DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD

Reference

1 John 2:15-17

15 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. 16 For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

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. - 1 John 2:15 ESV

Love: agapaó:
- refers to a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love
World: kosmos:
- The Greek word “kosmos” primarily refers to an ordered system or arrangement.

1. Whatever you love selflessly, sacrificially and unconditionally masters your life.

2. Loving the world means prioritizing what it offers over our relationship with Christ.

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. - Matthew 6:24 ESV

Application: What do I desire the most?

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. - James 4:4 ESV

For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. - 1 John 2:16 ESV

The Worlds Systems and Culture: The Enemy's Tactics and Strategy

Lust of the Flesh
- Refers to the strong desires we have to satisfy our flesh and it’s sinful cravings.
  - Examples: Lust, gluttony, addiction, laziness.

Loving the world will have you longing to satisfy yourself. Loving God will have you longing to satisfy your savior.

Lust of the Eyes
- Refers to Covetousness and materialism.
- It is Longing for things that appear attractive but do not satisfy.
  - Examples: Greed, envy, pornography, obsession with appearances.

4. Loving the world will have you longing for what doesn’t satisfy you. Loving God will have you content and satisfied in Him.

Pride of Life
- Refers to Self-glorification, arrogance, and seeking status * Examples: Seeking validation through titles, riches, or personal accomplishments.

5. Loving the world will always have you living for your glory. Loving God will have you living for His glory.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. - 1 John‬ 2‬:17‬ ESV‬‬

6. You can either live for something that is passing away or live for what is eternal and lasts forever.

For the present form of this world is passing away. - 1 Corinthians 7:31b

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up treasures in heaven. - Matthew 6:19-20

5-Day Reading Plan: (Monday-Friday)

Each passage reinforces the themes of rejecting worldly desires and pursuing God’s eternal will.

Monday: Matthew 6:19-24

Focus: The fleeting nature of worldly wealth versus eternal treasures in heaven.

Tuesday: Romans 12:1-2

Focus: The importance of renewing our minds and living differently from the world.

Wednesday: Colossians 3:1-4