What is "worldly"?

Worldly refers to things of the mindset of the unbeliever or the unbelieving worldview, or things that makes statements about the mindset of the unbeliever. Obviously as culture changes, some of those statements change.

 

I John 2:16 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.

Lust is not merely a desire or, even a strong desire. It is setting your heart upon something. Seting you sights upon it and being willing to go after it and, more importantly, being willing to set aside Godly principles in order to have what you have your heart set on. It can be power, entertainment, or improving your self-esteem. It boils down to selfishness and wrong priorities.

 

Worldliness is the opposite of godliness.
“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.” (Titus 2:11-12).

Godliness is to be like unto God, it is to reflect the moral character of God. What is worldliness?
When we think about that we usually think in terms of a list: Smoking: Drinking: Dancing: Gambling etc. But worldliness is much more than those things. Worldliness is a spirit, an attitude as well as an action. There is such a thing as “worldly thinking.” Worldliness is an attitude of friendship toward, a desire for and a wish to be recognised by the world system. Worldliness cancels out godliness and vice versa. Worldliness opposes godliness and vice versa.

 

"Worldliness" is something one Christian enjoys that another Christian doesn't like.

 

Ironically, Paul sometimes referred to legalistic Jews as "worldly"--but the definition fits--wanting to be conformed to the godless system that appealed to them--finding righteousness by the Law.

 

Or rather, it is something that one Christian enjoys that another feels jealous of wanting also.

 

I like Artimaeus view when he quoted from 1 John 2

1 John 2
15: 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.
16: 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.
17: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

This is a functional definition of one who is “worldly”, one who is practicing these things concerning the lusts (desires) of seeing and having and getting.
We can be worldly in what we are doing in the realm of Church if we desire to be seen, praised, etc. Those things may happen but we shouldn’t seek them and/or they shouldn’t motivate us.
Of course, no one is perfect (I know from experience - ).

HankD

 

Hi guys, As has been already stated, "worldliness is the opposite of Godliness". Worldliness is walking in "the flesh", instead of walking in "the Spirit" (Gal. 5:17-25). If we're walking in the Spirit, we won't be worldly! Those of the "world" are self-focused, always concerned about their own desires. Jesus' first discipleship requirement doesn't fit the worldly view (Mat.16:24). When we walk in the Spirit, we embrace the JOY concept: Jesus - Others - Yourself, in that order! In Christ, WT

 

Most often, "Worldliness" is something Baptist-A does that Baptist-B doesn't like.

 

"Worldly" has been a label that some have put on anything that they don't like. For example: My pastor grew up in a time that Women didn't wear slacks, so slacks (jeans, shorts, etc.) are "worldly" to him, although he has no scriptural support to say this. It's only his opinion. If I wear a suit and tie every day of my life, I still am dressing like the world because CEO's and Lawyers (2 groups that contain many crooks) wear suits and ties.

IMHO-
God is perfect, so Godliness is sinlessness.
The World is Sinful, so Worldliness is sinfullness.

When we sin (or walk in the flesh) we're "worldly" but when we're right with God and living Holy (walking in the spirit) we are Godly.
So (IMHO again) "Worldly" should only be used to define sinfullness (as Dr. Bob outlined above.)

 

I agree with most everything said here. I think worldliness is a term that christians throw out there, when they are upset by or don't like or are jealous of, whats being done or what is had by others. It is used to condemn and judge others.
In my heart, I believe that worldliness is letting other things take the place of God, as was stated previously.
You all made me smile today, thanks.
Christine

 

I agree. I believe it's in the eye of the beholder and something that the more uptight among us trivialize by throwing out like candy on Mardi Gras anytime they want to feel superior.

I think that's a part of it.

I agree with Bob's post but I would entend that to include not showing grace to one another.

 

Worldliness is the greatest problem facing the Church today. Something we are all guilty of to some degree.

Here is a definition from a sermon I heard last year:

Worldliness is friendship with, or use of, anything from which God and his standards are militantly excluded, no matter how skilful and accomplished. It is also going beyond modesty and moderation in possessions and luxuries, or in concern for appearance, to gain happiness or approval.

You can read the full sermon here, it is definitely well worth taking 10 minutes to read it.

METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE

 

In other words, worldliness is whatever I think it is.

 

In other words, worldliness is whatever I think it is. </font>[/QUOTE]God bless you, Aaron.

 

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.

What "in the world" do you think John was referring to in these verses? What would have been considered worly activity in the time that this was written?