What does the Bible say about being of the world?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that loving the world’s sinful values and desires is hostility toward God, while calling believers to live as Christ’s distinct people. James 4:4 teaches that friendship with the world makes one an enemy of God, not because Christians withdraw from people, but because they refuse the world’s rebellion and self-centeredness. John 15:19 reminds believers that Christ has chosen them out of the world, so opposition from it should not surprise them. Philippians 2:21 and 2 Timothy 4:10 caution against pursuing personal interests and present-world comforts above Christ. Instead, 2 Timothy 2:22 calls Christians to flee sinful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with God’s people.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- James 4:4
You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
- John 15:19
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
- 2 Timothy 2:22
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.
- 2 Timothy 4:10
for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about being of the world and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about being of the world