The world is different things in New Testament scripture, one of them is a refutation of the Old Testament. The world is a concept developed only in the New Covenant of Jesus, primarily in John’s writings and secondarily Paul’s. Paul mostly identifies the world in the context of the Law, Old Covenant because of its focus on external qualities—behavioral instead of soulish states of consciousness. The Holy Spirit through John’s writings elaborates on the metaphysics of the world, both in soul and spiritual environment.

Lord, open my eyes to see the world as You see it—not through the lens of the Old Covenant, but through the revelation of Christ. Teach me to understand the distinction between external righteousness and the transformation of my soul. I pray for wisdom to grasp the depth of Your Spirit’s teaching through John and Paul. Help me live not by the flesh but by the Spirit, seeing the world aright.