The Christian and the World

Lesson 26

1. How should the Christian relate to the things of the world?


2. What similar appeal does Paul give?


3. Anyone who is allied with the world is what?


4. How is our need of distinction from the world emphasized?



5. We are to be transformed by renewing what?


Our mind is made up of what we feed it. If we would develop the mind of Christ we must be very selective in what we allow to enter it through our eyes and ears.

6. When must we stop our ears and shut our eyes?


7. How did Job control his eyes?


8. What did David resolve?


9. What should we think about?


Whatsoever things are true

Whatsoever things are honest

Whatsoever things are just

Whatsoever things are pure

Whatsoever things are lovely

Whatsoever things are of good report

if there be any virtue

and if there be any praise

think on these things.

A true Christian will allow these principles to direct all his choices of reading, listening, viewing, recreation and leisure activities. If the words of Philippians 4:8 were prominently displayed on top of the television, much good would result.

10. How does the Bible describe people’s great desire for entertainment today?


11. Under what description would someone who loves fiction fall?


12. When people were converted in Ephesus, what did they do with their evil books?


13. What type of music is best for the Christian?


14. What about our associations?



15. What is the best defense against sin?


16. What should be our prayer?


17. How ought Christians to adorn themselves?

1 Timothy 2:9,10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

18. When preparing to go before God, Jacob’s household washed, changed their garments, and gave what two things to Jacob?


The Bible associates cosmetics and jewelry with the vain worldliness of the wicked:

“They had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.” Judges 8:24.

“Jezebel... painted her face, and tired her head.” 2 Kings 9:30.

“Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair.” Jeremiah 4:30.

“The Lord said,... wilt thou judge Aholah and Aholibah? yea, declare unto them their abominations.” “That ye have sent for men to come from far,... for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.” “Which put bracelets upon their hands, and beautiful crowns upon their heads.” “Thus will I cause... that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness.” Ezekiel 23:36-49.

“She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the Lord.” Hosea 2:13.


Isaiah 3:16-24 provides a very revealing list of worldly decorations which the Lord rebukes among the daughters of Zion. In verse 9 He says, “The shew of their countenance doth witness against them.”

19. What did the Lord command Israel to take off at Horeb?


20. What did Peter say about the proper adorning of a Christian?


21. What has God said about distinction in clothing?


22. What, on a man, would blur that distinction?


23. What motive is behind the dress of the world?


24. What has God’s grace been given to teach us?


25. Why did Jesus give himself for us?


26. How did Paul indicate that it was with gladness that he gave up all things in order to have Christ?


27. A true Christian will want not only to keep God’s explicit commandments, but also do those things he knows are what?


28. Whatsoever is born of God does what?


In the Light of God's Word...

I understand that the lifestyle of a true Christian is markedly different from that of an unbeliever.

I understand that God requires me to reveal His principles in my thoughts, my dress, my reading, and in all my activities.

I desire to do all that is pleasing to God.

Next Lesson: Recognizing God’s Ownership

How much do you own? How much does God own? Obviously, only God can answer the second question but when you realize that He's the creator of the universe, including this tiny planet, you must also realize that He owns everything! So I ask again, how much do you own? You'll discover, in Lesson 27, that God does own everything and that we owe Him something. The Bible makes it clear as to what that is and that God has promised to bless us when we give back to Him.