1 John 2:15-16
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
Application:
The values of human societies should not define believers. Instead, they should be shaped by Jesus’ values. John favors love, but acquiescing to evil is not love. The believer’s passion should not be for what culture offers but for what God desires.^
When the moon shines, it’s actually reflecting the sun’s light. Sometimes, the Earth gets in the way, reducing the moon’s brightness. Similarly, we have an enemy that prevents us from reflecting the Son’s light. That enemy is called the world. Do not love the world. When John talks about “the world,” he’s not referring to planet Earth. He’s referring to an organized system led by Satan that pulls us away from God’s love and will. If you love the world, you lose close fellowship with God. You love the world when it owns your affections and influences your choices by leading you to exclude God.
What does the world offer you?
First, it promises to satisfy legitimate desires in illegitimate ways (the lust of the flesh). Eating is legitimate; gluttony is worldly. Sex is legitimate; immorality is worldly. Second, the world tempts your mind through what your eyes see (the lust of the eyes). The biblical word for this is covetousness, which is desiring and pursuing that which is not legitimate for you to have. Third, there is the pride in one’s possessions (2:16)—that is, living to impress others. What those in love with the world forget, however, is that the world with its lust is passing away.
Worldliness makes the “now” more important than eternity. But you are passing through, and the world is passing by. It’s transient. Only the one who does the will of God remains forever (2:17). The price tag for loving the world is the loss of personal intimacy with God.
These three sins (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) are what Satan tempted Eve with in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6-7).*
Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1373.
^Reference: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Jn 2:15.
*Reference: Ricardo R.
To God be the glory!
Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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Disclaimer
When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this message will inspire you to seek the Lord with all your heart and bring glory to His Holy name. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.
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