Choosing God Over the World: A Call to Holiness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into 1 John 2:15-17, focusing on the explicit command not to love the world or the things in it. This passage underscores the fundamental incompatibility between the values of God's kingdom and those of the world. The world operates under a corrupt system driven by sin and opposition to God, manifesting in darkness and hostility toward divine purposes. Jesus Himself warned that the world would hate His followers because it first hated Him. Therefore, our love for God must be distinct and separate from any affection for worldly values.
John provides three compelling reasons why we must not love the world. First, the contrast between the world and God is stark. The world is engulfed in darkness and sin, while God is absolute light and righteousness. Loving the world stands in direct opposition to loving God. Second, the content of the world is corrupt, driven by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. These elements are not from the Father but from the world, and they lead us away from godly living. Third, the course of the world is one of inevitable decay and destruction. The world is passing away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever.
As believers, we are called to be set apart, to live holy lives that reflect God's righteousness. This involves a conscious effort to resist the temptations and enticements of the world. Our spiritual growth is tied to our ability to love God more and the world less. This is not an easy task and requires the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and align them with God's will. Ultimately, our victory over the world is secured through Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and given us the power to do the same.
### Key Takeaways
1. Fundamental Incompatibility: The values of God's kingdom and those of the world are fundamentally irreconcilable. The world operates under a corrupt system driven by sin and opposition to God, manifesting in darkness and hostility toward divine purposes. As believers, our love for God must be distinct and separate from any affection for worldly values. [01:56]
2. Contrast with God: The first reason we must not love the world is the stark contrast between the world and God. The world is engulfed in darkness and sin, while God is absolute light and righteousness. Loving the world stands in direct opposition to loving God, and we are called to be set apart, living holy lives that reflect God's righteousness. [16:37]
3. Content of the World: The second reason is the corrupt content of the world, driven by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. These elements are not from the Father but from the world, and they lead us away from godly living. Our spiritual growth is tied to our ability to resist these temptations and align our desires with God's will. [24:16]
4. Course of the World: The third reason is the inevitable decay and destruction of the world. The world is passing away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever. This should encourage us to cultivate a deeper, more abiding love for God through the power of His indwelling Spirit. [38:51]
5. Victory in Christ: Our victory over the world is secured through Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and given us the power to do the same. This involves a conscious effort to resist the temptations and enticements of the world, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and align them with God's will. [42:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to 1 John 2:15-17
[01:56] - Fundamental Incompatibility
[03:05] - The World's Opposition to God
[05:00] - Jesus' Warnings About the World
[06:32] - Authentic Love for God
[08:02] - Command Not to Love the World
[09:50] - The World's Corruption
[11:31] - Three Reasons Not to Love the World
[13:21] - Understanding the Term "World"
[16:37] - Contrast with God
[19:15] - God's Intention for His People
[22:02] - The World's Enticements
[24:16] - Content of the World
[27:46] - Victory Over Sin
[29:25] - Lust of the Eyes
[34:06] - Boastful Pride of Life
[38:51] - Course of the World
[42:13] - Victory in Christ
[45:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
> "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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What explicit command does 1 John 2:15 give to believers regarding the world? ([11:31])
2. According to 1 John 2:16, what are the three elements that characterize the content of the world? ([24:16])
3. What does 1 John 2:17 say about the future of the world and those who do the will of God? ([38:51])
4. How does the sermon describe the fundamental incompatibility between the values of God's kingdom and those of the world? ([01:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does John emphasize the stark contrast between the world and God in 1 John 2:15-17? How does this contrast affect a believer's daily life? ([16:37])
2. How do the "desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life" lead believers away from godly living? Can you think of modern examples of these temptations? ([24:16])
3. What does it mean that the world is "passing away"? How should this influence a believer's priorities and actions? ([38:51])
4. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers resist the temptations of the world? ([42:13])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there specific areas where you find yourself loving the world more than God? How can you begin to change this? ([06:32])
2. The sermon mentions that our spiritual growth is tied to our ability to resist worldly temptations. What practical steps can you take this week to resist the "desires of the flesh"? ([24:16])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper love for God in your daily routine? Are there specific spiritual disciplines you can adopt or enhance? ([38:51])
4. Think about the "desires of the eyes" in your life. Are there specific things you need to avoid or change to protect your mind and heart? ([29:25])
5. The "pride of life" can manifest in many subtle ways. How can you practice humility and dependence on God in your interactions with others this week? ([34:06])
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being set apart and living holy lives. What does being "set apart" look like in your workplace, school, or community? ([17:45])
7. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to transform your desires and align them with God's will? Are there specific prayers or scriptures that can help you in this process? ([42:13])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Incompatibility of Worldly and Godly Values
Description:
The values of God's kingdom and those of the world are fundamentally irreconcilable. The world operates under a corrupt system driven by sin and opposition to God, manifesting in darkness and hostility toward divine purposes. As believers, our love for God must be distinct and separate from any affection for worldly values. This distinction is crucial because the world, in its current state, is in direct opposition to the principles and commands of God. Jesus Himself warned that the world would hate His followers because it first hated Him. Therefore, our allegiance to God must be clear and unwavering, reflecting a life set apart for His glory. [01:56]
Bible Passage:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you feel torn between worldly values and God's values. How can you take a concrete step today to align more closely with God's values in that area?
### Day 2: The Stark Contrast Between God and the World
Description:
The first reason we must not love the world is the stark contrast between the world and God. The world is engulfed in darkness and sin, while God is absolute light and righteousness. Loving the world stands in direct opposition to loving God, and we are called to be set apart, living holy lives that reflect God's righteousness. This contrast is not merely theoretical but practical, affecting our daily choices and actions. As believers, we are to embody the light and righteousness of God in a world that often promotes the opposite. This involves a conscious effort to resist the temptations and enticements of the world, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in living lives that honor God. [16:37]
Bible Passage:
"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a specific behavior or habit that reflects the darkness of the world rather than the light of God. What steps can you take to change this behavior and walk more fully as a child of light?
### Day 3: The Corrupt Content of the World
Description:
The second reason is the corrupt content of the world, driven by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. These elements are not from the Father but from the world, and they lead us away from godly living. Our spiritual growth is tied to our ability to resist these temptations and align our desires with God's will. The world offers many enticements that appeal to our base desires, but these are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. Instead, we are called to seek the things that are above, where Christ is, and to set our minds on things that are eternal. This requires a daily commitment to reject worldly temptations and to pursue a deeper relationship with God. [24:16]
Bible Passage:
"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)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent situation where you were tempted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. How can you prepare yourself to respond differently in the future, aligning your desires with God's will?
### Day 4: The Inevitable Decay and Destruction of the World
Description:
The third reason is the inevitable decay and destruction of the world. The world is passing away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever. This should encourage us to cultivate a deeper, more abiding love for God through the power of His indwelling Spirit. The transient nature of the world and its pleasures serves as a stark reminder that our true home is not here but in the eternal kingdom of God. As believers, we are called to invest in what is eternal rather than what is temporary. This perspective helps us to prioritize our lives according to God's will, focusing on what truly matters and will last forever. [38:51]
Bible Passage:
"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider an area of your life where you are investing time, energy, or resources in something temporary. How can you shift your focus to invest in something eternal that aligns with God's will?
### Day 5: Victory in Christ
Description:
Our victory over the world is secured through Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and given us the power to do the same. This involves a conscious effort to resist the temptations and enticements of the world, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform our desires and align them with God's will. Jesus' victory assures us that we are not fighting this battle alone; we have His strength and power to overcome. This victory is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience daily as we walk in obedience to God. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can live victorious lives that reflect the triumph of Christ over sin and the world. [42:13]
Bible Passage:
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a current struggle or temptation you are facing. How can you rely on the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to overcome this challenge and live victoriously?
Quotes
1. "Now, given the ungodly culture in which we live in, I think it is imperative that we keep our mind focused on the fact that the kingdom of God, is very different than the kingdoms of this world. That the gospel of Jesus Christ is in opposition to all that the world would have us believe. That as disciples of Jesus Christ, there is a fundamental difference between what the world desires and what God has promised us in His Word." [01:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth is the love of God and the love of this world is irreconcilable, and it is because they are diametrically opposed to one another. And so the love of this world stands in opposition to the love of God. Well, the question that we need to ask ourselves this morning is, how do I know that my love for God is authentic and means more to me than my love for the world? The short answer to that question is this. It is when you find yourself in opposition to this world's value system." [06:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reason we're not to love the world is because the world is at war with God. And the love of the world is counterproductive, again, to our new spiritual nature. And no matter how much a person has grown spiritually, any love for this world is a danger to our spiritual growth. The reason for this is because, again, the world is engulfed in darkness. God is absolute light. And the system of this world is spiritually corrupt. But God is perfectly righteous. The world cultivates hatred for one's neighbor. But God is the epitome of love." [09:50] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To love the evil system of this world is really to walk in opposition to God and His holiness and desires for our life. And if you haven't heard this in a while, listen to how the Bible describes God's intention for you as His children, His people. Ephesians 2, verse 10, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared. He prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. You're God's workmanship, not the world's." [18:32] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's specific intention is for you and me to live a holy life, not a worldly life. The love of the world is simply an enticement to fall back into sin. And just as light cannot coexist with darkness, so the love of the world and the love of God cannot coexist in the same person. If I can put it another way, a love for this world is actually geared to generate sin and to oppose God's purposes. Love that is from this world attracts us, it tempts us to sin in subtle and often pleasurable ways." [22:02] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "A genuine love of God will strengthen the contrast between Christ and the world. And that then brings us to the second reason why we are not to love the world, not just because of the contrast, but because of the content of the world. Again, the contrast should be motivating enough for us to keep away and to stay out of the business of this world. But the content really is something that is much more personal and much more practical." [24:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The point here is, God has given us victory over sin. And as a child of God, we will never be dominated or controlled by any particular sin. The new nature that God has given us gives us control over what would be our sinful desires. And it's not about just saying no to sin, it's about having our desires changed. And that is the glory of being transformed into the image of Christ." [27:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The world wants you to believe that you're more beautiful and important than you really are. It does this by pushing you to elevate your own self, sense of self-worth by getting others to show us how valuable we should be. God says, get your eyes off yourself. Stop thinking of yourself more highly than you ought, because God is the real object of your affection, not you. Again, all praise, all glory, all honor go to God alone. This is why we must not love the world." [35:36] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The reason the obedient Christian abides forever is because, God Himself is forever. God Himself is eternal. He has overcome this world. And while the world continues to be in a state of self-destruction, the promise from our eternal God is that those who do His will will abide forever as His eternal child. This should be a tremendous encouragement to each and every one of us to cultivate a deeper, more abiding love for God through the power of His indwelling Spirit." [40:36] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The good news is that Jesus has accomplished all of this for us. Jesus says in John 16, 33, these things I have spoken to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage. I have overcome the world. Not a comforting thought. Again, Christ has overcome for us. Christ has gained the victory for us. Christ has shown us how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And he's given us the power to do so by his indwelling Holy Spirit." [42:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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