Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

1 John

1 John 
Day 
Day 89

"They are of the world..."

Text: 1 John 4:5

AN INTENDED CONTRAST

The Apostle John wanted to show a sharp contrast between those who belong to the Lord and those who are of the world.

“They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world,
and the world hears them.”
1 John 4:5

1. Construction of sentences

a) Read 1 John 4:4 and 1 John 4:5.
b) The sentence construction is similar.

2. The contrast intended

a) We are of God.
Literal translation: “We, we are of God.” (1 John 4:4).
b) They are of the world.
Literal translation: “They, they are of the world.” (1 John 4:5).

3. “Therefore”

a) Inferential construction employed.
b) Translated “therefore”.
c) Literal translation: “Because of this.”

4. “Therefore they speak as of the world”

a) Worldly thoughts
b) Worldly concepts
c) Worldly expressions

5. “And the world hears them”

a) This is expected of course.
b) The world will hear its own.

A GREAT DIVIDE

A great divide exists between those who are of God and those who are of the world.

1. This was an important truth John sought to communicate.

2. It is a hard truth to comprehend and accept.

3. The modern church tends to make compromises with the world.

4. There is a significant departure from the apostolic stance.