How are Christians not of this world?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Christians are "not of this world" because their identity and focus are grounded in eternal truths, rather than temporary earthly pursuits (Luke 12:33; John 18:36) Christians prioritize godly, eternal, and kingdom values, over worldly success and possessions; they trust that their true treasure is in heaven. Just like Jesus, Christians live according to a different set of priorities, one that often contradicts the world’s logic, such as forgiving others even when it’s hard or choosing honesty over convenience (Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 4:25). This mindset shifts how they handle conflict, relationships, and their time and resources, knowing their ultimate home and purpose are with God. In every choice, Christians are called to reflect the values of God's kingdom and point others toward the hope found in Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We have power not of this world: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).
• We place our trust not in our own strength or earthly might but in the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The phrase "not of this world" comes from John 18:36 where Jesus says, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." In context, Jesus is speaking to Pilate, assuring the governor that He was not leading a political revolution to overthrow Rome. Instead, he was leading a spiritual movement that would change the hearts of people for eternity.
• Earlier, Jesus had prayed, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:14). This verse gives us a clue as to why we are "not of this world"—because Jesus isn't.
• We seek "a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys" (Luke 12:33).
• Our Heavenly Father's house is something we look forward to, where there are "many rooms" (John 14:2).
• Our peace in any situation comes straight from our Lord, the Prince of Peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you" (John 14:27).
• Our enemy is spiritual, as are our weapons and tactics of battle. "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4).
• We rely on God’s strength instead of our own: "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
• We have a home outside this world: "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20).
• Similar to Abraham, we live "as in a foreign land … looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10).
• Those who have lived and died in faith "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13). This world was not their home, nor is it ours.
• Just like Moses, we endure because we see the unseen (Hebrews 11:27).
• Instead of building up treasures on this earth, we look forward to God’s kingdom: "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come" (Hebrews 13:14).
• Our riches are not material but eternal, "kept in heaven" (1 Peter 1:4). The world wants it all now, but we can wait for it.
• We don’t fear the world because "the one who is in (us) is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we are born into the family of God, we "participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (2 Peter 1:4 NIV). We walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6), and He was out of step with this world's system, to say the least. This world relies on what it can see, but as God’s children we walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This looks like making decisions based on eternal truths, even when they seem counter to the world’s logic. For example, a person might choose to forgive someone who has wronged them, not because it’s easy or just in the world's eyes but because God’s Word calls them to forgive just as Christ forgave us (Matthew 6:14-15). Or consider someone prioritizing time in prayer and Bible study over advancing their career or accumulating wealth—knowing that true treasures are eternal and not temporary (Matthew 6:19-21). It might mean choosing integrity in the workplace when the temptation to cut corners is high, trusting that God rewards honesty and faithfulness, even if it costs something in the short term (Proverbs 12:22). In all these instances, walking by faith means trusting in God's Word and promises, regardless of how circumstances might look or what the world values. Ultimately, being "not of this world" is about living with a different set of priorities and values, shaped by our identity in Christ. As we look ahead to our eternal home, our lives here reflect the truth that we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). This mindset changes everything—from how we handle conflict to how we spend our time and resources. The world may chase after fleeting pleasures, but we are called to invest in what lasts forever; our true hope and purpose are found in the unshakable kingdom of God. In every moment, we have the opportunity to point others to that hope by living out the radical love, peace, and purpose that flow from our relationship with Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Christians are not of this world because their focus is on eternal treasures and God's kingdom, not on temporary earthly possessions or values.
• Christians are not of this world because they rely on God’s power and strength.
• Christians live with a different set of priorities, reflecting their identity as citizens of heaven.

REFLECT

• How do you live as a believer who is in this world but not of it?
• What challenges do you face in recognizing that Christians are not of this world?
• What does it look like for you to seek treasures in heaven rather than on this earth?

ENGAGE

• How does the concept of being "not of this world" challenge the way we interact with others in daily life?
• How can we encourage each other to live with a heavenly mindset while navigating the pressures and temptations of this world?
• What are some practical ways to prioritize God’s kingdom over worldly success or possessions in today’s culture?