4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 (NASB)
Depending upon a given context, world (κόσμος (kosmos)) can mean several things: earth, human race, et cetera. In some 188 occurrences, however, it usually speaks of the “world system” or “world order,” that is, the values, pleasures, inclinations, philosophies, goals, drives, purposes, attitudes, and actions of society. This system is totally man-centered and is quite vivid in the humanistic and relativistic society of today.
Think about this contrast: Jesus’ words were “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. ”However, man’s words are, “Not your will, but mine be done!” As Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it, “They think as the world thinks. They take their opinions ready-made from their favorite newspaper. Their very appearance is controlled by the world and its changing fashion.”