THE WHOLE WORLD LIETH IN BONDAGE OF THE WICKED ONE. We also were once in bondage, dead in sin, and buried in corruption; but Jesus Christ intervened 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 present world is evil; thank God we are delivered from it. Jesus died to deliver us from its spirit by which we were held in a state of corruption; to deliver us from the love of the world which is enmity with God; from seeking satisfaction in the world, which is idolatry; from its impending doom, which is eternal destruction. He purposed 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 have we been delivered from it? Have we a new 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?"

For Meditation:
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.