The Bible talks about “the spirit of the world” (1 Corinthians 2:12). This “world” is not the world of nature, but is a reference to the world system of which the devil is god (2 Corinthians 4:4). When the devil tested Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple, one of the things that he offered to Jesus was the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them (Matthew 4:8,9). This fallen world system is by nature evil (Galatians 1:4) and corrupt (2 Peter 1:4).
When a person receives and believes (John 1:12-13) the gospel of Jesus Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), he or she is delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18). Oh yes, sin and the ability to be tempted will always be there because of the remaining corruption that is in our flesh (Romans 7:14-23). But the victory that overcomes the world is faith in The Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 7:24,25; 1 John 5:4).
Thus, God calls His children out of this fallen world system (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). He does not remove us from contact with the world or the people of the world, for our call is to be salt and light in this world for Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:13-16). Our call is to love our neighbor (Romans 13:8) and show them the love and compassion of Jesus. We live under a different law than those who do not know Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:20,21).
The key to coming out of the world is found in heeding The Lord’s invitation to “come away” and deepen that fellowship with Him (Song 2:10,13). As we draw near to The Lord (Psalm 73:28a) and find our satisfaction and contentment in The Lord (Psalm 34:8-10), we are able to live in the world without being a part of it. Because we have a Father in heaven who really loves us, He warns us about falling into the world’s trap (Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14).
Reader, are you trapped by something or someone of the world? Remember that the pleasures of sin are for a season (Hebrews 11:25), but eventually pay day arrives, and the pay is always death (Romans 6:23). Be it the death of a marriage, the death of virginity, the death of joy or peace. The choice is to listen to God and be blessed, or be stubborn and pay the consequences (Psalm 32:8-10; John 10:10).
