WORLDLINESS. # 3.

In our previous articles, we have been giving the definitions of worldliness. We also began a discussion on the points that suggest our worldliness. Now, let us pick up where we left off!

B. Even an obsession with the "cares of the world" Mk. 4:18,19, though they may be harmless in themselves, is worldliness. An obsession for farming or housekeeping or banking or teaching, etc., can so focus one's attention on this world that he thinks of neither the present nor the eternal kingdom. Such people are worldly -- the same as any reveler who carouses all the time. Both are concerned with this present world. Neither one or the other is thinking of the kingdom of God.

C. The person whose love for this life sways his sense of loyalty and duty is worldly. Paul said, "Demas forsook me, having loved this present world." 2 Tim. 4:10. Paul was soon to die for the cause of Christ, 2 Tim. 4:6, and Demas so wanted to continue living upon the earth that he turned and ran to save his life. He loved physical existence in this material world. When we make our decision on that basis, we are worldly. (This is the way I looked at the case of Demas over 33 years ago. I am not sure now that he ran just to save his life. I am more of the opinion that he loved this present world's pleasures and wanted to enjoy them rather than being afraid for his life. He might have ran if Paul's life had not been threatened. Who knows? --JWS).

D.Religion for the sake of personal advantage in this life is worldliness: "As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:12-14.

E. Please note that complete interest in self and the things of this world is opposed to the heavenly citizenship: "For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven." Phil. 3:18,19. The person whose decisions in this life were determined by whether or not he would have a full stomach was as worldly as the prodigal son was when he "wasted his substance with riotous living." There is no essential difference -- both lived only for the gratification of the flesh.

We can never know fully what is the lust of the flesh or the lust of the eyes unless we know the meaning of the term "lust." The word "lust" is translated from the Greek "epithumia," which simply means "desire for what is forbidden." Thayer. The following scriptures prove the accuracy of Thayer's definition, viz., that lust is forbidden desire or unlawful desire:

A. "Sin is lawlessness." 1 Jno. 3:4. As a Christian you are not to let sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof. Rom. 6:12. Since sin is lawlessness, then the lusts of sin that reign in the body are law- less desires -- desires that recognize no law.

B. "In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts." Jude 18. They walk without considering God's will; they regard only their ungodly desires.

C. Peter condemns "them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion." 2 Pet. 2:10. Consider the contrast: lust of defilement vs. dominion.

D. In 1 Pet. 1:14, we find that obedience stands opposed to lusts: "as child- ren of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance."

E. Our next passage shows that the lusts of men are opposed to the will of God: "That ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." 1 Pet. 4:2.

F. The devil, who is our adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8, is the father of them who have unlawful desires: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do." Jno. 8:44. So, once again, we see that lust is unlawful or forbidden desire.

The "vainglory of life" refers to that love of wealth, worldly pomp and glory, etc., which puffs men up with pride and causes them to parade their attain- ments, accomplishments, and possessions before their fellowmen for the simple purpose of being glorified and praised by men. (It is well to state that wealth, honor, and distinction could come to a person as the result of industry service, etc., and that person could be free from the love of the vainglory of life). Notice the following definitions of "vainglory of life":

A. "Vain boast or glory, ostentation." Young's Analytical Concordance.
B. "Boasting, show, ostentation." Berry.
C. "An impious and empty presumption which trusts in the stability of earthly things." Thayer.
D. "Literally -- the boasting of life. John means all the things pertaining to this life, of which the men of the world boast..." McKnight

Lesson One
Lesson Two
Lesson Four
Lesson Five

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