By: Pastor Brandon Freeman
Our statement of faith is a doctrinal summary of what we believe, while our church covenant is a practical summary of how we agree to live according to God’s Word. Although the church covenant does not include every explicit command regarding obedience, it does give a general overview of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ. For Liberty Baptist Church, upholding our church covenant together is an indispensable part of our commitment as church members.
Let’s consider one line of our church covenant and think through why and how we can “live carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.”
Why and How to Live Carefully in the World
The phrase “live carefully in the world” is rooted in Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians, “Look carefully then how you walk” (Eph 5:15). Paul continues, “not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” In short, we must live carefully in the world because there is a wise way to live and the time is short to do so. The days are evil, Paul says. The devil is the ruler of this world (2 Cor 4:4), and temptations abound in this world. That is why Jesus taught us to pray, “lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:4).
We must think deeply about how we will live each day to fulfill our God-given responsibilities (1 Pet 2:12). We have one life to live, and that should cause us to be deadly serious about knowing what Scripture says so that we can live according to it. May I encourage you to study Scripture, read substantive Christian books, talk with other church members, and connect with your pastors for the purpose of being better equipped to live in this dark world!
We also should live carefully in this world because ultimately, this world is not our home (2 Pet 2:11). We are “elect exiles” (1 Pet 1:1)—pilgrims on our way to the eternal city of God (Heb 11:10). How can you more purposefully and biblically journey toward heaven?
First, resolve to conform every aspect of life to be in step with Scripture. This requires us to know what Scripture says, to repent of all we have kept for ourselves, and to pursue the things God has communicated to us in His Word. Next, learn about those in history who lived carefully in the world. The author of Hebrews writes, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (13:7).
Why and How to Deny Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts
Ungodliness and worldly lusts are contrary to God’s Word and hinder our growth in discipleship. Instead, we must pursue godliness together for several reasons.
Godliness is one of the great aims of our salvation. J.C. Ryle, a nineteenth-century Bishop of Liverpool, was right: “We must be holy, because this is one grand end and purpose for which Christ came into the world….Jesus is a complete Saviour. He does not merely take away the guilt of a believer’s sin, he does more—he breaks its power” (1 Pet. 1:2; Rom. 8:29; Eph 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 12:10; emphasis mine). God in the gospel grants us forgiveness from unrighteous living and empowers us toward righteous behavior.
Sin will not make you happy. Oh, that we might be persuaded that sin promises what it cannot deliver and steals what you believe is secure. Ungodliness and worldly lusts must be denied because our contentment in God is at stake.
Ungodliness keeps you from being an effective Christian (2 Pet 1:8). Everyone in your life, including yourself, will be blessed through your godliness. When we live a godly life, the power of the cross to change a wicked heart is clearly displayed, producing fruit in our lives and in those we encounter. In contrast, when we pursue sin, many people suffer the consequences of our ungodliness, and goodness of Christ’s gift of salvation is diminished.
You have died (Col 3:3; Gal 2:20). Remember, “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh” (Gal 5:24). We no longer live for ourselves and for what is pleasurable to us, but we live in such a way that Christ's life and death are reflected in how we live.
To maintain a clean conscience (Acts 24:16). We should pursue Paul and Timothy’s “testimony of conscience,” that “[they] behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God” (2 Cor 1:12).
To strengthen our assurance (2 Pt 1:10). Deliberately sinning creates a fear of judgment (Heb 10:26–27), while denying ungodliness confirms that we have been bought at a price and are no longer our own (1 Cor 6:20).
Because Jesus is coming back (2 Pet 3:11–12). We will give an account of all we have ever thought, said, and done. And while we wait for Christ to return, we 'make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight' (2 Pet 3:14)."
To glorify God (1 Cor 6:19–20). God desires for us to imitate Him in His holiness (1 Pet 1:16). Our good works—rightly motivated—“give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16).
How can we deny ungodliness and world lusts? First, pursue a more biblical view of God and Christ. Until the glory of the Triune God becomes more glorious than the sin we are entangled in, we will not be able to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Second, engage the habits of grace (i.e., the spiritual disciplines)—Bible reading, prayer, and Christian community—each day and week. These rhythms will help keep you from hardening your heart against God (see Heb 3:12–19). Finally, look forward to the reward of eternal life with God. Recall Moses who chose “rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Heb 11:24–26).
May these meditations aid us in living carefully in the world, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.