The Biblical Definition of Worldliness: Worldliness, according to the Bible, refers to a mindset, behavior, or lifestyle that is influenced by the sinful nature of the world rather than by God. It involves pursuing worldly pleasures, desires, and values that contradict godly living. The Bible warns against being conformed to the world and calls believers to live in holiness and righteousness.
Key Scriptures on Worldliness
- 1 John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
- James 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
- Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
- 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
- Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
- Galatians 5:16-17 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
Prayer Points Against Worldliness
- Prayer for a Renewed Mind Heavenly Father, help me not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Fill my heart with a desire for Your righteousness. (Romans 12:2)
- Prayer for Spiritual Focus Lord, set my affections on things above, not on earthly desires. Help me to prioritize Your kingdom above all else. (Colossians 3:2)
- Prayer for Deliverance from Worldly Lusts Father, teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. (Titus 2:12)
- Prayer for Strength to Resist Temptation Lord, give me the strength to resist the temptations of the flesh and the lures of the world. Help me to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
- Prayer for a Heart Devoted to God Father, may my love be for You alone and not for the things of this world. Help me to serve You wholeheartedly. (1 John 2:15)
- Prayer for Freedom from Materialism Lord, keep me from the love of money and the deceitfulness of riches. Let my treasure be in heaven, not on earth. (1 Timothy 6:10)
- Prayer to be a Light in the World Father, though I live in this world, let me not be of it. Help me to shine as a light for Your glory and to draw others to Christ. (Matthew 5:14-16)
By focusing on these scriptures and prayer points, believers can guard their hearts against worldliness and live in a way that pleases God.