The world that Paul is speaking of is the world that the Lord created - the blessings of earth and the way of life that most people enjoy.<p>Paul did not say Demas had forsaken Christ - only him. Many Christians do not commit to the work of Christ as Paul and Timothy did. They are more like Demas who, not having the same vision as Paul, serve the Lord in a less impactful way.<p>We must refuse to equate service with salvation. salvation is a gift. service and reward are a function of relationship, calling and vision. After all, whatever we do that passes the muster of the HolySpirit fire is the work of the HolySpirit and not us.