1 John 3:13

Memory Verse

And stop marveling, brethren, since the world is indifferent to you (1 John 3:13). 

“World” describes an organized system. The apostle John is referring to the organized system that Satan has set up to control and manipulate the sin nature of men (1 John 5:19). The age (course) of this world is according to the authority of the prince of the air who works in the sons of the unpersuaded (Ephesians 2:2). English defines “hate” as extreme hostility or antipathy, extreme aversion, or intense dislike. In Greek, the word often translated as “hate” conveys a lack of interest or concern, which better aligns with the English word “indifference.” 

When the Christian understands that the world system designed by Satan is indifferent toward him, not expressing hatred, he can comprehend its methodologies better and overcome them. An apathetic attitude may be willing to work with others, making them feel accepted, but has no actual interest in their wellbeing; it only seeks its own benefit. Many assemblies today use the methods of the world to attract attendees, which requires no longer teaching doctrine to make the message palatable to the masses. The strong desire of the world system, which affects many Christians, is the wealth it produces through its methods, drawing many assemblies today to think that their wealth is more valuable than what they teach (Revelation 3:17).

We are not to be surprised when the world shows no interest in our wellbeing. The world is fond of its own (John 15:19). Since God has delivered us from the authority of the kingdom of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of His Son, we are no longer out from the world. Because we no longer belong to the world, it will express indifference to Christians, using them when they benefit its purpose, but otherwise expressing an apathetic attitude towards the Church (Colossians 1:13).