Lost In Translation

May 22

Read: 1 John 4:1-6

Lost In Translation

“They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.” (v.5)

The people of God do not speak the world’s language. We see this truth described over and over again in the scriptures: Jesus says to Nicodemus, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Flesh gives birth to flesh, and only Holy Spirit gives birth to spirit…or the “spiritual”. Paul says it this way in 1 Corinthians, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 2:12-14) In a more organic way, Jesus describes this truth in terms of sheep and a shepherd; “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27,28) The children of God are simply “not of this world”… we have been called by God and set apart. (cf. John 8:23, 18:33-36) We traffic in a set of truths that are different than the world’s.

Are you still listening to the spirit of this world? Are you stuck in worldly ideas? Are you trying to use your flesh to give birth to spiritual things? This will never work! Are you speaking spiritually to those who are worldly and being frustrated that they don’t side with you… agree with you… “get onboard”? A person listens to the one who truly leads them. Whose voice are we seeking and listening to? “Worldly” prophets will speak “worldly” things… and those who are rooted in this world will listen! The fact of the matter is that this “world" is passing away, and a new world is coming about - a “new” place that is called the Kingdom of God. Those rooted in this world suffer the same fate as the world itself - they “perish” and are “destroyed”. (cf. John 3:16, Matt 7:13,14)

You have been brought to life by Christ. You have been given “eternal life” through Jesus! The Lord has called you to himself. God his given you His Spirit - the Holy Spirit - and he has entrusted you with “spiritual” things… “that we may understand the things freely given us by God… words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit.” For this reason, we “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” You know better…as the BELOVED CHILDREN of God. You see, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (v.4) We need not be afraid. The one who is in us is “GREATER THAN”. Greater than our depression. Greater than our fear. Greater than our sins. Greater than our wounds. Greater than on earthly goals. Greater than our money. Greater than… and dwelling within. Therefore, you need not be afraid to let go of those worldly things bound for destruction anyways. You speak a new language now. You think in a new way. You have been brought to life. There is work to be done. Listen for the voice of your true shepherd… the one who calls you… JESUS. Stop trying to speak the world’s language and play the world’s game… it is headed nowhere! You have something “greater than”! “Whoever knows God LISTENS…” (v.6) Love you guys. - JDP