The apostle John talks about “the world” in dramatically different ways. In John 3:16 we read that “God so loved the world…” but in his first epistle, John tells us “not to love the world or anything in the world.” How should we understand this and how does it influence our understanding of our attitudes toward pleasure? Dr. Gary Thomas presents a lecture on this topic. Redemption Seminary uses lecture content like this to produce studies that are the building blocks for its courses. Work through this short study and see if it helps with your daily growth in grace and understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Step 1: Watch the Lecture
Step 2: Reading
World
“World” in the NT is usually the Greek word kosmos. It is related to a verb which means “to set in order,” or “to adorn, decorate.” Greek lexicographers give five meanings for “world” (kosmos) in NT usage:
The universe created by God with design and order (e.g., Mt 13:35; Jn 17:24; Acts 17:24)
The planet earth (e.g., Jn 11:9). This includes the idea of earth as the dwelling place of human beings (16:21) and of earth as contrasted with heaven (6:14; 12:46).
The total of mankind (Mt 5:14; Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 4:13)
The total of human existence in this present life, with all of its experience, possessions, and emotions (Mt 16:26; 1 Cor 7:33).
The world order which is alienated from God, in rebellion against him, and condemned by nature and by godless deeds. It is “this world” (Jn 8:23; 12:25; 1 Cor 3:19) as opposed to “that which is to come”; “this world” in contrast with “the other, or heavenly world.” The ruler of this world is the devil (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 Cor 5:10). “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 Jn 5:19). On the other hand, the Christian is not of this world (Jn 15:19; 17:16), even though he is in the world and a participant in its activities (Jn 17:11). The believer is regarded as dead to the world (Gal 6:14; cf. Col 3:2, 3). The Christian is to be separated from the world (Jas 1:27). Friendship with the world is enmity toward God (Jas 4:4). Relationship with the world is an indicator of relationship with God: “If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). The Scripture points out that “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” (1 Jn 2:16). The world and its desires or lusts are transient, passing away, but the doer of God’s word abides forever (1 Jn 2:17; cf. 2 Cor 4:18).
The discourse of Jesus on the night before the crucifixion contains much teaching about the world. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17). Christ gives a peace which the world cannot give (14:27). Jesus offers love, but the world gives hatred and persecution (15:19, 20). The world’s hatred of God is also directed against the followers of Christ (15:18–21). Although the disciples of Jesus have tribulation “in this world,” they are to be of good cheer, for Jesus has overcome the world (16:33).
Another Greek word sometimes translated “world” is aiōn, which emphasizes the temporal aspect of the world. It is used of time without end, eternity (e.g., Rom 1:25; 2 Cor 11:31; Phil 4:20). It is, however, also used of shorter time periods, such as the “age” and especially of “the present age.” The god of this age is the devil (2 Cor 4:4). The cares of this age choke the word of the gospel as it grows (Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19).
Clay tablet with an outline map of the regions of the world (the text below it relates to the conquests of Sargon of Agade).
The expression “this age” occurs frequently in contrast with that which is to come (cf. Mt 12:32; Eph 1:21; Heb 6:5). Christians are not to be conformed to this age (Rom 12:2), but they are to live “self-controlled, upright and godly lives” (Ti 2:12 NIV). Demetrius deserted Paul because he was in love with this present world (age) (2 Tm 4:10), but Jesus promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5) and to be with his followers “always, to the very end of the age” (Mt 28:20 NIV).
The signification of the term “world” in the Bible is clear. The world of mankind is estranged from God, but can be reconciled to him (2 Cor 5:17–21). The world at enmity with God is condemned (Jn 3:18–21), without God and without hope (Eph 2:12). But Jesus came to redeem mankind from “the present evil age” (Gal 1:4) and to free them from “slavery under the basic principles of the world” (Gal 4:3 NIV)
Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “World,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 2163–2164.
Step 3: Application Questions
Answer the following questions to help apply the theological concepts presented in this study to your understanding and life.
Note how the fall in Genesis 3 informs each meaning of the term “kosmos” (world).
Universe
Earth (vs. spiritual and physical heavens)
Mankind
Human experience/condition
All that opposes the Lord
Note how the resurrection of Jesus informs each meaning of the term “kosmos” (world).
Universe
Earth (vs. spiritual and physical heavens)
Mankind
Human experience/condition
All that opposes the Lord
What distinguishes godly versus worldly pleasure? List three examples of each.