What does mean to be worldly and What does the Bible say about it?

1. Christians do not belong to this world (society):

Jn.15:19 - Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world

A. We are citizens of Heaven:

Heb.11:14 - They...declare plainly that they seek a country
Heb.11:15,16 - Now they desire a better country...an Heavenly
Heb.13:14 - Here have we no continuing city...we seek one to come
Jn.14:2,3 - I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there ye may be also
(See also Jn.18:36)

B. We're sojourners in this world, pilgrims passing through:

Heb.11:13 - Confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth
Psa.39:12b - I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner
Psa.119:19a - I am a stranger in the earth

C. Earthly lands and homes are only temporary:

Lev.25:23b - The land is Mine (God's); for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me

D. Our life on earth is brief, so we do not settle here:

1Chr.29:15 - We are strangers before Thee, and sojourners...our days on the earth are as a shadow
1Pet.1:17 - Pass time of your sojourning here in fear (of God)
(See also Psa.39:4,5)

E. Guard against thinking this world is your permanent home:

Psa.49:11,12 - Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places

2. Though in this world, we are not to be part of it:

A. Christians are not part of this present worldly society:

Jn.17:14-16 - They are not of the world, even as I (Jesus) am not
Rom.12:2a - Be not conformed to this world
Eph.2:2,3 - In time past ye walked according to the course of this world
Gal.6:14 - The cross of...Christ, by whom the world is crucified (dead) unto me, and I unto the world
Phi.2:15 - The sons of God...in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world
1Jn.4:4-6 - They are of the world...we are of God
1Jn.5:19 - We are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness (malignant evil)
(See also 1Pet.2:9)

B. We are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers:

2Cor.6:14 - Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
2Cor.6:15 - What part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

C. We are not to have close friendship with the Christ-rejecting worldly:

Pro.1:15 - My son, walk not thou...with them; refrain thy foot
Pro.24:1 - Be not envious against (of) evil men, neither desire to be with them
1Cor.10:20,21 - I would not that ye should fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and...of devils
Eph.5:11 - Have no fellowship with the...works of darkness
(See also Pro.4:14-17; 13:20.)

D. We are to be separate from the worldly:

Isa.52:11 - Go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of [them]; be ye clean
2Cor.6:17 - Come out from among them, and be separate...touch not
Rev.18:4 - Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers

E. Do not become entirely separate; we must witness:

Jn.17:15 - Not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but... keep them from the evil
Jn.17:18 - As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world [to witness]
Mk.16:15 - Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel

F. Marriage with the unbelieving and worldly is discouraged:

Deut.7:3,4 - Neither shalt thou make marriages with them...for they will turn away thy son from following Me
Josh.23:12,13 - If ye do in any wise...make marriages with them...they shall be snares and traps unto you
1Ki.11:1-8 - King Solomon loved many strange women...his wives turned away his heart after other gods
Neh.13:26,27 - Solomon...was beloved of his God...nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin
1Cor.7:39 - She is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only [let her marry] in the Lord
1Cor.7:12-16 - [If already married to an unbeliever, have faith, you may yet win them by your Christian example]
(See also Gen.26:34,35; 27:46; Judg.14:1-3; Ezra 9:1,2; Mal.2:11,12.)

3. Our attitude toward worldly values:

A. Caution not to love this present world:

Jam.4:4 - The friendship of the world is enmity with God
1Jn.2:15,16 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in world

B. The pilgrim's attitude:

1Pet.2:11 - As strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly [worldly] lusts, which war against the soul
Tit.2:12,13 - Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts...live soberly...in this present world; looking for that blessed hope
Heb.11:24-27 - Moses...choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God...forsook Egypt
Jam.1:27 - Pure religion...to keep unspotted from the world
1Pet.1:17 - (God) judgeth...every man's work, [so] pass the time of your sojourning here in fear
2Pet.3:11,14 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be
1Jn.2:16,17 - The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes...is of the world. And the world passeth away

C. We should resist being influenced by trends, fads and media:

Exo.23:2a - Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil
Psa.1:1 - Blessed is man that walketh not in counsel of ungodly
Pro.1:10 - My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not
Rom.12:2a - Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
1Cor.7:31b - The fashion of this world passeth away
Col.2:8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through...vain deceit (See 1Pet.3:2-4 - re: fashions.)

D. Warning against indiscriminate worldly entertainment:

Psa.101:3 - I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes
Psa.119:37 - Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity
Isa.33:15 - He that walketh righteously...shutteth his eyes from seeing evil
2Ki.17:15b - They followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them

E. The detrimental effect of this wicked world on believers:

2Pet.2:7,8 - Lot...in seeing and hearing [filthy Sodomites], vexed (tormented) his righteous soul...with their unlawful deeds
2Pet.3:17 - Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness

F. Peer pressure and influence:

1Ki.12:3-16 - [King Rehoboam foolishly followed the counsel of] the young men that were grown up with him

G. Don't compromise or tolerate worldly ways:

Exo.23:32 - Make no covenant with them, nor with their gods
Exo.23:33 - They shall not dwell in thy land...for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee
1Tim.5:22 - Neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep...pure

H. Avoid wanton worldly parties and activities:

Rom.13:13,14 - Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (licentiousness)...fulfil [not] lusts
1Pet.4:3,4 - [We are not to indulge in drunken parties and revellings]
(See also Eph.2:2,3; Tit.2:12.)

I. But don't go to the opposite extreme:

Mat.9:9-13 - [The self-righteous demanded:] Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
1Cor.10:27 - [We can accept invitations to banquets and feasts]

4. If possible, live peaceably with others in order to win them to the Lord:

A. Peaceable relations with others are preferable:

Rom.12:18 - As much as lieth in (depends upon) you, live peaceably with all men
Pro.16:7 - Lord...maketh even his enemies to be at peace w/ him
Jer.29:7 - Seek the peace of the city...and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace
Mat.5:25 - Agree with thine adversary quickly...lest at any time
Col.4:5 - Walk in wisdom toward them that are without
1Tim.2:1,2 - [Pray] that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life

B. Try to relate to their way of thinking, in order to win them:

1Cor.9:19-22 - Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews. I am made all things to all men
1Cor.10:32 - Give none offence, neither to Jews, nor to Gentiles
1Cor.10:33 - I please all men...that they may be saved

C. Identify with them by giving your secular background and credentials:

Acts 22:3 - I am a man...brought up in this city...taught according to the law of the fathers...as ye all are
Acts 21:39 - I am...of Tarsus, a citizen of no mean city
(See also Acts 16:36-38; 22:25-28.)

5. Caution against compromising with the world:

Gal.1:10 - Do I seek to please men? If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ

A. Caution against pleasing to the point of compromising:

Lk.6:26 - Woe unto you, when all men speak well of you
2Ki.5:17,18 - In this thing the Lord pardon Thy servant, that...I bow myself in the house of Rimmon (a heathen god)

B. We should stand up for, and not be ashamed of, our faith:

Mk.8:38 - Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My Words in this...sinful generation; of him shall (I) be ashamed
Rom.1:16 - I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ
2Tim.1:8a - Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our Lord
1Pet.4:16 - If any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed

C. We are not of this world, and it hates us for that:

Lk.6:22 - Men...shall separate you from their company, and reproach
Jn.15:18,19 - Because ye are not of the world...world hateth you
1Pet.4:4 - They think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you

6. The importance of an honest, sincere example:

A. Be a good example:

Mat.5:16 - Let your light so shine...that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in Heaven
Rom.13:3b - Do...good, and thou shalt have praise of the [rulers]
1Thes.5:22 - Abstain from all appearance of evil
1Tim.4:12 - Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity (love)
1Pet.2:13,14 - Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake...for the praise of them
1Pet.2:15 - With well doing...put to silence ignorance of foolish
Lk.6:27 - Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you

B. We are commanded to be honest in our dealings:

Rom.12:17b - Provide things honest in the sight of all men
2Cor.8:21 - Providing for honest things...in the sight of men
1Thes.4:12a - Walk honestly toward them that are without
Tit.2:10a - Not purloining (stealing, pilfering), but showing all good fidelity
1Pet.2:12 - Having your (way of life) honest among the Gentiles
(See also Rom.13:13a; Heb.13:18.)

C. Do not bring reproach upon the cause of Christ:

Rom.14:16 - Let not then your good be evil spoken of
2Cor.6:3 - Giving none offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed
1Tim.5:14b - Give none occasion to adversary to speak reproachfully
(See also Rom.2:23,24; 1Tim.6:1; Tit.2:5.)

D. Be blameless and innocent:

Mat.10:16 - Sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves
Phi.2:15 - Blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke
Tit.1:6 - Blameless...having children not accused of riot

E. Don't let your liberties become a "stumbling block" to others:

Rom.14:13-21 - No man put a stumblingblock...in his brother's way [that we may be]...approved of men
1Cor.6:12 - All things are lawful...but all things not expedient
1Cor.8:8-13 - Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak
1Pet.2:16 - Not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness

7. Secular work and employment:

A. Christians are instructed to do honest work:

Eph.4:28 - Let him labour, working with his hands the thing (profession) which is good
1Thes.4:11,12 - Work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may have lack of nothing
2Thes.3:10-12 - If any would not work, neither should he eat
Tit.3:14 - Let ours learn to maintain good works (profess honest trades) for necessary uses

B. We must keep our priorities straight:

Acts 20:35 - Labouring ye ought to support weak...blessed to give
Eph.4:28 - Let him labour, working...that he may have to give
1Cor.7:31 - They that use this world, as not abusing it

C. Don't labour to be rich, but merely for your needs:

Lk.12:15 - Beware of covetousness...a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth
1Tim.6:8 - Having food and raiment let us therewith be content

D. Consider the fate of those who covet riches:

Psa.49:16-20 - [The fate of those who seek riches in this world]
Mk.10:24,25 - How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter
1Tim.6:9,10 - They that will (desire to) be rich fall into...snare...erred from the faith...pierced with sorrows
Jam.1:10,11 - The rich...is made low...withereth...perisheth
(See also Jam.5:1-4)

E. Warning regarding wrong attitudes:

Job 31:24,25, If I have...said to gold, Thou art my confidence...I should
28 have denied God that is above
Hag.1:6b,9 - It came to little...because ye run every man unto his own house [and neglected God's work]
Lk.12:19-21 - Soul, thou hast much goods laid up...take thine ease
1Tim.6:10 - The love of money is the root of all evil
Rev.3:15-18 - Thou sayest, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Thou art wretched, poor, naked

8. The work of pastors, full-time Christian workers and missionaries:

A. The compensation of pastors and teachers:

1Tim.5:17,18 - They who labour in the Word and doctrine...the labourer is worthy of his reward (wages)
1Cor.9:6-9 - Who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of flock?
1Cor.9:13 - They which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple

B. The work of missionaries is preaching the gospel; they are reapers in God's harvest and are worthy of wages:

Jn.4:35 - Look on the [mission] fields; for they are white already to harvest
Mat.9:37,38 - The harvest [of souls] is plenteous, but the labourers are few...send labourers into His harvest
Jn.4:36 - He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal
1Cor.9:13,14 - The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel
1Cor.9:10 - He that ploweth...and thresheth..should be par taker

C. Christians with secular jobs helping support the Lord's workers:

Rom.15:27 - If [they] have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is to minister... carnal things
1Cor.9:11 - If we have sown unto you spiritual things...we shall reap your carnal things
Gal.6:6 - Let him that is taught in the Word communicate (give materially) unto him that teacheth
Lk.8:3 - Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward...ministered unto Him (Jesus) of their substance
Lk.10:7 - Eating such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire (wages) (See also Mat.10:10b)
(See 1Thes.2:9; 2Cor.11:8.)

D. God's workers sometimes hold secular jobs also:

Acts 18:1-3 - He (Paul) was of the same craft, he...wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers
(See also Acts 20:34,35; 1Cor.4:11,12.)

E. But when possible, they should avoid time-consuming secular jobs and devote their full time to their main work:

Jn.6:27 - Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life
1Cor.7:23 - Ye are bought...be not ye the servants of men
1Cor.9:6,7 - Have not we power to forbear working [at secular employment]?
2Tim.2:4 - No man that warreth entangleth himself with affairs of this life; that he may please Him (Jesus)

9. A Christian's relationship to worldly governments:

A. Try to be good citizens and obey the government:

Rom.13:1 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. The powers (authorities) that be are ordained of God
Tit.3:1 - Put them in mind to be subject...to obey magistrates
1Pet.2:17 - Honour all men. Fear God. Honour the king

B. Most governments and laws are for our good and protection:

Acts 21:30-35 - [Roman soldiers rescued Paul from a hostile mob]
Acts 23:10 - [Romans prevented Jews from pulling Paul in pieces]
Acts 25:15,16 - It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man

C. Pray for the government and officials:

Eccl.10:20 - Curse not the king, no not in thy thought
1Tim.2:1 - I exhort that...prayers...be made for kings, and for all that are in authority

D. Perform required national and community duties:

Mat.22:21 - Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's
Rom.13:7 - Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute

E. However, we must obey God above all:

Acts 4:19,20 - [We are not bound to obey secular laws which cause us to disobey God, or which forbid witnessing]
Acts 5:29 - We ought to obey God rather than men

10. The governments of man:

A. God rules the governments of men:

Pro.8:15,16 - By Me kings reign, and...princes rule...even all the judges of the earth
Dan.4:32,35 - The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will
Jn.19:10,11 - Thou (Pilate) couldst have no power at all against Me except it were given thee from above

B. God has allowed the devil a certain amount of control:

Lk.4:5,6 - All the kingdoms of the world [are] delivered unto me (Satan); and to whomsoever I will I give it
2Cor.4:4 - [Satan is called] the god of this world

11. Christians and secular educational systems:

A. Much modern secular education is godless or anti-God:

Job 21:14 - They say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of Thy ways
Jer.4:22 - They have none understanding: they are wise to do evil
Rom.1:28 - They did not like to retain God in their knowledge
2Cor.11:3 - I fear, lest...as the serpent beguiled Eve...so your minds...be corrupted from...Christ
Col.2:6-8 - Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy... after tradition of men, not [according to] Christ

B. The wisdom of this world:

Jer.8:9 - They have rejected the Word of the Lord; and what wisdom is in them?
Zech.7:11,12 - They stopped their ears, that they should not hear...lest they hear the Words which the Lord sent
Rom.1:21,22 - Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools
1Cor.3:19 - The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God
2Tim.3:7 - Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth
(See also 1Cor.1:17-29; 2:1-16; 3:18-20.)

C. Most worldly knowledge is not profitable:

1Cor.8:1,2 - Knowledge puffeth up, but (love) edifieth
2Tim.4:3 - Heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears

D. Jesus and His disciples were not highly educated:

Lk.1:80 - The child (John) grew...and was in the deserts
Jn.7:15 - How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Acts 4:13 - When they...perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled
1Cor.1:26,27 - Not many wise men after the flesh...are called
(See also Psa.8:2; Lk.10:21.)

The Christian's Relationship To Worldly Society