Living in This World but Not of It: Staying Awake in a Sleeping World

Sabbath School

Standing in All the Will of God 

Lesson 13 - Wednesday

Living in This World but Not of It

Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:14–15; 2 Timothy 4:10–11

Paul closes his letter to the Colossians with simple greetings, yet they carry deep spiritual weight. He mentions Luke, “the beloved physician,” and Demas—two men who stood near the same apostle but ended very differently. In 2 Timothy, Paul later writes with sorrow that Demas “has forsaken me, having loved this present world,” while Luke remains faithfully by his side.

That contrast is sobering. Both men had proximity to truth, exposure to ministry, and opportunity to serve. Yet one clung to Christ, and the other drifted toward the world. Luke is remembered for faithfulness; Demas is remembered as a warning.

The difference wasn’t environment—it was affection. Demas didn’t necessarily reject God outright; he simply loved the present world more.

That’s the tension every believer faces: living in this world without becoming of it.

Jesus speaks directly to this in His counsel about His return. In Mark 13:32–37, He urges us to watch—to stay awake spiritually, alert, and ready. This isn’t passive waiting; it’s active faithfulness. In Titus 2:11–14, we’re told that grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly now, while looking for the blessed hope. In 2 Peter 3:10–14, the coming of the Lord is described as certain and transformative, urging us to pursue holy conduct and godliness. And in Revelation 3:17–21, Jesus confronts lukewarm faith—calling for repentance, renewed zeal, and intimate fellowship with Him.

Taken together, the message is clear: don’t drift.

So what might Jesus be asking you to repent of?

Not just obvious sins, but subtle compromises:

• A divided heart—wanting God, but also clinging to comfort, approval, or control

• Spiritual apathy—knowing truth but no longer being moved by it

• Self-sufficiency—feeling “rich and increased with goods,” yet lacking deep dependence on Him

• Neglected watchfulness—living as though His return is distant instead of imminent

Demas likely didn’t fall overnight. Drift is usually quiet, gradual, and justified along the way.

And what part of Christ’s prescription do you need most?

Maybe it’s watchfulness—you’ve grown spiritually sleepy.
Maybe it’s denial of ungodliness—you’ve tolerated things you once resisted.
Maybe it’s holy urgency—you’ve lost sight of eternity shaping today.
Or maybe it’s zeal and repentance—Jesus is knocking, but you haven’t opened the door fully.

Here’s the hard truth: you don’t accidentally become like Luke. You become like him through daily, deliberate surrender. And you don’t mean to become like Demas—but if you stop paying attention, you can drift there.

So choose carefully what you love. That choice will shape who you become.

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be someone who drifts away while still appearing close. Search my heart and show me where I have grown comfortable with this world. Reveal the things I need to repent of—whether attitudes, habits, or hidden compromises. Teach me to watch, to live with urgency, and to walk in holiness as I wait for You. Give me the faithfulness of Luke, not the divided heart of Demas. Help me to love You above all else and to live each day ready for Your return. Amen.

More on: Lesson 13 - Standing in All the Will of God 

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Next Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons: Growing in a Relationship with God