"THIS CORRUPT WORLD"

Was the apostles' generation more corrupt than than the world we live in today? It would serve no purpose to debate the degrees of corruption of various civilizations. TV shows and news reports certainly indicate that the term "corrupt generation" does indeed fit our times!

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts 2:40

The need of our generation is the same as that of the Penetecost Day crowd to whom Peter spoke: to escape from the evil and Godlessness around us. But God does not call us to completely withdraw from the world or wall ourselves in. While we should avoid temptation and bad company as much as possible, our major strategy has to be a positive one: We are to be light and salt in the world, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ! We are to stand for His truth! We are to reflect Jesus' love in daily dealings with people.

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8

Reaping "life everlasting" includes the fruit of the Spirit in this life and the glorious prospect of the future. Many Christians really ought to be fearful of the return of Christ for His own, because it is then that we shall go before the judgment seat of God to give an account of the things done in the flesh. Although saved, it may be very embarrassing to give an account of our life to Him. John mentions the fact it is possible to be ashamed at is appearing (see 1John 2:28). If you live in the flesh, you produce things of the flesh. That does not mean, however, that you lose your salvation, but it does mean that when we stand before Him, it may be a day of shame and regret. Think on this! We can't change what we have already done ~ but we can certainly move forward and make a difference in the remaining days here on earth! Not that we will be less embarrassed, but it may help to improve our reward.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2Peter 1:4

Now why would Simon Peter call promises "precious"? There have been given us some glorious, wonderful promises in the New Testament. Peter calls them "exceeding great and precious promises." For example: ". . . him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37); and "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) ~ the rest of redemption. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29) ~ that's the rest of commitment of your heart and life to Christ. And another promise: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Another wonderful promise is that of eternal life: "He that hath the Son hath life . . ." (1John 5:12). "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1Peter 1:23). All these wonderful promises come through a knowledge of Jesus Christ and by faith in Him.

"So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." (1Corinthians 15:42)

The body that was given Adam was always subject to death. Although he would not have died if he had not sinned, his body would have been subject to death. However, by resurrection we get a body that is incorruptible!

Application: To escape being caught up in this corrupt world in which we live, we must be on guard against evils which surround us. We need to attack evil with God's truth, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). The Word's power comes from our loving God, who sent His Son to deliver us from all evil!

Today's Devotion: "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immorality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Corinthians 15:50,54)

Heavenly Father, help to keep us from the evil which surrounds us in this corrupt world in which we live today. Lord, we need Your saving strength to walk through this dark place. As You will, help to enable us to be Your shining light; for Jesus sake, in His name we do pray. Amen.

May God Richly Bless You All With His Love.