Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context"Being like the world" refers to adopting the values, behaviors, and priorities of secular society, which are often in opposition to biblical teachings. This concept is frequently addressed in Scripture, where believers are called to live distinctively from the world, reflecting the holiness and righteousness of God.
Biblical Warnings Against WorldlinessThe Bible consistently warns against conforming to worldly patterns. In
Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "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." This verse highlights the importance of mental and spiritual transformation as a means to resist worldly influences.
James 4:4 provides a stark warning about friendship with the world: "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." Here, James emphasizes the incompatibility between worldly allegiance and devotion to God.
The Call to HolinessBelievers are called to a life of holiness, distinct from worldly practices. In
1 Peter 1:14-16, Peter writes, "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. 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 underscores the expectation for Christians to reflect God's character in their conduct.
The Example of ChristJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of living in the world without being of the world. In
John 17:14-16, Jesus prays for His disciples, saying, "I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one." Jesus' life and teachings provide a model for engaging with the world while maintaining spiritual integrity.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to resist worldly influences.
Galatians 5:16-17 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." The indwelling Spirit enables Christians to live according to God's will rather than succumbing to worldly desires.
Practical ImplicationsLiving distinctively from the world involves practical decisions in various aspects of life, including entertainment, relationships, and ethical choices. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their actions and attitudes in light of Scripture, seeking to honor God in all they do.
Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things," urging Christians to prioritize eternal values over temporal pleasures.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not call for complete withdrawal from society, it does demand a life that is set apart, characterized by a commitment to God's truth and a rejection of worldly values. Through the guidance of Scripture and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to navigate the challenges of living in a world that often stands in opposition to their faith.
Topical Bible Verses
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Topicalbible.org1 John 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
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Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
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Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
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2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine to them.
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Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
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Greek
1483. ethnikos -- as a Gentile... Gentiles,
like the rest of the
world. Cognate: 1483 (from 1482 , "a Gentile," a ) --
to live as a non-Israelite, ie as a ; someone who fails short of
being a
...Library
The Flag of theWorld
... loving theworld without trusting it; somehow one must love theworld withoutbeing
worldly. I found this projecting feature of Christian theology,like a sort...
TheWorld Our Enemy.
... especial caution, which tend to the well-being of men in... of preventing and relieving
want, and thelike, are for... as they do, our exertions on thisworld as an...
Basil -- the Creation of theWorld
... one condition to the contrary; but in genesis eachbeing proceeds from itslike
and from... Certainly, that evil exists no one living in theworld will deny....
The Salt and the Light of theWorld.
... So shall we drink the lightlike some diamonds, keep it... will see in us that we count
theworld his, hold... shine with the hope of seeing him, andbeing taken home...
God'sWorld
... there, and why we are on it, instead ofbeing anywhere else... he saw what God who made
it islike: and we... made him feel that he belonged to thisworld, and must...
Of God and his Exclusive Eternity.
... And so these parties inlike manner understand the Maker of... it is written, "Thou
who didst make theworld out of... that manner might be, and ofbeing capable of...
A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off...
... of offence, but rather suffer many inconveniences, to avoidbeing never heard... books
he has caused to be published to theworld; wherelike the archangel...
Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in theWorld.
... Afterbeing sold out three times by the sheriff, and having the deep mortification
of... to Jacob Jones why he could never get along in theworld like some people...
TheWorld Preserved for the Sake of Christians. Man's...
... the confusion and destruction of the wholeworld, by which... to their doctrine of all
thingsbeing changed into... such as Socrates and thelike, suffer persecution...
How to Become Fishers of Men
... so completely as he did when,like a physician... cross and protest against an ungodly
world, you cannot... our fellowship with Christ, or ourbeing separated from...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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