Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #6
Wednesday, 2 November 2005
Second Morning Session
Theme: The Great Makeover
CALM COMPOSURE IN A COMPLEX AND HOSTILE WORLD
Key Texts- For Reference and Meditation

A. SOLEMN WARNINGS ABOUT THE WORLD

1. The Lord Jesus Christ

a) Tribulation in the world          John 16:33

b) Intercession

i) Not of the world          John 17:14

ii) Protected from the evil one          John 17:15

2. Paul

Conformity to the world          Romans 12:1-2

3. John

No love for the world          1 John 2:15-17

B. BAD EXPERIENCES WITH THE WORLD

1. David’s experience with enemies

a) Plotting of the world          Psalm 2:1-3

b) Wicked people described          Psalm 5:9-10; Psalm 14

c) Betrayal by close friends          Psalm 55

2. Messianic Psalms

a) Psalm 22

b) Psalm 118

C. THE WORLD- INFLUENCED BY SATAN

1. In the sway of the devil          1 John 5:19
2. Blinded by Satan          2 Corinthians 4:4
3. Sinful course of the world          Ephesians 2:1-3

INTRODUCTION

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world

John 16:33

1. A Biblical-Personal view of the world is of immense importance
2. A Lack of a clear view of the world endangers us
3. Many believers have been terribly influenced by worldly ideas
4. Change is difficult and painful when one becomes too enmeshed in the world
5. The teachings of the Scriptures are ignored at our own peril

DEADLY ERRONEOUS VIEWS OF THE WORLD

1. As a friendly world
2. As a good world
3. As a desirable world
4. As a world to be loved

DEADLY CONSEQUENCES

Jesus said to him, ..If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:21-22

For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica…

2 Timothy 4:10

1. Prevents people from entering into the kingdom of heaven
2. Prevents people from giving up worldly possessions
3. Turns people away from serving the Lord

BITTER EXPERIENCES WITH THE WORLD

Course of this world…

Ephesians 2:2

1. Conformed to the world

You once walked according to the course of this world

Ephesians 2:2a

2. Controlled by Satan

According to the prince of the power of the air

Ephesians 2:2b

The spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience

Ephesians 2:2c

3. Corrupt conduct
a) “Lusts of our flesh”          Ephesians 2:3a
b) “Fulfilling the desires of the flesh”          Ephesians 2:3b
c) “And of the mind”          Ephesians 2:3c
d) “By nature children of wrath”          Ephesians 2:3d

A VITALLY CHANGED PERSPECTIVE AND APPROACH

1. A correct Perspective

For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world

1 John 2:16

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever

1 John 2:17

2. Resistance and Rejection of the ways of the world

…Do not be conformed to this world..

Romans 12:2a

3. A Transformed/changed approach

But be transformed by the renewing of your mind…

Romans 12:2b

4. Consideration of the Church as the Domain of Believers and not the world

a) Epistle to the Ephesians

b) Gifts of God to be employed in the context of the Church          Romans 12:3-21

RETREAT CHALLENGES

1. Many have not consciously chosen to be out of this world, and to be identified with the Lord fully. If we truly desire to change, there must be a definite and permanent decision to choose to have a transformed mindset.
2. Practical changes must be thought through and then implemented.
3. List Changes that must be made.
4. List Difficulty in making these changes.
5. Ponder the danger of being ensnared by the world