1 John 4:5 They are from the world, [and] on account of this, they speak from the world and the world listens to them.

John definitely describes the identity of the problem people. The subject of discussion turned from the single “he” of verse 4 back to “they” of this verse. Everyone who opposes the gospel can be put into the same category labeled as “antichrist.” In John’s writings, world (kosmos) represents unbelievers, their lifestyles, and their empty philosophies. People of the world are in desperate need of forgiveness and lack eternal life, but they are the reason Jesus came and died on the cross (John 3:16). The good news is that there is hope for the world. However, John seems realistic in this verse about the enticements and temptations of worldly living.

The world and all its false promises and deceiving ideas serves as the reference point for those who reject or even distort the gospel. People like to hear things that make them feel good and satisfy some curiosity, appetite, habit, or desire. Those who oppose Christ (“antichrists”) have a certain appeal to people who are walking in the darkness. They give these people a certain legitimacy and let them know that what they are doing (where or how they are “walking”) is good and acceptable and that they do not need to worry. The danger of condemnation is glossed over. The darkness is masked as the light. Simply speaking, people do not feel convicted by their actions but are deceived into thinking that there is no problem with what they are doing.

It is difficult to accept that we are wrong in our thinking or behavior. We, humans, do not like to be humble because it goes against the pride expressed by our fallen nature, which is marked by rebellion against the Light. John already gave the answer to this problem in 1:9: we need to confess our sins, which requires humility. The key issue is our reference point. Upon what or who will be build our lives? What or who guides our decisions? The people behind this verse chose the world, and because of that, they opposed Christ and posed a real danger to the early Christians.