Their identity is not rooted in the world's way.

They must physically leave the world behind.

They draw their identity from the world's values.

They are positioned above the world as its rulers.

Those spoken of are described as standing outside the world's source.

The verse tells them to make themselves different.

The verse says the world will no longer matter to them.

Let Jesus shape choices, even when that differs from surrounding pressure.

Pull back from ordinary life so no one can influence you.

Hide your faith so you blend in more easily.

Assume the world is hopeless and stop caring about people.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have tried to belong to the world instead of to you. I confess my sin and my need for your mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and ask you to make me yours. Be my Lord and my Savior, and teach me to live in your way. Amen.

Belonging to Jesus

Lord, revive your Church to live as a people whose lives are not shaped by the world. Free us from compromise, fear, and the need to fit in. Make us steady, holy, and joyful in our belonging to Jesus, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wake Your Church to Live Differently

Father, thank you that Jesus did not take his identity from the world, and that you call us to share his life. Thank you that our worth is not decided by surrounding pressure, but by belonging to him, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for a Different Belonging

Pray by naming one setting where the world's pressure feels strong, then ask God to show you what faithfulness looks like there. End by asking for courage to choose Jesus over approval and peace when you feel out of step with others.

Pray About the Pressure to Fit In

Bring these before God: the places where you feel pressure to fit in; the habits that shape your loyalties; the fear of standing out; the desire to belong more deeply to Jesus than to the world.

Bring These Before God

Father, strengthen believers who are mocked, isolated, or tempted to hide their faith. Remind them that Jesus also did not belong to the world, and give them quiet courage to live openly for him, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Strength for Believers Under Pressure

ἐκ{ek###ehk###from} τοῦ{TOO###TOO###the} κόσμου{KOS-moo###KOHS-moo###world} οὐκ{ook###ook###not} εἰσὶν{ee-SEEN###ee-SEEN###they are} καθὼς{ka-THOS###kah-THOHS###just as} ἐγὼ{e-GO###eh-GOH###I} ⸂οὐκ{ook###ook###not} εἰμὶ{ee-MEE###ee-MEE###am} ἐκ{ek###ehk###from} τοῦ{TOO###TOO###the} κόσμου⸃.{KOS-moo###KOHS-moo###world}

John 17:16 — LiteralTAB

More on this verse