T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the church's relationship with the world, highlighting that the world is inherently hostile to God and that Christians must overcome its influence. He explains that the 'world' refers not to the physical realm or people, but to a nature and system that opposes God, which has been corrupted by sin and Satan. Sparks warns against the dangers of worldliness, which he defines as a mindset that prioritizes material and temporal concerns over spiritual values. He asserts that true power in the church comes from its separation from the world and reliance on Christ, who provides the necessary strength to resist worldly temptations. Ultimately, the church's influence is rooted in its distinctiveness and commitment to Christ, rather than conformity to worldly standards.