8 Important Bible Verses About Worldliness

Worldliness is one of the most dangerous enemies of a believer. We are drawn to the world’s way as it appeals to our own sinful nature that longs to be satisfied. Believers who struggle with worldliness will benefit from building a strong defense with knowledge and action from God’s word. Study 8 important Bible verses about worldliness to stay on guard:

Worldly Wisdom

“We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (2 Corinthians 1:12).

The wisdom that comes from the world is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). It’s tempting to follow the advice of worldly wisdom because many times it seems to make sense—at least from man’s point of view. Yet the world’s wisdom only leads down the road of disappointment, regret, and pain. In contrast the wisdom of God brings us peace and direction for our lives.

Worldly Manners

“Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’?” (2 Corinthians 1:17).

Worldliness thrives in the culture of lies and deception. The world promises to make people happy with pleasures, materialism, and instant gratification. Yet the truth is that there is enslavement to sin through addictions and failures. God’s word establishes a clear distinction between the truth and lie—we obey His word to avoid the traps of worldly manners.

Worldly Passions

“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12).

When we were in the world, we had difficulty telling ourselves “no”. Many of us followed after our whims without any idea of the consequences to follow. The passions of worldliness can’t be satisfied even if every desire was granted. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened and equipped to control their passions in order that they may be free.

Worldly Love

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15).

We can’t love both God and the world. Our hearts are drawn towards what we really want in this life. The love for the world is born out of an appetite for sinfulness and self-pleasure; whereas, a heart for the Lord is born out of the Spirit. We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ to love God with all of our hearts and not the world.

Worldly Characteristics

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).

The characteristic of worldliness encompasses getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. The primary focus is on ourselves and not God or other people. When we recognize the sin of selfishness in our hearts, we need to confess and repent immediately. The lure of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is subtle enough that we may make excuses instead of confessions.

Worldly Speech

^“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them” (1 John 4:5).

Worldliness has a different kind of speech than of those who are called by God. Our speech is characterized by words of faith, encouragement, and hope. The speech of the world is punctuated by doubt, fear, and unbelief—those who live in worldliness may never recognize how their words separate them from God. Believers need to have ears that are quick to hear and understand when worldly speech attempts to entice them.

Worldly Corruption

“Having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4)

Those ensnared in worldly corruption don’t even recognize their captivity. This corruption begins in the mind leading to death. Yet every believer before Christ was enslaved in sinful thinking followed by sinful actions. We escaped not by our own will, but rather by the grace and mercy of God.

Worldly Eyes

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5).

In the eyes of the world—believers are foolish to follow after a God they can’t see. Their vision has been skewed by sinfulness so that they don’t see or understand their terrible end of eternal darkness. Only through the gift of salvation do believers see the truth of God’s great love and surrender to His will.

Don’t Conform, But Transform (Romans 12:2)

Worldliness is a tempting factor in the lives of believers who are engaged in the world. We can live in the world and not become a part of it as long as we stay connected to the Lord. Believers aren’t called to judge those in the world, but we are to love and intercede for those who are deceived. Through the transforming of our minds to the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know God’s will and live a fulfilling life.

More reading: What Does the Bible Say About Living in the Wold

Tagged as: Bible Verses, Worldliness