100 Bible Verses about Being Like The World

1 John 2:15-17 ESV / 707 helpful votes

Do not love the world or the things 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 and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Romans 12:2 ESV / 610 helpful votes

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 John 2:15 ESV / 404 helpful votes

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

James 4:4 ESV / 373 helpful votes

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Matthew 6:24 ESV / 268 helpful votes

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Colossians 2:8 ESV / 228 helpful votes

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

John 15:18-21 ESV / 225 helpful votes

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

1 John 3:13 ESV / 222 helpful votes

Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.

1 John 2:16 ESV / 201 helpful votes

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Ephesians 5:11 ESV / 187 helpful votes

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

John 12:46 ESV / 182 helpful votes

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

John 3:16 ESV / 152 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 2:17 ESV / 139 helpful votes

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV / 136 helpful votes

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 12:1-2 ESV / 123 helpful votes

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

John 8:12 ESV / 116 helpful votes

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 7:13 ESV / 116 helpful votes

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

Romans 14:1-23 ESV / 113 helpful votes

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. ...

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV / 112 helpful votes

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Galatians 2:20 ESV / 101 helpful votes

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 89 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 84 helpful votes

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Matthew 5:16 ESV / 84 helpful votes

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV / 81 helpful votes

Abstain from every form of evil.

Psalm 119:105 ESV / 77 helpful votes

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

1 John 1:7 ESV / 74 helpful votes

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

John 17:14 ESV / 74 helpful votes

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Romans 8:13 ESV / 72 helpful votes

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

James 1:27 ESV / 70 helpful votes

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 60 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Ephesians 2:2 ESV / 60 helpful votes

In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—

John 14:6 ESV / 58 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 57 helpful votes

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Philippians 3:20 ESV / 57 helpful votes

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 John 1:9-11 ESV / 56 helpful votes

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 56 helpful votes

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 56 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

John 1:1 ESV / 54 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV / 53 helpful votes

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV / 51 helpful votes

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 50 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Ephesians 2:10 ESV / 49 helpful votes

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Psalm 119:130 ESV / 48 helpful votes

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 47 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

John 16:33 ESV / 45 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 5:14-16 ESV / 42 helpful votes

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 John 5:19 ESV / 41 helpful votes

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

Ephesians 2:8 ESV / 41 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 12:1-21 ESV / 40 helpful votes

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ...

John 18:36 ESV / 40 helpful votes

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Revelation 3:15-21 ESV / 39 helpful votes

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. ...

Romans 5:8 ESV / 39 helpful votes

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Peter 1:4 ESV / 38 helpful votes

By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

Hebrews 10:25 ESV / 38 helpful votes

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

John 14:27 ESV / 38 helpful votes

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Matthew 5:13 ESV / 38 helpful votes

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

James 2:19 ESV / 37 helpful votes

You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 37 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

John 14:15 ESV / 37 helpful votes

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 9:5 ESV / 36 helpful votes

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Ephesians 5:18 ESV / 34 helpful votes

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Joshua 1:9 ESV / 34 helpful votes

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 33 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Ephesians 5:1 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

Romans 10:9 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 1:9 ESV / 33 helpful votes

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Matthew 6:1-34 ESV / 33 helpful votes

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ...

Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 31 helpful votes

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Matthew 6:22-23 ESV / 31 helpful votes

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

John 17:1-26 ESV / 30 helpful votes

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. ...

Matthew 5:14 ESV / 30 helpful votes

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

John 15:18-19 ESV / 29 helpful votes

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Revelation 3:17 ESV / 28 helpful votes

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

2 Peter 2:20 ESV / 28 helpful votes

For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

Acts 26:18 ESV / 28 helpful votes

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Romans 6:23 ESV / 26 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:10 ESV / 26 helpful votes

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 26 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

James 1:17 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Romans 3:23 ESV / 25 helpful votes

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Luke 1:37 ESV / 25 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Romans 1:16 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Genesis 1:27 ESV / 24 helpful votes

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

John 15:19 ESV / 23 helpful votes

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 4:14 ESV / 22 helpful votes

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV / 21 helpful votes

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Luke 6:26 ESV / 21 helpful votes

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Matthew 10:16 ESV / 21 helpful votes

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV / 21 helpful votes

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Philippians 2:21 ESV / 20 helpful votes

For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:17-18 ESV / 20 helpful votes

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Luke 19:10 ESV / 20 helpful votes

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Daniel 12:3 ESV / 19 helpful votes

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Genesis 1:1-31 ESV / 19 helpful votes

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...

Matthew 28:18 ESV / 15 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Jeremiah 2:13 ESV / 15 helpful votes

For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

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