[2 Timothy 4:10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.]

Throughout the Scriptures, God warns us to love not the world. “The world” refers to the systems as well as lifestyle, trends and way of life of our generation.

Our opening verse reveals the consequences of loving the world – you will forsake the Lord. It gives us an example – Demas, who was ministering with Paul but because he loved the present world, he forsook Paul and turned away from serving the Lord.

It is impossible to love the world & love God. James 4:4 tells us “..friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God!” Loving the world, makes you an automatic enemy of God. Why? Ephesians 2:2 tells us the course of this world is contrary to the ways, standards & purposes of God. It also tells us the course of this world is directed by Satan.

So following the course of this world is actually following Satan. That is why people are doing crazy things, they are under the influence of Satan. Yet they may even deny it because they never meet him.

So love not the world, don’t go the direction of the multitudes, serve the Lord though it may seem contrary to the world, but you will never regret it as opposed to loving the world and soon coming to regret.