"That He might deliver us from the present evil world." Galatians 1:4

THE whole world lieth in the wicked one, as the devoted child in the arms of Moloch; or as the putrid corpse in the grave, over which is written, "HERE LIETH." We were once dead in sin, and buried in corruption, but Jesus Christ interfered for us. "He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." The world is evil, therefore we are delivered from it. Jesus died to deliver us from its spirit, by which we are influenced in a state of nature; from the love of the world, which is enmity with God; from seeking satisfaction in the world, which is idolatry; from its fearful doom, which is eternal destruction. He intended to raise us above it, in our desires and pursuits; to lead us through it, and glorify us beyond it. Let us inquire this morning, Are we of the world, or are we delivered from it? Have we another spirit in us? Are we become dead to the world by fellowship with Christ in His death? Is Jesus loved, praised, and obeyed, out of gratitude for delivering us?

Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee: Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be: Thou hast my Deliverer been, I have Thy salvation seen.