TOPIC 34 OF 47
Christians and Society
Living as Christ’s representatives in the callings of everyday life.
THE MAIN TRUTH
The Lord Jesus calls us to live in this world as representatives of his heavenly kingdom, yet not to be conformed to the sinful ways of the world.
The teaching
From the book · pages 103–105
The Lord Jesus calls us to live in this world as representatives of his heavenly kingdom, yet not to be conformed to the sinful ways of the world. God created us with unique gifts and abilities, and he placed us in a network of relationships to work for the good of society—in family and education, church and government, farming and industry, science and health, and the arts and entertainment.
Where God puts us and what he gives us to do is the calling (“vocation”) we have, through which we live as instruments of his loving provision—in a rhythm of work and Sabbath rest. Yet this sin-fallen world is influenced by the Devil and demonic powers who seek to corrupt every aspect of society, turning people away from God so that they live for their own selfish, destructive desires.
Scripture warns us not to be led astray by the satanic lies embedded in the corrupt pleasures of this world, which entice our sinful flesh. Christ calls us to be transformed by the Spirit as we renew our minds in God’s Word, so that we may live out the truth of his will as we love and do good to our neighbor. The life of the King is embodied in us as exiles in society.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages hold together engagement in ordinary callings and resistance to the world’s sinful patterns. Renewed by God’s Word, believers serve others where God has placed them.
11 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
John 17:9,11,14-15, 17 ↗
[Jesus:] “I pray for them . . . I am no longer going to be in the world, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. . .I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world . . . protect them from the Evil One . . . Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.”
Book page 104
SCRIPTURE 02
Matthew 25:14-15 ↗
“You see, the kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a journey. He called his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to still another one talent, each according to his ability.”
Book page 104
SCRIPTURE 03
Ephesians 4:1 ↗
“. . . I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.”
Book page 104
SCRIPTURE 04
1 Corinthians 7:17, 19-20 ↗
“However, each person is to live in the situation the Lord assigned to him—the situation he was in when God called him to faith . . . keeping God’s commands is important. Let each person stay in that calling in which he was called.”
Book page 104
SCRIPTURE 05
Galatians 5:13-14 ↗
“After all, brothers, you were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as a starting point for your sinful flesh. Rather, serve one another through love. In fact, the whole law is summed up in this one statement: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Book page 104
SCRIPTURE 06
Galatians 6:10 ↗
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith.”
Book page 105
SCRIPTURE 07
Romans 6:13 ↗
“Do not offer the members of your body to sin . . . offer the members of your body to God as tools of righteousness.”
Book page 105
SCRIPTURE 08
1 Peter 2:11; 4:2; 5:8 ↗
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and temporary residents in the world to abstain from the desires of the sinful flesh, which war against your soul.” “. . . no longer live the rest of your time in the flesh for human desires but for God’s will.” “Be alert. Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Book page 105
SCRIPTURE 09
Ephesians 5:5-8 ↗
“Certainly you are aware of this: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, who is God. Let no one deceive you with empty words . . . So do not share in what they do. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. . .”
Book page 105
SCRIPTURE 10
Romans 12:1-2 ↗
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God— which is your appropriate worship. Also, do not continue to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you test and approve what is the will of God—what is good, pleasing and perfect.”
Book page 105
SCRIPTURE 11
Matthew 5:13-14,16 ↗
“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…let your light shine.”
Book page 105
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
What relationships and responsibilities make up your present callings?
Where do cultural habits pull you away from God’s Word?
How might your ordinary work become an expression of Christ’s care for a neighbor?
A prayer
Father, renew our minds through your Word. Guard us from the world’s deceits and work through our daily callings to bless the people around us. Amen.