In Love with the World?

1 John 2:15-17

– In verses 15-17 John confronts the ongoing problem of ‘worldliness’ within the Church by helping us understand 3 contrasts:

I. Love for the World vs. Love for the Father

1) Love of the ‘World’

• He’s NOT speaking about the physical creation (Genesis 1:31; Romans 8:20-22)
• He’s NOT speaking about the people God created and loves (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2)
• He’s speaking about the evil world system that is opposed to God
  • The world system is under the control of demonic forces  (1 John 5:19; Ephesians 2:1-3, 6:12)
  • The world system is at odds with God’s Kingdom (John 7:7, 15:18-19; Romans 12:2;  James 4:4)
  • The world system is ultimately doomed (Galatians 1:3-4)

2) Love of the Father

• The text is speaking about our love for the Father, rather than God’s love for us
• Our love for the Father is demonstrated as we keep His Word (2:5)
• Love for the world gradually crowds out our love for God– “The heart of man is narrow and cannot contain both loves” – Matthew Henry

Application:

– We are to be unworldly without becoming otherworldly – John R.W. Stott

– How do we know when we’ve crossed the line into worldliness??   We must examine our heart in the light of the gospel and not merely adjust our outward behaviour

II. Worldly Desires vs. Godly Desires

1) Worldly Desires – an unholy trinity!

• Lust of the Flesh – sensual appetites that have been corrupted by sin
• Lust of the Eyes –  covetousness/ envy
• Pride of Life – putting confidence in ourselves or in our possessions rather than trusting in God’s gracious provision

2) Godly desires

• Flesh – Using our bodies for God’s glory
• Eyes – learning contentment
• Pride – Boasting in Christ alone

Application:

– Satan’s plan of attack is not new – he tried these same three tactics on Eve (Genesis 3:1-7) and on Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)

– Ask the Spirit to open your eyes to blind spots (sin in our lives that we may not even recognize) and to your own weak spots (sin that we struggle with)

III. Temporal Hope vs. Eternal Hope

1) The kingdom of this world is already on the way out (v. 17)

2) God’s Kingdom is the only kingdom that will last forever

Application:

– To which kingdom will you devote your full allegiance?  Jesus wants to be your King and He will not tolerate any rivals (Exodus 20:3-5)

– “You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody.  Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.”  – Bob Dylan