Do not love the world or the things 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 lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
The “world” is one of the enemies of the believer. Theologian Kenneth Wuest defines the “world” as all the floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, beliefs, and values that are current in the world. Examples of the world are ideas like: I can do anything I want to do as long as I don’t hurt anybody else; it’s my body, I can do what I want to with it; I will believe it when I see it; God loves me and accepts me no matter what I do; God is too loving to allow anyone to go to hell; you did it to me, I will do it to you. You can add to this list things you regularly hear.
Smith Wigglesworth defined the world in his simple way as “that which cools my affection towards God.” Anything we do that lessens our spiritual appetite for Jesus and the word is cooling us down spiritually.
We’re admonished not to be friends with the world: You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God (James 4:4).
Friendship with the world leads to being corrupted by the world: Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:27).
Being corrupted by the world leads to “loving” the world (1 John 2:15). Loving the world leads to “conforming” to the world: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2).
Being corrupted by the world leads to being “condemned” with the world: For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11: 31-32).
Demas was a companion of the Apostle Paul in ministry and left Paul and the ministry because he was overcome by the world. Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world… (2 Timothy 4:9-10a). We all must examine ourselves regularly, confessing our faults to one another and our sins to the Father so that He can cleanse us and help us.
Shun the world. Snuggle up to Jesus and to the Word. Fellowship with Him. Pour your heart out to Him. Ask Him to help you overcome temptations that come your way. His throne is full of grace and mercy for your time of need.
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