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What should we think of the World?
by Pastor Alex Lindsay
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Reference: I John 2:15 - 3:3

The first thing we need to know, when trying to think about the world, is what does the word "world" mean? Basically, the word is used to describe any orderly arrangement. It can be used to describe the material universe and our planet earth. It can be used of governments or kingdoms. It applies to the people of the earth, or just certain groups of people. It can be used to describe many other categories / spheres of structure and order. It even can be used to refer to adornment. The Greek word "kosmos" is the source for our English word "cosmetics." So, when asking the question, "What should we think of the world?" we should be careful to make sure we know what we are talking about.

Our text tells us that we are to not love the world. This is clarified by describing an ungodly, antichrist kingdom that promotes lust and pride, and is contrary to the love of God. This world does not desire to embrace God or the people of God. Yet John 3:16 tells us that "God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son." This world is a world of sinful people that need grace and mercy, or they will perish.

Our main focus will be the book of I John as we consider, for the most part, the world which is ungodly, unbelieving, and antichrist in nature.

 

The world is full of Sin.

  • This world is the dark kingdom of Satan (I John 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-3; II Corinthians 4:3-4 cp. Colossians 1:13).

  • The people of this world are motivated by lust and pride - not God's love (I John 2:15-17).

 

The world is full of hostility towards God and those whom God loves.

  • At best, the world humors and / or avoids God and His people (I John 3:1).


  • At worst, the world actively hates God and His people. Sometimes the world will camouflage their hatred (I John 3:13 cp. John 16:13).

  • See I Corinthians 2:12-16; Romans 12:1-2.

 

The world is full of false prophets with a worldly message.

  • Some talk about Jesus, but their message is full of error. It is "another Jesus" they fabricate in order to make people feel that they are on the right path (II Corinthians 11:2-4,13-15; John 8:30-32,36). They are seducers (I John 2:26 cp. Mark 13:21-23; Mathew 7:15-23; II John 1:7-11). See Peter's dilemma as he was in training with Jesus (Mathew 16:13-18,21-26).

  • Some talk against Jesus. They are openly antichrist in spirit, word, and action (I John 2:18-27; 4:1-6 cp. John 8:42-59).

 

The world is the focal point of God's grace, mercy, love, and truth.

Now we are talking about the world of people that are lost in sin. God cares about their souls and has made a provision for them to be saved / delivered from the ungodly satanic world that they are in (I John 4:9,14; 2:2 cp. Galatians 1:3-4). See also Psalm 33:5; 119:64; Isaiah 6:1-3 cp. Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20.

 

Questions:

  • Do I have a healthy desire to not love this world, so that I can have room in my heart and life to love God and be His friend? See James 4:1-10.

  • Do I love people as God does? See Matthew 5:43-48.

  • Has separation from worldliness or has the hatred and the evil of this world caused me to isolate myself and not want contact with people who are in the world and of the world? See I Corinthians 5:9-10; 9:19-23; 10:31-33.

Originally delivered July 10, 2022
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