InstaStudy

Understanding the World from a Biblical Perspective

This study explores the biblical understanding of the world, its origin, its fallen state, God's redemptive plan, and the believer's call to live distinctly in anticipation of God's eternal kingdom.

1. God's Creation and Ownership of the World

1.1 The Creator of All Things

Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2
  • Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God, and all things were made by Him.
  • Through Him and for Him all things were created, holding all things together.
  • He is the heir of all things, by whom He also made the worlds.

1.2 The World Belongs to God

Verses: Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26
  • The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
  • All creation is His property, demonstrating His sovereignty.

1.3 God's Sustaining Power

Verses: Hebrews 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6
  • He upholds all things by the word of His power.
  • He preserves and gives life to all creation.

2. The World's Rebellion and Fallen State

2.1 Sin's Entrance into the World

Verses: Romans 5:12; Genesis 3:6-7
  • Through one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin.
  • Humanity's disobedience brought spiritual death and separation.

2.2 The World Under the Sway of Evil

Verses: 1 John 5:19; John 12:31
  • The whole world lies in wickedness.
  • There is a spiritual adversary influencing the systems of the world.

2.3 The World's Values Oppose God

Verses: 1 John 2:15-16; James 4:4
  • Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, for they are not of the Father.
  • Friendship with the world is enmity with God.

3. Redemption for the World Through Jesus

3.1 God's Love for the World

Verses: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.
  • God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.

3.2 Jesus, the Savior of the World

Verses: John 4:42; 1 John 4:14
  • We have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.
  • He was sent to deliver humanity from sin's power.

3.3 The New Birth and Transformation

Verses: John 3:3; Romans 12:2
  • Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
  • Do not be conforming to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

4. Living Separate from the World

4.1 Called Out of Darkness

Verses: 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13
  • We are a chosen generation, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
  • He has delivered us from the power of darkness.

4.2 Not of the World

Verses: John 17:14-16; Philippians 3:20
  • Believers are in the world but not of the world, just as Jesus was not of the world.
  • Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior.

4.3 Overcoming the World

Verses: 1 John 5:4-5; John 16:33
  • This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
  • In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; Jesus has overcome the world.

5. The World's End and God's Eternal Kingdom

5.1 The Passing Away of the Present World

Verses: 1 John 2:17; 2 Peter 3:10
  • The world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever.
  • The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.

5.2 A New Heaven and a New Earth

Verses: Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17
  • We look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
  • God will create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered.

5.3 God's Eternal Reign

Verses: Revelation 11:15; Revelation 22:3-5
  • The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever.
  • His servants shall serve Him, and they shall see His face, and He shall reign forever.