The World - Your Friendly Enemy
July 19, 2026
“15Love 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. 16For 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. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)
Why does the world hate Jesus? Not because His miracles are healing, but because He testifies against, He calls out the sin and the devil.
“18If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:18-19 (NLT)
It's hard not to love the world because the world is a friendly enemy. The world wants to get cozy with you and make you real comfortable.
The Character of the World (What it is):
The 4 Ps
It has a Prince: Satan (the devil), who rules this system
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” John 12:31 (NIV)
“ .... the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19 (ESV)
It has a Philosophy: A network of ideas/values
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19 (NLT)
It permeates culture, media, education, etc., and is wise only in doing evil.
It has a Purpose: To draw people away from God and Jesus Christ alluringly
“The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.” John 7:7 (NLT)
It has a People: “Children of this world” who are conformed to its mold
“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” Luke 16:8 (NLT)
The Corruption of the World (What it does):
The World’s Three Main Appeals (perversions of good things)
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world itself.” 1 John 2:16 (ESV)
What Really motivates you? Success, money, needing to feel important?
1. Lust of the Flesh (passions/doing): Appeal to the old Adamic nature/sinful desires. It says “pamper and satisfy your flesh.” Leads to internal civil war for believers.
“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17 (NLT)
2. Lust of the Eyes (possessions/having): Desire for more than we need. Materialism. Dissatisfaction. Refined/sophisticated temptation.
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)
Questions motives: Are you driven by success/material things or seeking God’s kingdom first?
3. Pride of Life (position/being): Desire for recognition, status, keeping up with others. Leads to buying things you don’t need to impress people you don’t like. Gossip, etc.
The Condemnation of the World (Where it is headed):
The Satan System: deals with Doing, Having and Being that will draw you away from God
All of this is found in Jesus.
Discern the System: Evaluate cultural norms, media, ambitions, and desires through the lens of Scripture. Ask: Does this draw me closer to God or away? Is it eternal or passing?
Guard Your Heart: Recognize the three temptations in daily life (sensual desires, covetousness, status-seeking). Replace them with God’s alternatives—service, contentment in Christ, identity in Him.
Live Counter-Culturally: Expect opposition as a believer; swimming against the tide is normal and ultimately victorious (like Noah). Focus on God’s will for lasting impact.
Prioritize Eternal Perspective: Material success or worldly approval fades; relationship with God endures. Invest in what abides forever.
Here's The Plan:
- Renew your mind with God's Word daily.
- Cultivate gratitude and contentment to combat lust of the eyes and pride.
- Serve others and seek God's kingdom first to redirect your passions.
- Remember your identity in Christ defeats the need for worldly validation.
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