In the Christian life, the call to abstain from worldly amusements and pleasures is a recurring theme, rooted in the desire to live a life set apart for God. This abstinence often appears peculiar or even foolish to those who do not share the same faith or values. The Bible provides guidance on this matter, emphasizing the distinction between the life of a believer and that of the world.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter addresses this issue directly in his first epistle, highlighting the contrast between the lives of believers and non-believers. In 1 Peter 4:3-4 , he writes, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you."

This passage underscores the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. The former way of life, characterized by indulgence in worldly pleasures, is abandoned in favor of a life that seeks to honor God. The reaction of the "Gentiles," or those outside the faith, is one of bewilderment and sometimes hostility, as they cannot comprehend the believer's choice to abstain from such activities.

The Call to Holiness

The call to abstain from worldly pleasures is rooted in the broader biblical mandate for holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , believers are exhorted, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness involves a conscious decision to separate oneself from the sinful practices and values of the world.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:2 , where he instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." The transformation of the mind is essential in discerning and rejecting the fleeting pleasures that the world offers.

The Temporary Nature of Worldly Pleasures

Scripture frequently contrasts the temporary nature of worldly pleasures with the eternal joy found in a relationship with God. In 1 John 2:15-17 , believers are warned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

This passage highlights the transient nature of worldly desires and the enduring value of pursuing God's will. The believer's focus is shifted from the temporal to the eternal, recognizing that true fulfillment is found in God alone.

The Witness of a Transformed Life

Abstaining from worldly amusements and pleasures serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative work of Christ in a believer's life. In Titus 2:11-12 , Paul writes, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

The believer's lifestyle, marked by self-control and godliness, stands in stark contrast to the excesses of the world. This difference often provokes curiosity and sometimes scorn from those who do not understand the believer's motivations. However, it also provides an opportunity to share the gospel and the hope that is found in Christ.

Conclusion

The decision to abstain from worldly amusements and pleasures is a reflection of a deeper commitment to live a life that honors God. While this choice may seem strange to those who do not share the same faith, it is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the believer's desire to pursue holiness and eternal joy in Christ.1 Peter 4:4
Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... the search for such delicacies than pleasures the consumption of ... to get credit for
protracted abstinence, and all ... he says, laid aside all worldly business and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

part ii
... If people labour so long for worldly vanity, and often ... his time in idle talk or idle
amusements; he is ... Is it not our attachment to carnal pleasures in general ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... he had indulged, so far as his worldly calling allowed ... my best delights, and did
imbitter my former pleasures to me ... Now hell seems to be awakened from sleep, the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part i
... of this world and attachments to its objects and pleasures? ... angel and not a man;
everything worldly ought to ... Christians there are hours when God seems to have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... city, and the daily temptations to vain amusements by his ... In this respect he seems
to have taken Wesley ... the decline of life in his worldly circumstances, and ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

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