The World

The World: Understanding Its Meaning and Our Place in It

Have you ever wondered what the Bible really means when it talks about “the world“? Is it just referring to our planet, or is there something deeper going on? As we explore this concept, you might be surprised to discover how it impacts your daily life and your relationship with God.

The Three Meanings of “World”

When we look at the New Testament, we find that the word “world” (in Greek, “cosmos”) is used in three primary ways:

1. The Planet
2. A Philosophy of Life
3. People

Let’s dive into each of these meanings and see what they reveal about God’s perspective and our role as Christians.

1. The World as Our Planet

First and foremost, the Bible teaches us that God is the creator and sustainer of our physical world. As I read in Acts 4:24, the early believers proclaimed, “Sovereign Lord, who made the Heaven and the earth and the Sea and everything in them.” This fundamental truth reminds us of God’s power and authority over all creation.

But there’s an even more profound implication here. In Ephesians 1, we learn that God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world.” Isn’t that amazing? Before God even created the Earth, He had you and me in mind! As C.H. Spurgeon once said, “I believe the doctrine of election because I am quite certain that if God had not chosen me, I should have never chosen Him.” 

2. The World as a Philosophy

When the Bible talks about the “world” in terms of a philosophy or system, it’s referring to a way of thinking that’s at odds with God. In John 7:7, Jesus said, “The world’s works are evil.” This worldly system is often in direct opposition to God’s ways.

The Apostle John warns us in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

This passage reminds us that we’re just passing through this world. Our true home is with God, and our focus should be on eternal things rather than temporary worldly pleasures.

3. The World as People

Finally, the Bible often uses “world” to refer to people, particularly those who don’t know God. John 1:10 tells us, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.” This can be a sobering reminder of the spiritual state of many around us.

But here’s the incredible part: despite the world’s hostility towards God, He still loves it deeply. John 3:16-17 declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Our Response: Overcoming the World

So, how should we respond to these truths about the world? Jesus gives us hope in John 16:33, saying, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” As followers of Christ, we share in this victory!

1 John 5:4-5 encourages us: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Putting It Into Practice

1. Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Make a commitment to regularly study God’s Word and allow it to shape your thinking.
2. Set Eternal Priorities: Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Evaluate your priorities and ensure they align with God’s eternal perspective.
3. Live as Overcomers: Remember that through Christ, you have the power to overcome worldly temptations and challenges. As 1 John 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
4. Share God’s Love: While we’re called to be separate from the world’s value system, we’re also called to love people as God does. Look for opportunities to share the good news of God’s love with those around you.

As we navigate this world, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He has overcome the world, and through Him, we can too!