The Reality of this Fallen World

In order to set a baseline from which we can proceed, we must come to grips with the harsh reality that we face in this fallen (“cursed”) world. When there is a mismatch between our expectations and reality, that tension can cause AWDF.1

WE LIVE IN A FALLEN WORLD

First, we must accept the fact that we live in an exceedingly—

• “Evil” (see Mat 5:37, 45; 6:13; 7:11; 9:4; 12:34–35, 39, 45; 13:19, 38; 15:19; 16:4; 22:10; Joh 8:44; 1Pe 2:16; 3:9–12; 1Jn 5:19; 2Jn 11; 3Jn 11; etc.; cf. Gen 2:9, 17; 3:5; 6:5; 8:21),
• “Corrupt” (see Rom 1:23; 8:21; Gal 6:8; Eph 4:22; 2Pe 1:4; 2:10, 19; Rev 19:2; Gen 6:11–12; Psa 14:1–3; 53:1–3; 120:2; Pro 10:18; 12:19, 22; Ecc 7:7; Isa 1:4; Jer 6:28; Pro 20:23; etc.),
• “Dark” (see Col 1:13; 1Th 5:4–5; 1Pe 2:9; Eph 5:8; 6:12; Rom 2:19; Act 26:18; Joh 1:5; 8:12; Psa 107:10–14; Mat 4:16; Luk 1:78–79; 2:32; Isa 42:6–7; 60:1–3; Mic 7:8),
• “Dangerous” (Act 27:9 cf. Mat 10:22; 24:9; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17; Rom 11:3; Act 23:14; 1Th 2:15; Rev 13:15), and often
• Cold, hard, and brutal world that was “cursed” by God (Gen 3:17–19; cf. Gen 4:12; 5:29; Rom 5:12; 8:19–22)

—because of the disobedience of man (Gen 3:1–24). And through that disobedience, sin, suffering, corruption, disease, and death entered the world.2

Second, we must also accept the fact that we live in a world with selfish, prideful, corrupt, evil, and greedy men and women all around us. The overwhelmingly vast majority of humanity does not know, acknowledge, or follow God and Jesus, nor do they adhere to biblical principles, standards, ethics, morals, and behaviors.

Third, this world is in the middle of a spiritual war (Eph 6:10–17; 2Co 10:3–5; Joh 8:44; Dan 10:13; 12:1; 1Th 2:18; Rev 12:7–17) between the forces of good and evil:

1. With God, His “holy angels” (Mar 8:38; Luk 9:26; Rev 14:10), and “all His saints” (1Th 3:13; cf. Jud 3; Rev 8:3–4; 14:12; 16:6; 18:20, 24; 19:8; 20:9; etc.) on one side, and
2. “The devil [Satan] and his angels” (Mat 25:41), “fallen” (Rev 18:2) men who “are of your father the devil” (Joh 8:44; Act 13:10), and the God-denying worldly institutions and organizations they create on the other side.

Satan opposes everything good and of God, and since humans were created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27), he also opposes humanity and wants to destroy as many as possible, including you (Gen 3:15; Luk 8:12; 1Pe 5:8; Jas 4:7; Eph 6:11; Rev 2:10; 12:9; 20:10; cf. Job 1:6–2:10; 1Th 2:18).3, 4

As a result of all of the above, there will be unpleasant things that we have to deal with in this world, and things will continue to be dark, difficult, and dangerous this side of heaven.5, 6

SCRIPTURE WARNS US OF DIFFICULT TIMES

Moreover, we are told that the way of a Christian in this world can be fraught with peril (Mat 10:21–25, 28; 16:24–25; 24:9; Luk 11:50–51; Joh 16:2; Act 7:58; 12:2; 21:13; Heb 11:35–38; 12:4; Rev 2:10; 6:9, 11; 17:6; 18:20–24; cf. Mat 6:27; 2Ch 24:21). The more we acknowledge and accept that fact and not pretend we live in a world of happiness or a bubble of denial or fantasy, the less fear and anxiety we should have. Scripture warns us that there is often a penalty in this fallen world for speaking the truth and standing up for Christ (Mat 10:21–25, 34–39; 24:9–13; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17; Joh 16:33; 2Ti 3:12; Rev 2:10).7

In fact, “the Way”8 (Act 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22; cf. Joh 14:6) of a Christian down throughout the centuries has largely been one of trial, tribulation, hardship, suffering, persecution, and refinement by fire—even to the point of claiming one’s “crown of life” (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; cf. 2Ti 4:8; 1Pe 5:4; 1Th 2:19; Rev 3:11) by martyrdom.9 Living as a Christian in this fallen world, therefore, requires “courage,” “strength” of character, determination, personal “discipline,” moderation, “self-control,” and “endurance”/“perseverance.”10

Sadly, in many parts of the world today, a Christian’s life is still marked by trial, tribulation, and even persecution unto death. Even in the more so-called “civilized” and “enlightened” parts of the world, a Christian can still face mocking, scorn, ridicule, discrimination, and economic sanctions for standing up for truth and Christ. Anyone can live for Jesus when things are easy and going well, but what about when things are tough and maybe even when undeserved suffering and persecution come your way (Php 1:12)?11

Furthermore, know that you may have your faith “tested” (see Jas 1:2–4, 12; Rom 5:3–5; 8:17–18; 1Pe 1:6–7; 4:12–14; Rev 2:10; 3:10; Heb 11:17–19; cf. Psa 66:10–12; Pro 17:3; Isa 48:10; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:3; Heb 2:10), and you may even face “discipline” by the Lord (see 1Co 11:32; Heb 12:3–13; Rev 3:19; Joh 15:2; Psa 23:4; 118:18; Pro 3:11; 6:23; 12:1; 13:1, 18; 15:32; 19:20, 27) at times. Discipline and times of testing are seldom pleasant.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY FAKE, “FEEL-GOOD” CHRISTIANITY

The “itching ears” (2Ti 4:3 ESV) of people today are flocking to easy and “feel-good” imitations of Christianity, resulting in many nominal Christians.12 The relatively recent (and enormously popular) notion that you are somehow magically saved all the way to eternal life simply by saying a one-time, so-called “Sinner’s Prayer” is a practice and prayer nowhere to be found in the entire Bible. Additionally, the “prosperity gospel” false teaching and preaching—which promises that God will always bless you with abundance and ease (i.e., the “name it and claim it” crowd)—is also nowhere to be found in Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible tell us that we will get everything we want and ask God for! Yet both teachings draw untold millions of followers.

The false preachers and teachers who promote this rubbish and nonsense are called “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing”13 (paraphrase), and they promise you a convenient, simple, and easy form of “Christianity” with no muss, no fuss, and no hardships—hence their popularity. However, this is a big reason why many Christians today are not properly prepared to face or handle adversity and the harsh reality of this world we are in—for they have been taught and conditioned to expect a life of ease, comfort, and material affluence despite Scripture explicitly warning us not to expect that!

SOME “BAD NEWS” FIRST

In closing this chapter and to round out the reality of what we face, I also need to mention some “bad news” items. Fully understand that:

• You will not get everything you want or pray for in this life (Mat 6:10; Eph 1:11; Col 1:9; Heb 13:21; 1Jn 5:14; Act 21:14);
• Life in this fallen world isn’t always fair14 (Joh 3:19; Rom 1:28–32; 3:4; 2Ti 3:1–5; 1Pe 5:8; cf. Rom 8:2215);
• You may not get justice here in this fallen world (Psa 14:3; 26:10; 53:1, 3; Ecc 7:7; Pro 11:1; 17:8; 29:4; Hos 12:7; Isa 5:23; 33:15; Amo 5:12; Mic 7:3; 1Co 15:33; 2Pe 1:4; 2:10; Rev 19:2; etc.);
• Evil and corrupt men and women will go on being evil and corrupt (Rom 1:28–32; 2Ti 3:1–5; 2Pe 3:3–4; Rev 22:11; cf. Ecc 1:9);16
• Persecution of Christians will likely continue to increase (Pro 29:10; Rev 12:17; 20:7–8; cf. Mat 5:10–12; 10:16–18, 22; 24:9; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17; 2Ti 3:12; Joh 15:19; 1Pe 4:12; 5:8; Ecc 1:9); and
• God never promised those who follow Him a life of ease, contentment, and luxury; in fact, quite the opposite is stated (2Ti 3:12; Joh 12:25; 16:33; Mat 10:22, 34–39; 16:24; 24:9; Mar 8:34; 13:13; Luk 9:23; 21:17).

However, as you will soon read, those don’t have to be sources of anxiety for a Christian. Moreover, the Lord will be our “justice” and our “vengeance” on the Day of Judgment (Rom 12:17, 19; Heb 10:30; 12:29), and His laws and justice will ultimately prevail (Pro 15:3; Gal 6:7; 2Co 5:10; Rom 14:11–12). That should take a great burden off you if you stop and think about it for a minute. You also don’t need to (and won’t) have perfect prayers (Rom 8:26), and it’s okay if some of the things that you ask God for aren’t granted.

Finally, understand that you don’t have to like what is happening in the world all around you, to you individually, or to your loved ones in order to not be anxious about it and still have inner peace. A Christian responds differently than an unsaved person does when facing hardship or difficult circumstances. That theme is reinforced throughout the remainder of this book and helps you understand why anxiety should not be present in the life of a Christian. Yes, there may be times of unpleasantness, hardship, leanness, and suffering when endurance is needed (e.g., 1Co 16:13), but the simple fact of knowing and expecting those challenges (and understanding why they are likely happening) can greatly reduce AWDF along with any stress when such times do come.

IN SUMMARY

This is (generally) how a heathen responds when faced with hardship and adversity:

• Gets anxious,
• Gets depressed,
• Gets fearful,
• Gives up,
• Gets violent,
• Uses crass, vulgar, insulting, mean, and abusive language,
• Lashes out at “god” in anger for allowing it (if they believe in a “god”),
• Gives up whatever little faith they had (in whatever they had it in), and
• Becomes even more selfish and greedy

As you will be learning in this book, below is how the child of God responds to adversity, hardship, and even persecution:

• Gives thanks to God,
• Gives praise to God,
• Understands that it might be for the testing and strengthening of their faith,
• Rejoices that they have been found worthy,
• Fixes their eyes on Jesus—the author and reflector of their faith,
• Stands firm in their faith,
• Presses on towards heaven,
• Redoubles their study and meditation of God’s Word,
• Takes their cares and concerns to God in prayer,
• Remains steadfast in their hope,
• Continues to behave in a dignified manner,
• Continues to use edifying speech at all times,
• Continues to love and serve others,
• Continues to respect others,
• Prays for those who may be causing them the hardship,
• Remains confident in the promises God has made,
• Remains courageous in sharing the Gospel with others,
• Continues to trust in the Lord for all things, and
• Recalls their favorite verses to remind themselves of the promises God has given them and the hope they have in Christ.

I hope this book is showing you that there is a vast difference in how the Christian perceives the world and responds to events that happen.

CHAPTER PRAYER

Jehovah God and heavenly Father, hallowed be Your great and holy name! Thank You so much for Your love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of my sins through the blood Your Son, Jesus, shed on the cross for me. Father, help me study and learn what Scripture teaches as I go through this book so I can better face the reality of this fallen world by trusting in You—not man—for all things, in all places, and at all times. Grant me Your wisdom to understand what is written in Scripture and how to apply it in my life. It is by and through the most holy name of Jesus that I approach Your throne and offer this prayer. Amen.