The World
“The world” in the Bible is the Earth and ungodly people. The Bible contrasts the ways of the ungodly with the ways of God.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words defines world as: orderly arrangement, the earth, the globe, land, inhabited areas, an age or period of time, eon, inhabitants.
We live in the world. When God created it, everything, including the man and the woman, was good.
“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 ESV)
Then Adam and Eve disobeyed God (sinned). He made them leave his perfect garden and sent them into the world. As more people were born, sin grew worse and worse.
“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5 ESV)
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11 ESV)
Things were so bad that God destroyed all the people, except Noah and his family, with a flood.
God knew that sin was not completely destroyed. It is embedded in every descendant of Adam and Eve. After the flood, God said,
“… for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Genesis 8:21 ESV)
“The world” in the Bible refers to the earth. It also refers to the ungodly, the corrupt condition of mankind and his culture.
“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.” (1 John 2:16 ESV)
When we focus on “the world” and spend our time doing what “the world” teaches, we are swimming in contamination and sin that cause pain and suffering.
“There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.” (Psalm 38:3 ESV)
We are to focus our attention, energy, and lives on God rather than on the world.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV)
We live on this beautiful earth God created. Sin corrupts and leads to more sin. God sent Jesus to pay for our sins and gave us the Bible so we’d know how to live a life pleasing to him. Through Jesus, we are reconciled to God and equipped to withstand evil.
Dear God,
The planet you created and gave us is mysterious, complex, and beautiful beyond anything we could imagine. Thank you for putting us here.
I know that humans are often selfish, greedy, and dishonest. Sometimes, I am too.
It is hard for me. There are so many offers of pleasure and easy gain that tempt me to pursue them.
Please help me keep my eyes on you and not on the bait of this world that entraps me in sin.
Please help me remember that I am an example to my family, friends, and coworkers. I pray that I can be an example that helps them avoid pain and suffering.
Thank you for sending Jesus so we can once again be in your presence.
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and remind me how to live a life that pleases you.
Amen.