Dearest friends: many of us know that we are children of God, and also that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. We have died with Christ, and forever thankfully He has set us free from the nefarious spiritual powers of this world.

The ‘world’, which sadly loves darkness and shuns the light, would love us as one of its own if we belonged to it, but we should no longer be a part of the world, with all its trappings and iniquity. Jesus chose us to come out of the world, so it hates us because we love purity and expose its wickedness by siding with Him. So PLEASE! Don’t ever try to copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but instead let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable us all to share His divine nature, and to escape the world’s corruption caused by fleshly human desires.

If any of you need wisdom, just ask our generous God, and He promises to give it to us. He will not rebuke anyone for asking. But… when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God ALONE. Do not waver, for a person with such a divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea, that is blown and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, for their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. 
Religion is a funny word these days because it has new, negative meanings attached to it; but take note that pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress, and refusing to let the world corrupt you. Nothing wrong with that at all, it is of God.

I implore you all to not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you actually do not have the love of the Father in you. (!). The world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. Though is hard to believe for some people, these are not at all from the Heavenly Father, but are from this sinful world and the evil spiritual powers that legally control it. This world is fading away, along with everything that people crave, so don’t place your trust in it. But, anyone who does what pleases God will live forever! 

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when He judges the world. Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable, and practice what you preach. All of our trusts should be in God alone, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment, in holiness, in Him. Therefore, put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

You had better believe that the end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. It is promised that every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, so let’s do it! We should rather live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. Bless His holy name!