1 John 2:15-17 - Our Relationship With God And The World.
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) Do not love the world
or anything in the world. If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For
everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man,
the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he
has and does--comes not from the Father but from
the world. 17 The world and its desires pass
away, but the man who does the will of God lives
forever.
1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) Stop loving this evil
world and all that it offers you, for when you
love the world, you show that you do not have the
love of the Father in you. 16 For the world
offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the
lust for everything we see, and pride in our
possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from
this evil world. 17 And this world is fading
away, along with everything it craves. But if you
do the will of God, you will live forever.
INTRODUCTION
Some people think that worldliness is
limited to external behavior--the people we
associate with, the places we go, the activities we
enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it
begins in the heart and is characterized by three
attitudes: (1) 'the cravings of sinful
man'--preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) 'the
lust of his eyes'--craving and accumulating
things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3)
'boasting of what he has and does'--obsession with
one's status or importance. When the serpent
tempted Eve (Genesis 3:6), he tempted her in these
areas. Also, when the devil tempted Jesus in the
desert, these were his three areas of attack (see
Matthew 4:1-11). By contrast, God values
self-control, a spirit of generosity, and a commitment to
humble service. It is possible to give the
impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still
harboring worldly attitudes in one's heart. It is also
possible, like Jesus, to love sinners and spend time
with them while maintaining a commitment to the
values of God's kingdom. What values are most
important to you? Do your actions reflect the world's
values or God's values? [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
The Proper Proportion
Christians are warned not to love the
world - but what is worldliness? Some have
misunderstood it.
Worldliness is an attitude, a spirit, an
atmosphere that permeates the whole of human society.
It is an attitude that puts self first and
ignores God and His commandments. Its horizon is
this present world, and it never gives a thought
to God or to eternity. It exhibits itself in a
thousand different ways - in habits, in selfish
pleasures, in a grasping for material things, in
driving ambition, in exalting oneself at the expense
of others.
We must avoid everything God has labeled
sinful; of that there can be no doubt. But some
elements of daily life aren't necessarily sinful in
themselves; they only become sinful if they are abused.
Pleasure isn't always wrong - unless it is abused.
Ambition is an essential part of true character - but
if abused it can destroy us.
Be on guard, lest a spirit of worldliness
creep into your life. The Bible warns, "Do not
love the world, or the things in the world."
Is there anything attempting to take the
place of God in your life? That thing will begin
consuming more of your time, energy, and thoughts.
May the meditations of your heart be acceptable
in his sight. [Hope for Each Day by Billy
Graham]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
1 John 2:15-17 - Our Relationship With God
And The World.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20131202-1315.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
