For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

(Romans 8:6)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(John 17:17)

What should we do when there is worldliness in our surroundings?

I. Cleave to the Word

 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

(John 15:5)

A. The Word will:

1. Keep us away from sin — “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

 2. Help us see our paths — “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105,133)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

(Psalms 119:133)

3. Make us strong against temptation — Jesus overcame the devil by saying, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4,7,10)

4. Give us wisdom in every decision — “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” (James 1:5)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

5. Convict our lives — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

 II. Pray for One Another

1. It’s an expression of concern — “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” (James 5:16)

2. It is needed in the ministry. 

 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:(2 Thessalonians 3:1)

3. Prayers help solve problems — Example: Rhoda (Acts 12:12–16) when the church prayed and Peter was miraculously released.

 4. Instead of criticizing your pastor, pray for the pastor — “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17)

• Example of Hur and Aaron (Exodus 17:10)

5. Sometimes we tend to blame someone and fail to see our own faults and shortcomings:

Pray for ourselves — “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

Examine yourself — “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Don’t have just “a form of godliness but denying the power” — (2 Timothy 3:5)

If you want to strengthen others, you must first be corrected — “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

 III. Be an Example

 A. If you want others to follow, be an example.

1. An example of faith and giving — “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) (Bacoor)

2. An example of humility (Christ) — “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5,8)

 3. An example of concern for others — “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

 4. An example of conversation and purity.

• Don’t put down others — “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.” (Ephesians 4:29)
• Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Why do these?

a) God wants to bless you — “The LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

b) God wants to use you — “Ye are the light of the world… let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16)

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