Definition:
The term "worldlings" refers to individuals who are primarily concerned with worldly matters and pursuits, often to the exclusion of spiritual or eternal considerations. In a biblical context, worldlings are those who prioritize the temporal and material aspects of life over their relationship with God and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Biblical Context:
The concept of worldliness is addressed throughout Scripture, often contrasting the values of the world with those of the Kingdom of God. The Bible warns believers against adopting the mindset and behaviors of worldlings, emphasizing the importance of living a life set apart for God.

Key Scriptures:

1. 1 John 2:15-17 :
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

This passage highlights the transient nature of worldly desires and the eternal significance of doing God's will. It serves as a warning against the allure of worldly pleasures and the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God.

2. James 4:4 :
"You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God."

Here, James uses strong language to emphasize the incompatibility of friendship with the world and allegiance to God. The term "adulteresses" metaphorically describes those who are unfaithful to God by aligning themselves with worldly values.

3. Romans 12:2 :
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

This verse calls believers to resist conforming to worldly patterns and instead seek transformation through the renewal of their minds. It underscores the importance of discernment in understanding and living out God's will.

Theological Implications:
Worldlings are often characterized by their focus on material wealth, status, and personal gratification. This focus can lead to a life that is at odds with the teachings of Christ, who calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The pursuit of worldly success and pleasure can distract from the pursuit of holiness and the development of a Christ-like character.

Practical Considerations for Believers:
Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas where worldly influences may have taken precedence over spiritual priorities. This involves a conscious effort to cultivate a mindset that values eternal truths over temporary gains. Engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers can help maintain a focus on spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.

Conclusion:
While worldlings may find temporary satisfaction in the things of this world, Scripture consistently points to the fleeting nature of such pursuits and the enduring value of a life devoted to God. Believers are called to live as citizens of heaven, setting their minds on things above and seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:33).

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
... But I am now speaking to you who are seeking to serve God and to serve Satan; you
who are trying to be Christian worldlings, trying to be members of that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/elijahs appeal to the undecided.htm

The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... In the clergy, the world also hath learned a way to make of men spiritual, worldlings;
yea, and there also to form worldly children, where with great pretence ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/the second sermon in the.htm

The Third Part.
... The Jesuite saith, I am zealous; the Separatist, I am zealous; their plea is more
probable, then the lukewarme worldlings, that serve God without life. ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the third part.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... O Lord, which are we to believe, these worldlings, or thee? If thou dost deceive
us, why dost thou threaten us with punishments, if we do not heed thee? ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

A Divided Heart
... they have become dishonest. They think themselves fit to mingle with honest
worldlings, and with sincere Christians too. If a man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a divided heart.htm

Kept from Iniquity
... What credit is brought to Christ by professed Christians who are so like worldlings
that, if you put them under a microscope, you could not tell the difference ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/kept from iniquity.htm

David's Deserts
... by the side of the winter hearth; from the lips of wandering minstrels; in the hearts
of young creatures, whom neither the profligacy of worldlings, nor the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

Let Your Hearts be Much Set on Revivals of Religion. ...
... the con-elusive and crowning evidence of His Messiahship and Sovereignty; and, by
so doing, startle the slumbering souls of careless worldlings, gain the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xii let your hearts.htm

Prayer and Importunity
... Christian people are prayerful, the worldly-minded, prayerless. Christians
call on God; worldlings ignore God, and call not on His Name. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/vi prayer and importunity.htm

Christian Conversation
... The saints have faces like other men; sometimes, they are sadly marred and
furrowed by cares and troubles which worldlings do not know. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/christian conversation.htm

Worldlings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Worldlings (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians ... spiritual men.
It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. (WEY). ...
/w/worldlings.htm - 6k

Worldly (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 3:1 And as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to
you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. ...
/w/worldly.htm - 13k

Mere (56 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 3:1 And as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to
you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. ...
/m/mere.htm - 22k

Impossible (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 3:1 And as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to
you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. ...
/i/impossible.htm - 17k

Myself (395 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 3:1 And as for myself, brethren, I found it impossible to speak to
you as spiritual men. It had to be as to worldlings--mere babes in Christ. ...
/m/myself.htm - 37k

World (2829 Occurrences)

/w/world.htm - 40k

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