1 John 2:15-17 KJV: Living in the World without Being of the World
The Dangers of Loving the World
In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle John warns Christians about the dangers of loving the world and the things in it. He writes:
"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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17, KJV)
The World's Allurements
John identifies three things that characterize the world's allurements:
The Lust of the Flesh
The lust of the flesh refers to the desires and cravings of our sinful nature. It is the desire for pleasure, comfort, and self-gratification.
The Lust of the Eyes
The lust of the eyes refers to the desire for material possessions and wealth. It is the longing for things that we do not need, but we want because they bring us temporary pleasure.
The Pride of Life
The pride of life refers to the desire for recognition, power, and prestige. It is the desire to be admired and respected by others.
The Danger of Loving the World
John warns that if we love the world, the love of God is not in us. This means that if we prioritize the world's values and desires over God's, we are not truly living for Him. We are living for ourselves and our own desires.
The World Passeth Away
John reminds us that the world and its desires are temporary. They will pass away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever.
Living in the World without Being of the World
As Christians, we are called to live in the world, but not be of the world. We are to be separate from the world's values and desires, and instead, live according to God's Word. We are to love God and prioritize His kingdom above all else.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 John 2:15-17 reminds us of the dangers of loving the world and its desires. We are called to live in the world, but not be of the world. We are to prioritize God's kingdom and live according to His Word. Let us be careful not to fall in love with the world, but instead, fall deeper in love with our heavenly Father.
