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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 13, Am I of This World  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 3
John ties being “not of the world” to refusing “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”; where do you see those three forces most subtly discipling Christians today, and what would “dead to all of its attractions” require in those areas?
Another way to ask: Where do you see “lust of the flesh,” “lust of the eyes,” and “pride of life” quietly shaping Christians today? What would it take to stop being pulled in by those things?

Direct Answer Bercot doesn’t list modern examples of the three lusts in detail, but he frames “not of the world” as refusing the world’s desires and status-driven values, so “dead to all its attractions” would mean not letting those desires shape our choices or identity.

Support from Transcript:

  • John defines what is “in the world” as “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”
  • The contrast: these are “not of the Father but… of the world,” and “the world is passing away.”
  • Bercot summarizes the lifestyle: “We live in the world, but we are dead to all of its attractions.”
  • He stresses loyalty: “There’s no point talking about how much we love Jesus if we love the world.”
  • James intensifies it: friendship with the world makes one “an enemy of God.”
  • He warns Jesus doesn’t care which “segment of the world” we attach to; friendship with any part is hostility to Him.
Discussion Follow-ups What attractions most compete for your love—comfort, possessions, admiration, being “right”? What practical boundaries would help you live like a pilgrim rather than a settler?

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