Warfare with the World

“The Holy Spirit gives believers the imperative command: ‘Love 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’ (1 John 2:15 KJV). The Lord Jesus reminded His disciples: ‘If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.’ (John 15:19 KJV).”

Three Greek Words for ‘World.’

1. Oikoumene. “[This word] is commonly used to signify the populated world or the earth we live upon.”
2. Aion. “[This word] is sometimes translated ‘world’ but more often should be translated ‘age,’ meaning the age of time in which we live (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4). Sometimes this word is meant to describe the philosophy or system of thought which characterizes a particular age, and in that sense is an enemy to be overcome. In such instances, aion is almost interchangeable in meaning with our next word, kosmos.”
3. Kosmos. “The main Greek word used to describe our enemy, the world, is the word kosmos. The main usage of this word describes the order or system that runs this inhabited earth. It is a spiritual system of things that opposes God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The word kosmos is very complex and difficult to define. In John 3:16 God is declared to love this world (kosmos), but in 1 John 2:15 believers are specifically commanded to not love the world (kosmos). The context has to tell us in such cases what is meant by the usage of [kosmos]. Sometimes it may mean the earth or the physical world; at other times the world of human beings or, more common, the whole world system over which Satan rules (John 12:3; 1 John 5:19).”

A Definition of the ‘World’ as our Enemy. “As our enemy, the world is the whole organized system, made up of varying and changing social, economic, materialistic, and religious philosophies which have their expression through the organizations and personalities of human beings. The world system in its function is a composite expression of the depravity of man and the intrigues of Satan’s rule, combining in opposition to the sovereign rule of God…

• The World as an Extension of the Flesh. “The world system seems to be best understood as an extension of man’s two very real enemies—Satan and man’s fleshly interests (or old nature). These two elements have a vital part in formulating the world system in its activities and philosophies. The apostle John makes clear 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 John 2:16 KJV). This text would certainly support that the world contains much in its system that is an extension, a larger expression, of man’s depraved inner nature… [The] world system intensifies our fleshliness by offering a climate and a system that promotes these fleshly sins. The world system begins to surround man with that which intensifies the inner problem he already has as a fallen creature.”
• The world as an Extension of Satan. “The world system also includes and is an extension of Satan’s warfare against God’s plans for the believer. The Lord Jesus Christ called Satan the prince of this world (John 12:31). First John 5:19 states: ‘We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.’ (NASB) Satan has a very highly organized kingdom that seeks to rule over the world system. The apostle Paul defines this highly structured kingdom which makes a strong impact upon the world in Ephesians 6:11-12. Through his wiles and evil spirits, Satan seeks to manipulate and rule over the whole world system.”

The World & Its Temptations. “The world has specific ways in which it tempts the believer to sin and disobey God’s will. As we have already seen, the world system may provide us with many varied enticements to the sins of the flesh or direct activities or pronouncements that tempt us as Satan does. We should never be surprised to see the world advertising or propagating some program or philosophy that is just like what Satan himself would try to bring us… The world tempts us to gain its treasure and seek its approval (Luke 9:23-25). The world system seeks to tempt us to gain or seek its power, its position, and its honor that we might be exalted in the world. Our Lord warns that even if we gained the whole world we’d have no advantage because we’d lose ourselves in the process… [The world tempts us to] be ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:26, cf. Romans 10:11). The world system exalts its own intellectual system and rejects God’s truth as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). [The world tempts us to] conform to the world’s standards (John 15:18-19; John 17:6, 9, 14-16; Romans 12:2; Colossians 2:8). The world system also tries to dictate our values, to pressure us into its mold. Modern communications and media put tremendous pressure upon believers in the Western world to conform to its standards. Governments, television, motion pictures, educational systems, the press, music, literature, and both Internet blogs and social media with their chat sites and pictures—virtually everything our society can bring to influence us—act to tempt us to step out of God’s will.”

How are we to fight against the world? Bubeck gives three answers:

1. Immersing ourselves in the Word. “The truth of the Scriptures [can] ground us in sound doctrines, so we can overcome the worldly philosophies of scores of false religions. Knowing and obeying the Bible’s commands is the first step to victory.
2. Recalling and Resting in Christ’s Victory over the World. “In Christ believers have victory over the world. This is why it is good to claim the perfect, sinless victorious life Jesus lived as a human being on this earth as your daily victory. Rest in the truth that He has overcome the world and Satan (John 16:33; 12:31; 1 John 5:5). Remember that Jesus is able to help us when the world tempts us (Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 2:18).”
3. Walking by the Spirit. “The Spirit brings all of the work of the Lord Jesus Christ into our inner being. The Spirit transforms us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). He brings within us a new appetite and desire that is completely above the world and its enticements. We need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to put within us greater values and desires than those which the world offers. Let the Holy Spirit continually fill and control you… There needs to be a constant reliance upon the Holy Spirit to put within us greater values and desires than those which the world offers. This is why a Spirit-filled Christian finds an inner desire and appetite that enjoys doing things and going places that to a worldling are dull and drab. The inner work of the Holy Spirit has placed within us the fruit of His presence and a newness of life to which the world has no appeal.”