Shun What The Bible Calls “The World”
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. Smith Wigglesworth defined the world in his simple way as “that which cools my affection towards God.”
We’re admonished not to be friends with the world . You are like unfaithful wives having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God (James 4:4 – AMPC).
Friendship with the world leads to being spotted or influenced by the world. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27 – NKJV).
Being influenced by the world leads to loving the world. 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 (1 John 2:15-NKJV).
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-NKJV).
Conforming to the world leads to being condemned with the world. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:32-NKJV)).
Demas was a companion of the Apostle Paul in ministry and left Paul and the ministry because he was overcome by the world. For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world… (2 Timothy 4:10). We all must examine ourselves regularly, confessing our faults to one another and our sins to the Father can cleanse us and help us.
We are to 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.