Scripture is clear that Christians are not to love the world system that Satan controls (1 John 2:15).  But, the confusion comes in identifying what it means to be worldly.  Most Christians think it is doing certain things (smoking, drinking, etc.).  However, worldliness is much more extensive than a few social or health issues.

 
1 John 2:16 defines a three-fold strategy that Satan uses to control the world.
 

  1. “The Lust of the Flesh.”  This is  “Hedonism,” the worship of pleasure.

  2. “The Lust of the Eyes.”  This is “Materialism,” the worship of money.

  3. “The Boastful Pride of Life.”  This is “Humanism,” the worship of self.  This is pride and selfishness (Philippians 2:3-4).
     

This has been Satan’s strategy from the beginning (Genesis 3:6).  These are the three ways Satan tempted Jesus on the mountain (Luke 4:1-13).  Christians need to be discerning and resist Satan’s tactics with the Word of God in the power of the Spirit.