation, our sanctification, and our commission.
Our Preparation
Every significant task requires preparation. Because we inhabit this world, we understand that we must be educated in reading and writing, mathematics, history, the sciences, etc. This is followed by more specialized education and study in our chosen field of work. We all understand the concept of preparation for our life’s work. But more importantly is our preparation for living as Christ-followers in this world.
We anticipate Christ’s return, and we wait with eagerness to see our Savior face to face. But our enemy and this world system are equipped to discourage us and distract us. Satan has multiple resources and tools to defeat us. Paul reminds us that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.
He discourages us with tests and trials, causing us to become weary. At other times he will lull us to sleep by making us comfortable and unaware of our surroundings and situation. Our goal is to be ready when Christ returns. Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on! Be like house servants waiting for their master to come back from his honeymoon, awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. Luke 12:35-36 (The Message)
To prepare, we must ask ourselves what is essential? We face things that can distract or amuse us, but what must we do to be absolutely prepared to be in this world but not of it?
Paul said, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.” We must do the things that build each other up in our faith. We live preparing to see Jesus while remaining fervent in prayer.
Our Separation
To be in the world, but not of the world requires separation, something that differentiates us from those around us. Unless we are Christ’s disciples when we go into the world, we will become like the world.
Our separation occurs in two directions. As we choose not to engage in the activities of sin so common in this world, we will on one hand be separating ourselves from the world and on the other, the world will complete that separation by not excepting us and treating us as they did Jesus.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:18-19 (NLT)
How is it possible to function in this world, and still be separate? We know that God calls us to be salt and light and to impact those around us, but the reason for separation is not isolation, but protection. We can never forget that we are at war and the battle is for our souls. We become vulnerable if we enter into situations and agreements that force us to compromise what we believe.
Our Sanctification (Holiness)
Sanctification is one of those biblical words, which usually require further definition, because we seldom encounter it in everyday conversations. Simply put, sanctification is the act of setting apart someone or something for a holy purpose and use. Sanctification goes beyond separation. You can be separated and not be sanctified.
People separate themselves from the world for assorted reasons, but that does not mean that they are set aside for a holy purpose or use. When Christians speak of sanctification, we mean being set apart for Jesus. We cannot accomplish sanctification or holiness by our own efforts or actions. It is only possible through what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT)
But in case you are not yet convinced of the importance of sanctification are being set apart for a holy purpose. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
You can be separated without being sanctified. When we are sanctified and separated then we can go back into the world and be effective.
Our Commission
Finally, we are prepared, separated, and sanctified in order to fulfill the commission that Jesus gave to us.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:18–19 (NLT)
Nothing that God calls us to do is without purpose or meaning. In John 17:18 Jesus said, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Paul reminds us that we have received the ministry of reconciliation. We are Christ’s Ambassadors, and we have a commission to represent him in this world. But we cannot do this on our own. Jesus said, “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
We do not accomplish this in our own strength or power. Jesus gives us everything that we need to our commission. We are to make disciples, training those who will follow after Jesus and prepare them to be in the world, but not of the world.
Steve Ekeroth