Love Not The World
READ 1 John 2
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
vs. 15 – John the Apostle sets forth an imperative likely directed to his spiritual little children. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The phrase “love not” is a command. The word translated as "world" is from the English word ‘cosmopolitan’. In the New Testament, it generally refers to the culture and society of the ungodly or the world of the unsaved. It is a general synonym for the society of unbelievers. Its commander-in-chief is Satan who is called not only the god thereof, but also its prince. See II Corinthians 4:4 and John 12:31.
The Word of God commands God’s people to not love the world. The thought closely parallels James 4:4 and Romans 12:2. Moreover, he mentions the “things that are in the world.” This is where young Christians often have their greatest problem. The things of the world are exciting, attractive, entertaining, and fun. The devil is sharp and knows how to bait his hook with enticing lures. The marquis of the world’s entertainments routinely are glitzy and bright. However, the devil never advertises the alley in back where he routinely dumps people when done with them. John continues to warn, "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." God’s love never changes even when we fail Him. However, when a man loves the world, his love for the Father will fade. The construction of this phrase refers to the love of the Father not being in him. Simply, when one loves the world, he won’t love God much. The devil knows that and promotes the world in the most attractive and enticing way he can. He well knows that the love of the world and the things therein will not only hook a person into his program, but at the same time will preempt any love one might have for God. It is the devil’s trap.
vs. 16 - He continues, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." The world’s system routinely works through three channels.
· First is the “lust of the flesh.” The thought in its most basic sense is the desires of the flesh. It can refer to any sort of self-directed interest. It also likely alludes to impure sexual lust. The world is given to materialism and consumerism. Moreover, its entertainments routinely involve the stimulation of sexual urges. It is the lust of the flesh.
· Also, the world works through “the lust of the eyes.” Once again, Satan uses the eye-gate to entice, whether it be covetous of things or of impure sexual lust.
· Finally, he uses the “pride of life.” Pride is never spoken of positively in Scripture. It is always a spiritual negative. People in the world are routinely motivated to seek whatever for the prominence and fame it might bring. It is self-glorification. Of interest is that Eve in the garden of Eden was first enticed in that the forbidden fruit was good for food (the lust of the flesh). She then was further enticed in that it was pleasant to the eyes (the lust of the eyes). Finally, she became convinced that it was desirable to make one wise (the pride of life). See Genesis 3:6. All the elements of the world were present in seed form as Satan tempted her. His devices have not changed in the meantime.
John goes on to note how that these three, “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” None of these emanate from God. They are characteristic of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
vs. 17 - Finally, he notes, "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." Though the world as an institution may be going strong at the present, it is, in fact, on the road to oblivion. The day is fast approaching (during the Tribulation and at Christ’s return) when the world system will be done away.
Additionally, its enticing lusts will be eradicated. In contrast, “he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” To seek and do God’s will throughout our lives will bring reward, blessing, and continuance forever. The world deceives, in that it offers pleasure and fun now. God’s reward is not as obvious, requiring faith to see it afar off. However, its reward will last forever.
Have a great day and be careful what you love!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Give some examples of worldly things you must deal with every day. How can you prevent these things from taking control of your life?
2. It is possible to keep your eyes focused upon God. What does it require on your part? Are you willing to do whatever it takes?
3. Which one of the sins of the flesh give you the greatest struggle? What would it take for you to become completely free of its grip on your life?
4. In what ways can the eyes sin? How does society look at these same sins?
5. Self-centeredness and self-sufficiency are very easy sins to fall into. What are some warning signs to beware of? With which of these do you struggle? What can you do to overcome this sin in your life?