Brief Answer

When Jesus said that Christians are “not of this world,” He meant that, through faith in Him, believers no longer belong to the world’s system and values but are set apart for God’s purposes. Christians live in the world, but their identity, values, and ultimate citizenship are rooted in the kingdom of God. This spiritual reality calls Christians to live differently, reflecting God’s truth and love.

Understanding “Not of This World” from a Biblical Perspective

Biblical Perspective

Jesus spoke about being “not of this world” in John 17:14-16, where He prayed to the Father, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” He emphasized that while His followers live in the world, they do not belong to it in the same way. This phrase indicates a distinction in identity and purpose:

• A New Identity: Believers in Christ are “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and their primary identity is as children of God (1 John 3:1). Their lives reflect their belonging to God’s kingdom rather than the earthly systems around them.
• A Higher Calling: Jesus calls His followers to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing the world with God’s truth rather than conforming to worldly patterns (Romans 12:2).

Historical Context

In Jesus’ time, being “not of this world” had profound implications. Roman society had strong values around power, honor, and pleasure, but Jesus taught a radically different way of humility, love, and service. His disciples were called to live according to God’s kingdom principles, even if they faced opposition from society.

The early church experienced persecution precisely because they did not conform to worldly values or worship Roman gods. Early Christians were seen as different in how they lived, cared for one another, and worshiped only one God. This set-apart nature has marked Christians throughout history.

Practical Implications

For Christians today, being “not of this world” impacts daily life and relationships:

• Choices and Values: Believers are called to reject sin and live in ways that honor God. This may mean avoiding certain behaviors, practices, or attitudes that go against God’s Word.
• Witness to Others: By living distinctly, Christians become a witness to those around them. The way believers show love, patience, and humility points others to Jesus (John 13:35).
• Resisting Worldly Influence: Christians are called to be vigilant about what they allow to shape their minds and hearts. Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to think on things that are true, noble, and pure, aligning thoughts and behaviors with God’s standards.

Theological Depth and Insight

Being “not of this world” highlights a key theological truth about Christian identity:

• Union with Christ: When we trust in Jesus, we are united with Him in His death and resurrection. Colossians 3:3 says, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Our new life is tied to Jesus, making us citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
• Sanctification: Jesus prayed for believers to be sanctified in truth (John 17:17), which means being set apart and transformed by God’s Word. Sanctification involves a daily process of becoming more like Jesus, living in contrast to worldly influences.

Broader Biblical Themes

The theme of being “not of this world” runs throughout the Bible:

• Exiles and Sojourners: Hebrews 11 speaks of Old Testament saints as “foreigners and strangers on earth,” seeking a heavenly country. This image captures the idea of Christians living as temporary residents on earth, awaiting their true home with God.
• Light in Darkness: Ephesians 5:8 encourages believers to “live as children of light.” Christians are meant to bring God’s light to a world often in spiritual darkness, contrasting with worldly values.
• Hope of Eternity: Jesus’ followers live with an eternal perspective, knowing their ultimate future is in God’s presence (2 Corinthians 4:18). This hope motivates a life focused on what matters to God, rather than temporal concerns.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live as people who are “not of this world.” By the Spirit’s work, believers are:

• Guided in Truth: The Spirit reveals God’s truth, helping Christians understand and follow His will (John 16:13).
• Strengthened Against Temptation: The Holy Spirit equips believers to resist worldly temptations and live in holiness (Galatians 5:16).
• Transformed: The Spirit produces fruit in a believer’s life—love, joy, peace, and other attributes that reflect God’s character (Galatians 5:22-23).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In a world with shifting values and pressures to conform, remembering that we are “not of this world” is crucial:

• Courage to Stand Firm: Believers are called to stand for God’s truth even when it goes against popular opinion, trusting in God’s strength.
• Living with Integrity: Knowing our lives are “hidden with Christ” inspires Christians to live with integrity, even in challenging situations.
• Seeking God’s Approval: Being “not of this world” frees believers from seeking human approval, encouraging a life that pleases God (Galatians 1:10).

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus, the ultimate example of someone “not of this world,” showed us how to live with heaven’s values on earth. He lived a life of love, sacrifice, and obedience to God, setting a pattern for believers. Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where He asks God to protect His followers and sanctify them, reflects His deep love and desire for His people to remain close to God’s heart, even while living in the world.

Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God demonstrated His love by drawing us out of the world’s darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). By remaining focused on Jesus, Christians are strengthened to live in a way that reflects God’s love and points others to Him.

Bible Characters Who Lived as “Not of This World”

• Abraham: Abraham left his homeland and lived as a sojourner, trusting in God’s promise for a future inheritance and demonstrating faith (Hebrews 11:8-10).
• Daniel: Daniel lived in a foreign culture in Babylon yet remained faithful to God, refusing to conform to the ways of his society and trusting God’s protection (Daniel 1, 6).
• Paul: The Apostle Paul dedicated his life to spreading the gospel, enduring hardship and persecution because he valued his heavenly citizenship over worldly comfort (Philippians 3:20, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• How does understanding that we are “not of this world” shape the way we live?
• What are some areas where we face pressure to conform to worldly values?
• How can the Holy Spirit help us stay focused on God’s truth when worldly influences are strong?
• How does knowing our eternal home is with God give us hope in challenging times?

In summary, to be “not of this world” means that Christians are set apart for God’s purposes, reflecting a new identity, values, and eternal perspective rooted in Jesus. While we live in the world, we live with a heavenly mindset, empowered by the Holy Spirit to shine as lights in a darkened world. This calling inspires Christians to live with courage, integrity, and love, pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Christ.