5 Biblical Examples of Followers Who Were “In the World but Not of It”

Joseph’s life, as highlighted in the book of Genesis, was one of multiple challenges. He was sold into slavery by his brother, who were jealous of him, imprisoned in Egypt after Potipher’s wife falsely claimed he was sexually assaulted, and forgotten in prison despite telling one of Pharaoh’s servants to remember him. Yet, he remained faithful to God through it all. Also, God was with him no matter what (Genesis 39:21; Acts 7:9).

Not only did he remain faithful to God, but he pointed others to God. He shared with Pharoah that it was God who gave him the interpretations of dreams (Genesis 40:8). Although his brothers felt guilty for their past misconduct towards him, Joseph told them, “Although you meant to harm me, God meant it for good, to the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20).

If placed in Joseph’s shoes, I'm sure most people would've given up and walked away from God in light of unfortunate circumstances in one’s life. But Joseph’s story is a clear example of how one continues to look to God above all and serve him no matter what because he recognizes God is at work in his life. Divine providence teaches us that God is both in control and involved in the lives of His people. Therefore, there is no reason to fear or despair, as difficult as life's challenges can be. We know that the world has fallen, but we can stay the course because God holds us in the palm of his hands.

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are examples of faithfulness to God without compromise. Despite working in the Babylonian government, the three men refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue because of their commitment to honor God, even if it meant being thrown into a fiery furnace seven times hotter than usual (Daniel 3:1–30).

They were willing to stand for the Lord even if it would cost them their lives. And for those who know the story, that would not be the case because the Lord saved them. As the Scripture noted, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not the only ones in the furnace, as a fourth man would stand alongside them. This bewildered the king and his servants, as they saw that these men were not alone, nor did the flames ever burn them. It is truly a story of supernatural proportions.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story is about commitment without compromise, especially concerning their devotion to God. They recognize that there is only one God (Deut. 6:4) and that there is no other like Him. They also see that standing for the Lord means standing for Him alone, even when others won’t. In a world that has turned away from God, don’t be surprised when you’re the only one standing for Him!!! Yet He is worthy, so we count it the greatest joy and privilege to serve the King of glory.

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A few chapters following the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is another man who needs no introduction. Daniel also refused to compromise his walk before God while living in a pagan society. Not only did he refuse to defile himself to eat the king’s food, but he also continued to pray to God despite being outlawed by the king. As a result, he would be thrown into the lion’s den as punishment (Daniel 6:1-28).

Just as the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were uncompromised before God, so was Daniel’s. His devotion remained steadfast in a fallen world, which Christians can learn from and apply in daily life. But it is more than devotion—it is trusting in a sovereign God who sustains all things, especially the lives of His people!

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The story of Enoch is one of the shortest stories in the Bible and provides a noteworthy ending. Enoch, who was the great-great-great-great-grandson of Adam, is found in the book of Genesis in a brief account.

“After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God for 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more because God took him away” (Genesis 5:22-24)

Enoch, along with the prophet Elijah, were the only two men taken into Heaven by God without dying. Enoch’s story was later recounted in Hebrews 11.

“By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death, and he was not found because God had taken him. Before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God” Hebrews 11:5).

Although Enoch’s life isn’t further substantiated, the Bible clarifies that he “walked faithfully with God” and “pleased God.”

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The apostles lived within the Roman Empire in the first century and lived a life of faithfulness, boldly preaching Christ despite persecution. Although they were mere men, they were men who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Christ sent out the apostles to proclaim the gospel and establish the church. This was by no means an easy task, as they would face persecution by the Jewish leaders of the day as well as the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, they remained faithful to their mission because they were faithful to their Savior, even if it meant dying for their faith.

Their faithfulness and commitment to proclaiming the Gospel are something we can emulate today. Living a life that is “in the world but not of it” is challenging but worth it because Christ is worthy! Although we will face challenges, whether it's the world itself or our flesh, Christians are to stay the course and continue to look unto Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We have more than enough motivation to move forward because we have a great Savior who always lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). We are not to be discouraged for we are not alone in this fight. As the Lord says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). That is the great promise we can hold onto as we go about this world and, in turn, serve a life of faithfulness before Him for His glory.

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