Choosing God: The Impossibility of Dual Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that it is impossible to love both the world and God. This concept, though challenging, is crucial for our spiritual journey. We began with a captivating story of survival, illustrating how what seems impossible can sometimes be possible. However, when it comes to spiritual matters, some things remain impossible, such as loving the world and God simultaneously. This impossibility is rooted in the fact that the values and pursuits of the world often stand in stark contrast to the eternal and spiritual pursuits that God calls us to.
We delved into the writings of John and James, who both emphasize that friendship with the world equates to enmity with God. John outlines three specific areas where the world tempts us: the cravings for physical pleasure, the craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These cravings are not from God but from the world, and they distract us from our true purpose and calling.
To combat these worldly temptations, we must cultivate spiritual disciplines, seek authentic accountability, and practice generosity. Spiritual disciplines help us focus on God and His eternal values, while accountability keeps us grounded and honest about our struggles. Generosity, on the other hand, breaks the hold of materialism and reminds us that our sustenance comes from God, not our possessions.
Ultimately, aligning ourselves with God means we may face conflict with the world, but it is a necessary step in our spiritual growth. We are called to live with a kingdom agenda, prioritizing eternal values over temporary worldly gains. This alignment with God, though challenging, leads to true freedom and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Impossibility of Dual Love: It is impossible to love both the world and God because their values and pursuits are mutually exclusive. The world focuses on temporary pleasures and achievements, while God calls us to eternal and spiritual pursuits. This understanding challenges us to evaluate where our true affections lie. [09:53]
2. The Cravings of the World: John identifies three areas of worldly temptation: physical pleasure, visual cravings, and pride in achievements. These cravings distract us from our spiritual purpose and lead us away from God. Recognizing these temptations is the first step in overcoming them. [12:18]
3. Spiritual Disciplines as a Remedy: Cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and scripture reading helps us focus on God and resist worldly temptations. These practices require intentionality and effort but lead to spiritual growth and alignment with God's values. [23:05]
4. The Role of Accountability: Authentic accountability is crucial in overcoming the lust of the eyes and other temptations. Having trusted individuals who know our struggles and can hold us accountable helps us stay true to our spiritual commitments. [27:59]
5. Generosity as a Cure for Materialism: Practicing generosity breaks the hold of materialism and reminds us that our sustenance comes from God, not our possessions. This act of giving aligns us with God's heart and helps us prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. [30:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:27] - The Story of Survival
- [09:53] - The Impossibility of Loving Both
- [10:55] - The Illustration of Dual Love
- [12:18] - Worldly Temptations
- [13:59] - Cravings of the Flesh
- [17:26] - The Lust of the Eyes
- [20:58] - Pride in Achievements
- [23:05] - Spiritual Disciplines
- [27:59] - Authentic Accountability
- [30:40] - Generosity and Materialism
- [31:54] - Stockholm Syndrome Analogy
- [32:48] - Spiritual Stockholm Syndrome
- [33:38] - The Call to Freedom
- [34:56] - Aligning with God's Values
- [36:48] - Invitation to Surrender
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 John 2:15-17
- James 4:4
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 2:15-17, what are the three areas of temptation that the world offers? How do these temptations contrast with the love of the Father? [12:18]
2. In the sermon, what story was used to illustrate the impossibility of loving both the world and God? How does this story relate to the main message? [09:53]
3. What does James 4:4 say about friendship with the world, and how does it relate to enmity with God? [12:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "spiritual Stockholm Syndrome," and what does it imply about our relationship with the world? [32:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the mutual exclusivity of loving the world and loving God? What are the implications of this for a believer's life? [09:53]
2. What role do spiritual disciplines play in resisting worldly temptations, according to the sermon? How might these disciplines help align a believer's values with God's? [23:05]
3. How does the sermon suggest that accountability can help overcome the "lust of the eyes"? What might authentic accountability look like in a believer's life? [27:59]
4. In what ways does the sermon propose that generosity can combat materialism? How does this practice align with God's values? [30:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find yourself trying to love both the world and God? How can you begin to address this conflict? [09:53]
2. Identify one spiritual discipline you would like to cultivate more intentionally. What steps can you take this week to incorporate it into your daily routine? [23:05]
3. Consider a trusted friend or mentor who could serve as an accountability partner. How can you initiate a conversation with them about supporting each other in your spiritual journeys? [27:59]
4. Think about your relationship with material possessions. Is there a specific item or resource you feel called to give away or share with someone in need? How can this act of generosity help you align more closely with God's heart? [30:40]
5. Reflect on the concept of "spiritual Stockholm Syndrome." Are there worldly values or habits you have become attached to that you need to let go of? What steps can you take to break free from these attachments? [32:48]
6. How can you prioritize eternal values over temporary worldly gains in your daily decisions? Identify one decision you can make this week that reflects this priority. [34:56]
7. Consider the sermon’s call to live with a kingdom agenda. What is one specific way you can align your life more closely with God's values and purposes this month? [36:48]
Devotional
Day 1: The Impossibility of Dual Love
Loving both the world and God is an impossibility because their values and pursuits are fundamentally opposed. The world often entices us with temporary pleasures and achievements, which can distract us from the eternal and spiritual pursuits that God calls us to. This understanding challenges us to evaluate where our true affections lie and to make a conscious decision about whom we will serve. The writings of John and James remind us that friendship with the world equates to enmity with God, urging us to choose a path that aligns with divine values. [09:53]
James 4:4 (ESV): "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to prioritize worldly values over your relationship with God? How can you begin to realign your priorities today?
Day 2: Recognizing Worldly Cravings
John identifies three specific areas where the world tempts us: the cravings for physical pleasure, the craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These cravings are not from God but from the world, and they distract us from our true purpose and calling. Recognizing these temptations is the first step in overcoming them. By being aware of these worldly desires, we can take intentional steps to resist them and focus on our spiritual growth. [12:18]
1 John 2:16 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Which of the three worldly cravings—physical pleasure, visual cravings, or pride—do you struggle with the most? What practical steps can you take to resist these temptations today?
Day 3: Spiritual Disciplines as a Remedy
Cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and scripture reading helps us focus on God and resist worldly temptations. These practices require intentionality and effort but lead to spiritual growth and alignment with God's values. By dedicating time to these disciplines, we can strengthen our relationship with God and develop a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. Spiritual disciplines are not just tasks to be completed but are transformative practices that shape our hearts and minds. [23:05]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to practicing more consistently this week? How do you believe this will impact your relationship with God?
Day 4: The Role of Accountability
Authentic accountability is crucial in overcoming the lust of the eyes and other temptations. Having trusted individuals who know our struggles and can hold us accountable helps us stay true to our spiritual commitments. This accountability provides a support system that encourages us to pursue holiness and resist the temptations of the world. By being open and honest with others, we can receive guidance and encouragement to remain steadfast in our faith journey. [27:59]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life can you trust to hold you accountable in your spiritual journey? How can you initiate a conversation with them about this today?
Day 5: Generosity as a Cure for Materialism
Practicing generosity breaks the hold of materialism and reminds us that our sustenance comes from God, not our possessions. This act of giving aligns us with God's heart and helps us prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. Generosity is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision, allowing us to experience the joy of giving and the freedom from material attachments. By being generous, we reflect God's love and care for others, demonstrating that our true treasure is found in Him. [30:40]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity this week, either with your time, resources, or talents? How can this act of giving help you focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains?
Quotes
"And what John said, he says, hey, you cannot have the love of the Father in you and be chasing after and loving these other things. They are mutually exclusive. You cannot be chasing pornography, sex out of sight of marriage when God is chasing monogamy and intimacy and the way that you were designed for marriage and sex. You can't be chasing God in your body as a temple and be chasing after the 15 wings, right? There's something that has to give." [00:18:00] (34 seconds)
"God is chasing after people because their souls are eternal. God is not interested in chasing after all of the worldly things that are going to burn up. When the world burns up and we can't love God and have his agenda and have the things he's chasing after and the things he's passionate about. And at the same time, have all of our heart and our mind and our soul turn towards the things that are empty and meaningless and disappear." [00:23:14] (28 seconds)
"You've got to create for yourself some spiritual disciplines in your life. That's why we do in this church we talk about our everyday rhythms we did the beginning of school year spiritual disciplines was one of the major categories of that so that you could think through how do I get Bible reading into my schedule how do I get prayer into my life and I'm talking about we sat down at the dinner table and we blessed the food for four seconds so that we didn't choke on it like like time with God to talk with him fasting and scripture memory and intentional celebration and times of worship how do we put those in our schedule." [00:26:20] (36 seconds)
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