1 John 2:15-17
From 2Timothy2.org
Contents
Objectives
Introduction
- Worldliness may be the single biggest challenge for people today. The world, on the surface, is an appealing place but the Bible has something different to say about the world.
- First John 2:15 begins with an imperative, "Do not love the world." Followed by a a reason, because loving the world is at odd with all is means to have the love of God.
Mainbody
The Reason (v. 15)
The World
- What does the term "world" mean?
The term “world” is not evil in itself and John does not always depict it in a bad light. He uses it to designate all of creation in its natural sense (John 1:10). The term also refers to those living on the planet (John 3:17; 1 John 4:14). [1]
- How does God describe the world in Genesis 1:31?
- God describes it as good. The world was created good.
- What does Christ say about the world in John 3:17?
- He came not to condemn but to say the world. The idea here is not some sort of universalism or humanism but rather to show that we must be careful not to misplaced our love. We cannot hold too tightly to this world. In fact, this world is at amity with us (John 15:19; 17:6, 14, 16). Drickson states
It is this evil system that Christ and believers have overcome (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13–14; 5:4). Though it is not evil in and of itself, the church does find itself increasingly separated from the world and distinct from it. It makes sense that a child of God should not love it.[2]
- He came not to condemn but to say the world. The idea here is not some sort of universalism or humanism but rather to show that we must be careful not to misplaced our love. We cannot hold too tightly to this world. In fact, this world is at amity with us (John 15:19; 17:6, 14, 16). Drickson states
The Things of the World
- What are examples of things in the world?
- Possessions, money...
- What do each of the following verse say about the thinks of the word?
- Proverbs 23:4-5
- Proverbs 11:28
- Ecclesiastes 5:10
Walvoord states "The world competes for the love of Christians and one cannot both love it and the Father at the same time." [3]
The Love of the Father
- "ἐάν τις ἀγαπᾷ τὸν κόσμον οὐκ ἔστιν ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ πατρὸς ἐν αὐτῷ" is a fifth class condition clause. Specifically, the protasis may or may not be true. The point is that this is a neutral condition "if A then B." John is not commenting on the likelihood that they love the World but rather saying that he love of the word is at odds with having God's love.
Dangers to Avoid (v. 16)
Desires of the Flesh
- What are the desires of the flesh?
This first “thing” of the world is a wrong desire. The term ἐπιθυμία, translated “lust” in most cases, expresses a strong desire for something. It need not be evil; in fact, it may be a healthy or pious desire. But it becomes sinful when directed inappropriately [4]
. "The phrase refers particularly to illicit bodily appetites." [5]
Desires of the Eyes
- What are the desires of the eyes?
- The lusts of the flesh refers to bodily appetites and the desires of the eyes brings to mind the covetousness of the eyes.
The Pride of Life
- What is the pride of life?
- People have a tendency to boast about themselves. This boasting betrays a deeper love for the world and the things of the world.
- According to Isaiah 14:14, what was Satan's original sin?
- Pride
Things Never to Forget (v. 17)
The Mortality of the World
- According to 2 Peter 3:10, wha is the ultimate fate of the world?
- It will be destroyed
The Mortality of the Desires of the World
The Eternality of God
Conclusion
References
- ↑ Gary W. Derickson, First, Second, and Third John, ed. H. Wayne House, W. Hall Harris III, and Andrew W. Pitts, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 197.
- ↑ Gary W. Derickson, First, Second, and Third John, ed. H. Wayne House, W. Hall Harris III, and Andrew W. Pitts, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 198.
- ↑ John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 891.
- ↑ Gary W. Derickson, First, Second, and Third John, ed. H. Wayne House, W. Hall Harris III, and Andrew W. Pitts, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 202.
- ↑ John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 891.
