The spirit of the world is a root issue. This spirit is the Father’s enemy. This spirit seeks to move passion away from the Father toward the world. The spirit of this world manifests in an international system, but the spirit of the world is individualized in a very personal way through the demanding desires and works of the flesh nature of the human soul.
John writes the most extensive treatment of this work of darkness to help us understand how the international-level, spiritual conspiracy against Jesus Christ functions at a personal level. To be sure, this spirit is an international condition, but this spirit functions individually to steal passion and to choke out production. The spirit of the world is fundamentally opposed to the Spirit of God.
Tomorrow night we will deal with the spirit of antichrist, and John speaks about this spirit by addressing the function of the spirit of the world. John makes it clear that from his day until the coming of Christ, an antichrist spirit will be at work. The spirit of the world answers to that spirit that is opposed to the Anointing. John continues his discussion of the spirit of the world and the spirit of antichrist by a short contrast:
“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all know the Truth…the Anointing you have received from Him remains in you; then you have no requirement for someone to teach you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true, void of falsehood, so you must abide in Him as His Anointing has taught you.”
So, a discussion of the spirit of the world and the spirit of antichrist involves a contrast with the fullness of Holy Spirit. Paul makes this clear at 1 Corinthians 2:12: “Now we have not received the spirit of the world, by the Spirit Who is from God, that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts bestowed upon us by God.”
Here, Paul contrasts the spirit of the world and its wisdom with the Spirit of God and His power and revelation of God’s wisdom. It is in this sense and context that we have the mind of Christ and we are God’s Temples.
What is of this world’s system or order is manifested in 1) demanding desires of flesh, 2) demanding desires of sight, and 3) the pride of life. These are not from the Father but sourced in the cosmic order. Do not love this world! Do not expend your passion on what it provides! Do not allow its values to set your priorities!
