Sunday Preview: Seeing This World As It Really Is

Life is busy. And because it is, it is astonishing how easily we become entangled in the temporary, often relegating the eternal to a secondary status. In 2 Peter 3:10, Peter reminds us that everything we know and accumulate will ultimately burn up. This begs the question: do we truly live as if we believe this? Matthew 6:19-21 challenges us to adopt a godly, eternal perspective, urging us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Galatians 1:3-5 defines the purpose for which Jesus died, emphasizing the act of 'deliverance' or 'rescue' from the current 'age.' This 'age' refers not so much to a period but to a system or era dominated by lies, deception, and Satan's agenda. Our world is temporal, physical, and ultimately passing away.

Galatians 6:14 provides insight into the accomplishments of the cross, prompting us to question what it truly means to be crucified with Christ. Because of Jesus, we are declared dead to the world, and the world is dead to us. Therefore, we no longer relate to the world's corrupt system.

Colossians 2:20 speaks to those who have died with Christ, stating that they have also died to the elementary spirits of the world. Anything the world presents is considered elementary in comparison to the profound truth of God, demonstrating that Christians are equipped with transcendent truth.

1 John 2:15-17 uses the word 'world' to describe the present-age system, characterized by order but corrupted by sin and Satan's influence. Love for the world is incompatible with love for God. If we love the world, it indicates a misunderstanding of our Christian identity, as the world incites sin and is ultimately passing away.

Where are your affections? In a fleeting world, why would we ever prioritize it over God? These scriptures urge us to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things,

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, ask yourself:

• How can modern Christians practically apply the concept of being "dead to the world" in their daily lives?
• How does understanding Galatians 1:3-5 impact your approach to the world?
• Considering the command to not love the world from 1 John 2:15-17, how can Christians discern between enjoying God's creation and falling into the trap of loving the world's system? 
• Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, what are some contemporary "arguments" and "pretensions that set themselves up against the knowledge of God?”
• Colossians 3:1-2 challenges us to set our hearts on things above. What practical steps or habits can Christians adopt to align their affections and priorities more closely with eternal values?

 OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Boyd Hastings
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Rich Jacobs
Tommy Ray
Jeff Livingston
Gary Jackson
SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
1 John 2:15-17
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Billy Robbins
CLOSING COMMENTS
George Wacks
WELCOME CENTER
Jessica Johnson / Sadonna Schofield
USHERS
Matt Ringle / Ben Baker
SONG DEVOTIONAL

COMMUNION PREP
Hannah Walker
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Dan Spargo