World, human behaviour in

Human behaviour in the world is now characterised by self-centredness as a result of sin. Believers are called upon to renounce such sinful behaviour.

Human passion in the world is expressed in various ways

In physical desires

1 John 2:15–16 See also Exodus 20:17; Proverbs 27:20; Luke 12:15, Luke 21:34; James 4:4; 2 Peter 2:18–20

Do not love the world or anything 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, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not from the Father but from the world.

In indulgence

James 5:1, James 5:5 See also Job 21:7–13; Psalm 73:2–3; 2 Timothy 4:10

Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.

You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.

In intellectual pursuits

Colossians 2:8 See also Galatians 4:3–5; Ephesians 2:3

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

In a weak will

Exodus 23:2 See also Job 31:34; Romans 6:17–19

You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.

Though remaining in the world, believers are not of the world

John 17:6–19

Believers are to renounce the passions of the world

Through a renewed mind

Romans 12:2 See also Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:5–10

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Through obedience

1 Peter 1:14–15 See also 2 Corinthians 10:2–5; Galatians 5:24, Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 5:17; Titus 2:12; James 1:27; 2 Peter 1:4

As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,

Through having spiritual priorities

Luke 12:29–31 parallel Matthew 6:31–33 See also Matthew 10:39; Luke 14:26–27, Luke 17:33; John 12:24–26; 1 Timothy 6:6

And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.

Through growing to maturity

1 Corinthians 3:1 See also Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 6:1–3

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly — as infants in Christ.

The futility of worldly pursuits

They bring no lasting material gain

1 Timothy 6:7 See also Job 1:21; Psalm 49:17; Ecclesiastes 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:17–19

For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

They bring no spiritual gain

Mark 8:36–37 parallel Luke 9:25 See also Job 20:4–5; Psalm 17:14; Luke 16:25–26

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?