Sermons on 1 John 2:17

1 John 2:17 Interpretation:

Choosing God Over the World: A Call to Holiness (Hope Bible Church) offers a detailed linguistic and conceptual analysis of 1 John 2:17, focusing on the Greek word "cosmos." The sermon explains that "cosmos" means order or arrangement, the opposite of chaos, and is the root of the English word "cosmetics," humorously noting that putting on cosmetics is "putting your face in order." The preacher distinguishes between the various uses of "world" in John's writings, emphasizing that here it refers to an evil ethical system dominated by sin and hostile to Christ. This nuanced linguistic approach shapes the understanding that the "world" in 1 John 2:17 is not merely the physical earth or humanity, but a corrupt, anti-God system. The sermon also uses the metaphor of the world as a self-destructing system, "disintegrating before us," and contrasts this with the permanence of the one who does God's will, who "abides into eternity." The preacher highlights the present tense of "passing away" in the Greek, indicating an ongoing process of decay, not a one-time event.

Choosing God Over the Allure of the World (Tony Evans) employs a vivid and unique analogy to interpret 1 John 2:17, comparing Christians who love the world to "a fish out of water." The fish, struggling to survive in an environment it was not created for, represents believers trying to thrive in a worldly system they were redeemed from. The sermon stresses that Christians are "redeemed for another kingdom" and that operating by the world's values is as unnatural and suffocating as a fish trying to breathe air. This analogy is used to highlight the incompatibility between the Christian's true nature and the world, reinforcing the message that the world is temporary and not the environment believers are meant to flourish in. The preacher also uses the phrase "don't make permanent something that's temporary," urging listeners to recognize the fleeting nature of worldly allurements in light of eternity.

Discerning God's Will: Clarity Through Faith and Community (Steve Robinson) interprets 1 John 2:17 by integrating it into a broader framework of discerning God's will. The sermon introduces the concept of "sanctified desire," suggesting that God leads believers through desires that are submitted to His sovereign and revealed will. The preacher contrasts this with Eastern philosophies that seek to eliminate desire, arguing instead that Christianity redirects desire toward God. The analogy of umbrellas is used to illustrate the layers of God's will: sovereign, revealed, and personal, with personal guidance always under the "canopy" of the other two. The sermon also references the Hebrew background of "train up a child in the way he should go," explaining that it means to train a child according to their unique "bent" or design, which ties into the idea of discovering God's will through one's God-given design.

Investing in Eternity: Navigating Worldliness and Faith (David Guzik) interprets 1 John 2:17 as a stark warning about the folly of investing one’s life in the world’s system, which is fundamentally opposed to God and destined to pass away. Guzik uses the analogy of the Tower of Babel to illustrate the collective rebellion and self-sufficiency of humanity, emphasizing that worldly achievements, no matter how impressive, are ultimately futile because they are temporary and cannot withstand God’s judgment. He draws a sharp distinction between being “better off” (materially comfortable) and being “better” (spiritually transformed), warning that the world can only offer the former. Guzik’s unique analogy of the ship in water—where Christians are to be “in the world but not of the world”—vividly illustrates the necessity of engagement without assimilation. He also uses the example of Lot to show the tragic consequences of prioritizing worldly success over eternal values. The sermon’s interpretation is further enriched by the metaphor of investing in a crashing stock market, urging listeners to “invest” in eternal things (God, His Word, and people) rather than the fleeting rewards of the world.

Discerning True Love: Aligning Hearts with God (Ligonier Ministries) offers a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the nature of love itself, arguing that love can be sinful when directed at the wrong object, arises from the wrong source, or produces the wrong fruit. The sermon provides a nuanced linguistic analysis of the Greek word “cosmos,” explaining its three uses in Johannine literature and clarifying that the “world” in 1 John 2:17 refers specifically to the spiritual system in rebellion against God. The preacher employs the analogy of marital fidelity to illustrate the exclusivity of the believer’s love for God, likening love for the world to marital infidelity. He also distinguishes between internal (cravings, lust) and external (boasting) manifestations of worldliness, and uniquely frames the passage as a direct rebuttal to contemporary cultural narratives that claim “love is always good.” The sermon’s structure—object, source, fruit—provides a fresh, diagnostic approach to understanding the passage.

Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence (SermonIndex.net) interprets 1 John 2:17 as a call to build one’s life and ministry on the foundation of doing God’s will with exactness and sacrificial obedience. The preacher uses the analogy of a hand in a bucket of water to illustrate human dispensability and the futility of seeking worldly importance, emphasizing that only what is done according to God’s will endures eternally. He draws a parallel between the construction of the tabernacle and temple—where every detail was executed “just as the Lord commanded”—and the Christian’s call to meticulous, sacrificial obedience. The sermon’s most striking metaphor is David’s refusal to offer to God “that which costs me nothing,” applying it to the necessity of costly, enduring works that will survive God’s judgment, in contrast to the fleeting achievements of worldly “greats” like Nobel laureates.

1 John 2:17 Theological Themes:

Choosing God Over the World: A Call to Holiness (Hope Bible Church) introduces the theme of the world as an "ongoing state of deterioration," emphasizing the present tense of "passing away" in the Greek. This adds a dynamic, process-oriented view of the world's decay, rather than seeing it as a static or future event. The sermon also frames the Christian's eternal abiding as rooted in God's own eternality, not merely as a reward but as participation in God's unending life. The preacher further develops the incompatibility between love for God and love for the world, arguing that the two are "diametrically opposed" and cannot coexist, and that the world's system is actively hostile to God and designed to seduce believers away from holiness.

Choosing God Over the Allure of the World (Tony Evans) presents the theme of spiritual environment, arguing that Christians are "redeemed for another kingdom" and that living by the world's values is as unnatural as a fish out of water. The sermon also introduces the idea that the world's allure is deceptive because it presents itself as all there is ("present world"), but its temporary nature should radically alter the believer's value system. The preacher uses the analogy of a $10 million offer contingent on imminent death to illustrate how the temporary nature of worldly rewards should make them far less attractive compared to eternal life.

Discerning God's Will: Clarity Through Faith and Community (Steve Robinson) adds the theme of "sanctified desire" as a means of discerning God's will, arguing that God implants holy desires in the hearts of those submitted to His sovereignty and word. The sermon also contrasts this with non-Christian philosophies that seek to eliminate desire, positioning Christianity as a faith that redeems and redirects desire rather than suppressing it. The preacher's umbrella analogy further develops the theme of layered discernment, where personal guidance is always subject to God's overarching purposes and scriptural commands.

Investing in Eternity: Navigating Worldliness and Faith (David Guzik) introduces the theme that worldliness is not merely about external behaviors but about a mindset and value system fundamentally at odds with God’s purposes. The sermon uniquely emphasizes the idea that the world can make us “better off” but not “better,” and that the true measure of success is not worldly achievement but alignment with heaven’s values. Guzik also highlights the tragedy of Christians adopting worldly standards for success, attractiveness, and spirituality, challenging listeners to examine whether their criteria are shaped by God or by the world.

Discerning True Love: Aligning Hearts with God (Ligonier Ministries) presents the novel theological theme that love itself can be sinful, depending on its object, source, and outcome. This is a significant departure from the common Christian emphasis on love as inherently virtuous. The sermon also explores the idea that the world’s system is not neutral but actively opposed to God, and that allegiance to it is tantamount to spiritual adultery. The preacher’s diagnostic framework—object, source, fruit—offers a fresh lens for evaluating the morality of desires and affections, and he applies this to contemporary debates about sexuality and cultural definitions of love, arguing that not all “love” is godly or redemptive.

Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence (SermonIndex.net) adds the theme that only works done in exact obedience and sacrificial spirit to God’s will have eternal value. The sermon uniquely stresses the importance of humility and the danger of pride in Christian service, warning that pride leads to the destruction of even seemingly successful ministries. The preacher’s insistence on “not offering to God that which costs me nothing” reframes Christian service as a matter of costly, enduring sacrifice rather than convenience or self-glorification.

1 John 2:17 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Choosing God Over the World: A Call to Holiness (Hope Bible Church) provides historical and linguistic context for the word "cosmos," explaining its usage in Greek as "order" and its various meanings in the New Testament, especially in John's writings. The sermon notes that in 1 John 2:17, "world" refers specifically to an ethical system hostile to God, not the physical earth or humanity in general. The preacher also references the ongoing process of the world's decay as rooted in the fall of Genesis 3, situating the passage within the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption.

Investing in Eternity: Navigating Worldliness and Faith (David Guzik) provides a detailed historical context by referencing the Tower of Babel as an early biblical example of the “world” as a collective, organized rebellion against God. Guzik explains that the Babel narrative is not about technological achievement per se, but about humanity’s distrust of God’s promises (as seen in their building of a waterproof tower) and their desire for self-sufficiency. He also notes the ancient practice of monastic withdrawal as a historical response to worldliness, critiquing it as ultimately ineffective because it fails to address the heart’s attachment to the world.

Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence (SermonIndex.net) offers rich historical and cultural insights by examining the construction of the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament. The preacher highlights the repeated biblical emphasis on Moses and Solomon building “exactly as the Lord commanded,” drawing attention to the ancient Near Eastern value of precise obedience in sacred architecture. He also discusses the significance of Mount Moriah and the threshing floor of Araunah as the divinely chosen site for the temple, connecting it to themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and costly devotion. The sermon further references the story of David’s refusal to offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing, situating it within the broader biblical narrative of sacrificial worship.

1 John 2:17 Cross-References in the Bible:

Choosing God Over the World: A Call to Holiness (Hope Bible Church) references numerous passages to support and expand on 1 John 2:17. John 15:18-19 and John 7:7 are cited to show the world's hatred for Christ and, by extension, for believers. James 4:4 is used to argue that friendship with the world is hostility toward God. Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 John 3:7, and 3 John 11 are all referenced to emphasize God's call to holiness and the incompatibility of worldly and godly values. Revelation 21:1 and 2 Peter 3:10 are used to describe the ultimate passing away of the world, reinforcing the temporary nature of worldly things. Galatians 5 is cited to discuss the works of the flesh, and Psalm 119:37 and Job 31:1 are used to illustrate the importance of guarding one's eyes and desires.

Choosing God Over the Allure of the World (Tony Evans) references James 4:4 to highlight that friendship with the world is enmity with God, Galatians 1:4 and 6:14 to discuss redemption from the world and crucifixion to the world, and 2 Timothy 4:10 to illustrate the danger of loving the "present world" through the example of Demas. The sermon also alludes to Genesis (Adam and Eve's loss of fellowship) and Jesus' words about the world's hatred for him, reinforcing the theme of conflict between God's kingdom and the world.

Discerning God's Will: Clarity Through Faith and Community (Steve Robinson) references 1 John 2:17 directly, as well as James 4:13-15 to discuss the brevity of life and the importance of seeking God's will. The sermon also cites Matthew 26 (Jesus in Gethsemane), Matthew 10 (God's sovereignty over sparrows), Proverbs 21:1 (God's control over kings), Daniel 4:35 (God's sovereignty), 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 5:18 (God's will for sanctification and gratitude), Psalm 37:4 (God giving the desires of the heart), Proverbs 18:1 and 11:14 (the importance of counsel), Romans 8:14,16 (being led by the Spirit), and Proverbs 22:6 (training up a child according to their bent).

Investing in Eternity: Navigating Worldliness and Faith (David Guzik) references Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) to illustrate the concept of the “world” as collective rebellion, and Genesis 3:6 (Eve’s temptation) to show the roots of the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.” He also alludes to John 3:16 to clarify the different senses of “world,” and to the story of Lot in Genesis 13, 14, and 19 as a cautionary tale of worldliness. The sermon cites Jesus’ prayer in John 17 (“in the world but not of the world”) to reinforce the call to engagement without assimilation, and Isaiah 40:8 (“the word of our Lord stands forever”) to highlight the eternal value of God’s Word.

Discerning True Love: Aligning Hearts with God (Ligonier Ministries) draws on a wide array of biblical cross-references to support its interpretation of 1 John 2:17. These include John 3:16 (God’s love for the world), Romans 13:8-10 (love as fulfillment of the law), James 4:4 (friendship with the world as enmity with God), John 15:19 and 17:16-18 (believers not being “of the world”), 1 John 5:4-5 (overcoming the world), and Romans 1:18-27 (the consequences of disordered desires and idolatry). The sermon uses these passages to demonstrate the biblical consistency of the call to reject worldliness and to clarify the nature of sinful love.

Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence (SermonIndex.net) references 1 John 2:17 directly to emphasize the enduring value of doing God’s will, and John 15:16 (“fruit that remains”) to underscore the importance of lasting spiritual fruit. The sermon also draws on Exodus 39-40 (construction of the tabernacle), 2 Samuel 24 (David’s sacrifice on the threshing floor of Araunah), 2 Chronicles 3:1 (building the temple on Mount Moriah), and Genesis 22 (Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac) to illustrate the principles of exact obedience and costly sacrifice. John 8:56 is cited to connect Abraham’s experience to the revelation of Christ.

1 John 2:17 Christian References outside the Bible:

Discerning True Love: Aligning Hearts with God (Ligonier Ministries) explicitly references John Calvin, quoting his commentary on the necessity of removing vain love for the world in order to make room for the love of God. The preacher also cites Kistemaker, who distinguishes between the internal and external aspects of worldliness (cravings, lust, boasting), and uses their insights to deepen the analysis of the passage.

1 John 2:17 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Choosing God Over the Allure of the World (Tony Evans) uses several detailed secular analogies to illustrate 1 John 2:17. The most prominent is the "fish out of water" metaphor, where Christians who try to live by the world's values are compared to a fish struggling to survive outside its natural environment, gasping for air and unable to thrive. This analogy is used to show that believers are not meant to operate by the world's system, just as a fish is not meant to live on land. Another vivid illustration is the hypothetical offer of $10 million with the condition that the recipient must commit suicide after one year. This scenario is used to demonstrate how the temporary nature of worldly rewards should make them far less attractive when compared to eternal life; the value of the reward is nullified by its fleeting nature. Additionally, the preacher humorously references his dislike of squash, proposing that he would eat it three times a day for a year if it meant all his bills would be paid for life. This is used to show how a long-term perspective (eternity) should change one's attitude toward temporary discomforts or sacrifices, reinforcing the message that the world's allure is not worth the cost when viewed in light of eternity.

Discerning God's Will: Clarity Through Faith and Community (Steve Robinson) references "The Voice," a popular singing competition show, as an analogy for discovering one's God-given design. The preacher describes contestants who are either naturally gifted or not, using this as a metaphor for how God has uniquely designed each person with specific talents and abilities that point toward their calling. The sermon also humorously mentions the "open and point" Bible method and the "fleece method" (with a story about a man circling a donut shop for a parking spot as a sign from God), using these as illustrations of unwise ways to discern God's will. These secular and everyday examples are used to make the process of discerning God's will relatable and practical for the audience.

Investing in Eternity: Navigating Worldliness and Faith (David Guzik) uses the analogy of a ship in water to illustrate the Christian’s relationship to the world: a ship is meant to be in the water, but if water gets into the ship, it sinks—just as Christians are to be in the world but not of it. He also references beer commercials as a vivid example of how the world appeals to the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life,” describing in detail how advertising manipulates desires for pleasure, beauty, and status. Additionally, Guzik uses the metaphor of investing in a crashing stock market to warn against putting one’s hope in the world’s rewards, and the image of ancient Pharaohs buried with their treasures to illustrate the futility of material accumulation.

Faithful Stewardship and Sacrifice in God's Presence (SermonIndex.net) employs the memorable illustration of putting one’s hand in a bucket of water and observing the lack of a hole when it is removed, to demonstrate human dispensability and the fleeting nature of worldly importance. The preacher also references Nobel laureates, scientists, and public figures as examples of those whose worldly achievements will be forgotten, contrasting them with those who do the will of God and endure forever. The story of a woman impulsively donating a gold earring at a conference is used to caution against emotional, costless sacrifices, reinforcing the principle that true offerings to God must be costly and deliberate.