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What does the Bible say about worldly things?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns believers not to love worldly things, but to live with hearts set on God and His eternal kingdom. First John 2:15-17 contrasts the passing desires of the world with the enduring life of those who do God's will. Colossians 3:2 calls Christians to set their minds on things above, while Romans 12:2 urges renewal rather than conformity to this age. James 4:4 soberly reminds us that friendship with the world can become enmity toward God. Yet this is not a call to fearfully withdraw from creation, but to reject sin and use God's gifts under Christ's lordship. Through grace, Titus 2:11-12 teaches us to renounce ungodliness and live self-controlled, godly lives.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 John 2:15-17

    [15] Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love isn't in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's. [17] The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.

  • Colossians 3:2

    Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

  • 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.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Ephesians 5:11

    Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

  • Titus 2:11-12

    [11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, [12] instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

  • Exodus 14:14

    Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."

  • Matthew 16:26

    For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

  • Isaiah 41:10

    Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Isaiah 40:31

    but those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.

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