SERMON
In the World, but not of the world
John 17:14-19; Romans 12:2
August 30, 2026
14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified (John 17:14-19)
Introduction
How do we live in a world and culture and not get changed (even tainted) by that world and culture?
We want to be accepted, “fit in” and so we become and do what our environment dictates to us.
These last 4 weeks Rev Hita engaged us in discovering who Christ is in this complex world of ours. How do we as Christ-followers live in a world that has a growing fascination and dependence on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), a world of creatures (pets, farm and wild animals) some that we love dearly and miss terribly when they die, a world so politically and ideologically charged that even families are divided? How do we relate with science and technology because of our faith?
But Jesus knew what we would up against, because that is exactly his lived experience. And his response?
“Holy weirdness!”
Not really. But “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth…For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified…”
Sermon Conclusion:
Jesus came into the world, becoming one with humanity, but never let the world “get into him.” In other words, he didn’t allow the world to dictate his identity, behavior, and purpose. That – among other things – was what made him so unpopular with those in authority. He knew Whom he belonged to, and Why he was sent: that made all the difference to his identity, behavior, and purpose.
But isn’t it the same for us, being “sent” to live in such a complex world?
Introduction
How do we live in a world and culture and not get changed (even tainted) by that world and culture?
We want to be accepted, “fit in” and so we become and do what our environment dictates to us.
These last 4 weeks Rev Hita engaged us in discovering who Christ is in this complex world of ours. How do we as Christ-followers live in a world that has a growing fascination and dependence on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), a world of creatures (pets, farm and wild animals) some that we love dearly and miss terribly when they die, a world so politically and ideologically charged that even families are divided? How do we relate with science and technology because of our faith?
But Jesus knew what we would up against, because that is exactly his lived experience. And his response?
“Holy weirdness!”
Not really. But “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth…For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified…”
- In the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-19)
- Holy weirdness is when everyone thinks you’re weirdly different, because of God’s Life, Love and Truth have covered the sin in you. Interestingly, both sides will think you’re weird for opposite reasons!
- It is the identity that comes because of God’s choosing, and your willing response
- It happened to Jesus, it happens to his disciples – IT IS NORMAL (not because we purposely want to stick out as “sore thumbs,” but because of whom we belong to)
- It is also important to remember that we will always feel that even while we are a part of the world(s) we live in, we will never fully belong. Why? We are “sent in” just as Jesus was “sent in” by God. We are recruited on a “mission” – this present world is not our final destination
- We depend on Jesus to sustain us in this “Holy Weirdness” – just as he depended on his Father
- Strangely, it is suffering that God uses to “make holy,” or cleanse, or prune, or complete his child – even Jesus (Hebrews 2:10)
- Mind renewal transformation (Romans 12:1-2)
- Paul reminds his Roman readers: “Therefore.” Jesus gave his life for you – to pay for your sin, to set you free. Therefore RESPOND to him with your heart, your life
- Give yourself completely to him – just as would a worship offering; not because you have to, but because you want to
- Recognize this of yourself: You no longer belong to the world – pre-fabricated, unoriginal copies of each other, without any distinguishing features (good or bad)
- Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your mind, your thinking, changing your perspectives
- How? Study the Word through the Holy Spirit. Pray in the Holy Spirit. The life, love, and truth of the Son of God can grow only if you allow the Holy Spirit to nourish it by the Word and prayer…mind renewal
- Transformation of the mind always leads to transformation of perspectives – the only way to live as Jesus did: In the world, but not of the world
Sermon Conclusion:
Jesus came into the world, becoming one with humanity, but never let the world “get into him.” In other words, he didn’t allow the world to dictate his identity, behavior, and purpose. That – among other things – was what made him so unpopular with those in authority. He knew Whom he belonged to, and Why he was sent: that made all the difference to his identity, behavior, and purpose.
But isn’t it the same for us, being “sent” to live in such a complex world?