In but Not of the World

John 17:13-19

The three great enemies of the Christian Life are the world, the flesh and the Devil.  These enemies are identified throughout the New Testament.  For example, there is John’s warning about the world in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  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.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”  Paul addresses the problems of the flesh in Romans 7 and 8, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.  So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”  And, Peter’s warning is also of note, (1 Pet. 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”