Are you sure you know what worldliness really is? For many, it is a modern Jezebel; for others, it is forms of entertainment, such as movies, music, and cards. Many differing opinions come forth when worldliness is described by a group. It isn’t hard to find a biblical answer, but I’m convinced most people really do not want such an answer. They feel secure with their “worldly list,” since keeping it makes them feel better than those they know who do not.
Two Greek words are used for worldliness (cosmos and aion). By reading every place they are found, it is obvious that neither word always means worldliness. Only context can determine their meaning. However, when context demands it, we find worldliness means the present order of man, and things that stand in opposition and alienation against God (John 12:31). The whole system is in Satan’s lap (I John 5:19), and has him as its prince and god (II Corinthians 4:4 and Ephesians 2:2), so it is a place of spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:12). It is hostile to God (James 4:4). Everyone born of woman walks according to its system (Ephesians 2:2-3) and seeks its approval.
However, Jesus Christ has granted gracious deliverance for the believer from the world. Scripture says the cross of Christ cut the Christian’s umbilical cord with the world (Galatians 1:4, 6:14). It says a true believer does not have the love of the world in him any longer (I John 2:15, John 17:16). It says new birth gives the child of God new goals to wage daily war against the world (James 1:27, 4:4, and Romans 12:2). No more is the one whose citizenship is in heaven seduced by the world’s standards, abducted by its lusts, lied to by its prince, and deceived by its spiritual darkness.
But we must remember Demas. He was not delivered, but tried to love God and the world, and forsook the Lord, “loving this present world.” It was not modern Jezebel or entertainment. It was men, and things in opposition and alienation from God, having standards, goals, institutions and a world life view as secular and not sacred. Are you sure you know what worldliness really is?