LEARNING DAILY

 

1 John 2:15-17, “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.  For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of the Father abides forever.”

 

The Greek word for world is kosmos.  It refers to not only the earth (and probably the universe) but also to the present condition of human affairs (that Satan promotes) that are in alienation from and are in opposition to God (from Vines Expository Dictionary).  It consists of not only all the obvious evil, immoral and sinful lifestyle and values in the world, but also the spirit of rebellion against God.  Take a moment to consider a few things Satan uses - the world’s ideas, philosophies, entertainment, fashion, music, science, medicine, mass media, economic systems, and education at all levels - to oppose God.  You might be wondering how Satan uses these things.  Satan will use the medical profession to promote the killing of unborn babies, the educational system to promote ungodly and humanistic philosophies, fashion to break down modesty and the entertainment industry to undermine Biblical standards and values.  It is also to be understood that the world system includes all man-made religions of the world including “lukewarm Christian” organizations.

 

The world and the true Church are two distinct groups of people.  The world is under the control of Satan and the Church belongs to God.  “True Believers must separate themselves from the world. Loving the world system prevents fellowship with God; even worse, it may be a sign that someone has never really experienced the love of the Father in the first place.” (David Jeremiah) 1 Peter 2:11 tells us, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul”.  Jesus said in John 15:19, “If you were of this world, the world would love its own. Yet, because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”  As Believers we are exhorted to no longer love or conform to the world.  To love the world means there is devotion to its values, interests, and all that it offers; it means enjoying the things that are offensive and in opposition to God.  (The “world” and “earth” are not synonymous.  God does not forbid not forbid a love or appreciation for the created earth – the mountains, nature, forests, etc.) 

 

John gave three aspects of the sinful world that create open hostility to God.  The lust of the flesh refers to physical temptations, especially sexual sin.  The lust of the eyes, is greed, envy, and extravagance.  This would also include those things attractive to the eye but forbidden by God.  The pride of life is the arrogant desire to be recognized that come with wealth or position and the desire to appear important so that others will be jealous.  It always attempting to promote and bring glory to oneself.  Satan used these to tempt Adam and Eve and even Jesus; he continues to use these tactics to turn every Believer away from God.

 

Believers are told to be light and salt to those around us, to love unbelievers, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. John knew that the world was “passing away”.  If he believed that, then, we must be near the time that it does.  To John the world was temporary for every person because every person dies.  But he also believed the world was temporary because God was going to make a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21-22).

 

I hope my attempt to explain how Satan tries to get each of us to focus on the world has given some clarity to you about temptations we face each day.  Keep focused on God’s love for you.  When you fail, ask Him for forgiveness and then “go and sin no more”.  God loves you more than you can know or understand; He desires you to walk with Him and no longer love the world!  “He who does the will of the Father abides forever.”

 

 

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