Walking in the Light: Rejecting Worldly Affections

Devotional

Day 1: Do Not Love the World—Guard Your Affections for God

The world constantly competes for your heart, seeking to draw your love and devotion away from God and toward its own values and pleasures. John’s urgent command is not a mere suggestion but a clear prohibition: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world.” This is not about rejecting the physical creation or people, but about refusing to cherish the fallen world system that stands in opposition to God. The world’s philosophies, traditions, and deceptions are designed to pull your affections away from the Father, making it impossible to love both God and the world at the same time. You are called to direct your love to the Father alone, guarding your heart from the subtle allure of worldliness and idolatry. [51:14]

1 John 2:15-16 (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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense the world is competing for your affection for God? How can you intentionally redirect your love toward the Father today?

Day 2: The Corrupting Power of Ungodly Desires

The world corrupts us with ungodly desires, tempting us through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. These cravings are not merely external temptations but arise from within, fueled by our indwelling sin and the fallen nature of humanity. The lust of the flesh is the craving for sinful pleasure, the lust of the eyes is the longing for what we see but should not have, and the pride of life is the arrogant spirit of self-sufficiency that excludes God. These desires may seem enticing and even harmless at first, but they ultimately corrupt the heart, lead us away from God, and result in spiritual death. You are called to resist these temptations by submitting to God, drawing near to Him, and practicing godly wisdom and discernment. [01:10:53]

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 these three—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, or pride of life—do you most struggle with? What practical step can you take today to resist its pull and draw near to God?

Day 3: The World Is Passing Away—Invest in What Endures

The world and its desires are temporary, already in the process of passing away, while those who do the will of God will endure forever. Investing your heart, time, and energy in the things of this world is ultimately futile, like building on sand that will not last. In contrast, obedience to God and trust in His promises is building on a solid foundation that will never be shaken. The wise person is the one who hears Jesus’ words and puts them into practice, choosing what is eternal over what is fleeting. Let this truth motivate you to fix your heart on what is lasting and to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that only what is done for Christ will remain. [01:23:28]

1 John 2:17 (ESV)
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to invest your time and energy in things that are temporary? What is one way you can invest in what is eternal today?

Day 4: Assurance and Victory in Christ Over the World

Though the world, the flesh, and the evil one are powerful enemies, you have victory in Christ, who is greater than all that is in the world. The Spirit of God dwells in you, giving you the strength to overcome sin and to live faithfully for Him. Even when you feel discouraged by your failures or the pressures of the world, you can rejoice that Christ holds you fast and that nothing can separate you from His love. By abiding in Him and trusting in His promises, you are empowered to resist the world and to walk in steady devotion that cannot be shaken. [01:17:07]

1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by temptation or the pressures of the world, how can you remind yourself of Christ’s victory and rely on His strength today?

Day 5: Steady Devotion—Abide in Christ and His Word

The safest road to spiritual ruin is often the gradual one, where small compromises and a slow drift toward worldliness choke out your love for the Father. True assurance and endurance come from abiding in Christ, dwelling in His word, and practicing obedience, however imperfectly. Fix your heart on what is eternal, and let the promises of God anchor your soul. By His grace, you can walk in steady devotion, loving the Father above all else, and resisting the subtle temptations that seek to draw you away. Remember, Christ will hold you fast, and as you abide in Him, you will endure. [01:29:46]

John 15:10 (ESV)
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

Reflection: What is one small, specific way you can abide in Christ and His word today, guarding your heart from gradual drift toward worldliness?

Sermon Summary

The call to worship today centers on the profound truth that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. As His people, we are called to walk in the light, confessing our sins and trusting in the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. Yet, we often find ourselves drawn away, our hearts enticed by the world and its distractions. The world, as described in 1 John, is not merely the physical creation or humanity, but the entire system of values, philosophies, and desires that stand in opposition to God. This world is under the sway of the evil one and is fundamentally hostile to God’s truth.

The warning is clear: do not love the world or the things in it, for such love competes with our love for the Father. Our affections cannot be divided; to cherish the world is to diminish our devotion to God. Just as a spouse cannot be truly devoted to two partners, so too can we not serve both God and the world. The world clamors for our attention, seeking to pull our hearts away from the One to whom they rightfully belong.

John identifies three primary ways the world corrupts us: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. These are not merely external temptations but internal cravings and attitudes that, if left unchecked, will erode our spiritual vitality. The lust of the flesh is our sinful craving for pleasure; the lust of the eyes is our longing for what we see, often leading to envy or covetousness; and the pride of life is our self-sufficiency and arrogance, excluding God from our lives. These desires are not from the Father but from the world, and they ultimately lead to spiritual decay.

Yet, there is hope. The world and its desires are passing away, but those who do the will of God will endure forever. The call is to invest our lives in what is eternal, to build on the solid rock of Christ and His word. By fixing our hearts on God, practicing discernment, and depending on His grace, we can resist the gradual drift toward worldliness and remain steadfast in our devotion. The promise is sure: greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Let us, therefore, love the Father above all else, trusting that Christ will hold us fast and enable us to walk faithfully until the end.

Key Takeaways

1. The World Competes for Our Affection The world is not neutral; it actively seeks to draw our hearts away from God through its values, philosophies, and distractions. Our love cannot be divided—devotion to the world inevitably diminishes our love for the Father. Guarding our hearts requires intentionality, as even subtle compromises can erode our spiritual focus. [50:07]
2. Worldliness Is a Matter of Affection, Not Just Behavior John’s command to not love the world addresses the direction of our affections, not merely our outward actions. To love is to cherish, to devote oneself, and to find delight. When our deepest pleasures and loyalties are set on worldly things, we risk idolatry, giving to creation what belongs to the Creator alone. [52:44]
3. Ungodly Desires Corrupt the Heart The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not just external temptations but internal cravings that corrupt our devotion. These desires, if unchecked, lead to spiritual decay and distance from God. True spiritual health requires recognizing these patterns and submitting them to God’s transforming grace. [59:44]
4. The Temporary Nature of the World Exposes the Folly of Investing in It The world and its desires are already passing away; to invest our lives in them is to build on a foundation that cannot last. In contrast, those who do the will of God are promised endurance and eternal significance. Wisdom is found in prioritizing what is lasting over what is fleeting, anchoring our lives in God’s promises. [78:16]
5. Steadfast Devotion Is Possible by God’s Grace Though the world’s pull is strong and our own hearts are prone to wander, God’s Spirit within us is greater than the world. By fixing our eyes on Christ, dwelling in His word, and depending on His grace, we can resist the gradual drift toward worldliness and remain faithful. Assurance and endurance come not from our strength, but from Christ who holds us fast.

** [88:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:43] - Corporate Confession and Prayer
[23:45] - Introduction to 1 John and Today’s Theme
[38:52] - Prayer for Illumination
[40:06] - The Danger of Twisted Pleasures
[41:58] - The World’s Competing Influence
[43:01] - John’s Warning and Assurance
[43:53] - Tests of Authentic Faith
[48:41] - The World Defined: Hostility Toward God
[50:07] - The Command: Do Not Love the World
[52:03] - The Nature of Love and Affection
[52:44] - The Incompatibility of Loving God and the World
[54:26] - The Tragic Consequence of Divided Affection
[56:57] - God’s Jealous Love
[59:44] - The Corruption of Ungodly Desires
[66:53] - The Lust of the Eyes: David and Joseph
[70:53] - The Boastful Pride of Life
[74:46] - Biblical Examples of Pride
[78:16] - The Passing Nature of the World
[82:42] - Investing in What Endures
[84:57] - Building on the Rock
[86:38] - The Essential Call to Reject the World
[88:31] - Fixing Our Hearts on the Eternal
[89:46] - Final Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study 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

According to 1 John 2:15-17, what are the three main ways the world tries to draw us away from God?
How does John describe the relationship between loving the world and loving the Father?
What does John say is happening to the world and its desires?
In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the “lust of the eyes” and “pride of life”? ([01:06:53] / [01:14:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why does John warn so strongly against loving the world? What does it mean that our affections cannot be divided? ([52:44])
How do the “lust of the flesh,” “lust of the eyes,” and “pride of life” show up in everyday life, and why are they so dangerous to our spiritual health? ([59:44])
The sermon says the world is “passing away.” What does this mean for how we should view our priorities and investments in life? ([01:18:16])
The preacher said, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” How does this truth give us hope in resisting worldliness? ([01:17:07])

Application Questions

The sermon mentioned that the world is always competing for our attention and affection. What are some specific “worldly” distractions or values that you personally struggle with? How do they affect your relationship with God? ([50:07])
John says that loving the world and loving the Father cannot coexist. Are there areas in your life where your love for the world is crowding out your love for God? What would it look like to redirect your affection? ([52:44])
The “lust of the flesh” and “lust of the eyes” can be subtle. Can you identify a recent situation where you were tempted in one of these ways? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? ([59:44])
The sermon gave examples of pride, like boasting in achievements or feeling self-sufficient. In what ways are you tempted to rely on yourself instead of God? How can you practice humility this week? ([01:14:46])
The preacher compared investing in the world to buying cheap slippers that wear out quickly. What is one area of your life where you are tempted to invest in what is temporary rather than what is eternal? What practical step can you take to invest in what lasts? ([01:22:42])
The sermon said, “The safest road to hell is the gradual one.” Are there any small compromises or habits in your life that could be leading you away from God without you realizing it? How can you address them? ([01:27:33])
The message ended with the assurance that Christ will hold us fast. When you feel your devotion to God is weak, what helps you remember and depend on His grace? ([01:28:31])

Sermon Clips

``The very things that God designed to point us to his goodness can actually pull us away from him if we love the gift more than the giver. This is exactly what John warns us about in 1 John 2 verse 15 to 17 when he says, Do not love the world nor the things in the world because the love of the world will always compete with our love for God. [00:41:46] (30 seconds) #LoveTheGiverNotTheGift

Love for the world and the Father is not compatible brothers and sisters. You cannot serve God and wealth according to Christ. Think of a husband who is claiming to love his wife. We just attended the wedding yesterday and this person is claiming that he really loved his wife so they just started their new relationship. And what if this person starts another relationship with another woman? This person can claim all he wants that he loved his wife but his action proves otherwise. [00:54:41] (49 seconds) #FaithfulLoveIsExclusive

To devote yourself to anything other than God is idolatry. It is giving your affection to something other than God. Remember our God is a jealous God. His jealousy is not like ours. His jealousy is his zeal to protect what is rightfully his. Jesus. Our worship. His glory. Our love. Our heart. It all belongs to him. [00:56:57] (37 seconds) #LoveGodPullsFromWorld

The temptation is to be carried away by our lust. Our lust within us. The indwelling sin. James said we are carried away by our own lust. And so our lust conceives when lust has conceived it gives birth death to sin. And then when sin is accomplished it brings forth death. Death. It's James 1 verse 4 to 15. So sin tempts us and entices us the same way flies and bugs are attracted to those UV lights in a bug zapper. The light hooks the bugs and brings them closer and closer and then finally boom that device ends their life. We don't want that. [01:04:29] (66 seconds) #FearGodForWisdom

Pride is the arrogant spirit of self -sufficiency. That's what pride does. It makes you think that you can do things without God. That's how the serpent crafted his temptation to Eve. He said, you will be like God. You will be self -autonomous. You will know good and evil. And so when she saw it, and she saw that it was good, that it would make her wise, she took it and ate it. Self -autonomy or trusting in oneself is pride. It is to reject that God is in control. [01:13:45] (52 seconds) #WorldPassesGodEndures

We must not love the world because it competes for our affection it corrupts our hearts and the third reason we must reject the world is because it ceases but those who will obey God will endure the world will cease or the world ceases what that what do I mean by that it's passing away that's what it says in verse 17 the world is passing away then that's a fact that's what's happening now it's not just future that's what's happening now the world is passing away and also its lust but the one who does the will of God lives forever do you see the contrast the world will pass but the Christian who does the will of God will live forever and that's a valid reason for us to stop loving the world. [01:18:16] (66 seconds) #BuildOnGodsWord

All that is in the world is temporary and is morally against God. They have no eternal value. So where are you investing your time and effort in? This is a reminder that all will fade away except God's word. And so let us be like the wise man that Jesus taught on the Sermon of the Mount. Let us be the wise man who trusted on the word of God, who built his house on the rock and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and slammed against that house and yet it did not fall for it had been founded on the rock. [01:24:31] (54 seconds) #DangerOfWorldlyDrift

Rejecting the world is essential for faithful Christian living. Because the world competes with our love, it corrupts our, it corrupts us with ungodly desires. And ultimately, it passes away. But if your obedience is in Christ, you will endure. You will remain. Even after the end of this earth. After the end of this age. [01:26:38] (34 seconds) #PursueChristHoldFast

The enemy doesn't always need to tempt us with scandalous sin. All he needs is for us to slowly drift. Just a little more comfort, just a little more craving for more processions, just a little more pride in our achievements. And before long, our love for the Father is choked out by our love for the world. The danger is real. The world will compete for our affections. And if we are not careful, we may wake up one day to realize our love is no longer for the Father, but for the very world he has called us to resist. The world will not last, but those who do the will of God will endure forever. So let us fix our hearts on what is eternal. Let us love the Father above all else. And by his grace, we can walk in steady devotion that cannot be shaken. [01:27:43] (70 seconds)

Loving the world will keep us from walking and loving the world. So brothers and sisters in Christ, pursue him, pursue our Savior. Scripture says, or the song says, he will hold us fast. Our faith may waver. But Christ is the one that will hold us fast. In John chapter 10, in John's gospel, it says, no one can pluck us out of the Father's hand. Dwell in the gospel. Dwell on his promises. Dwell in the promises of Christ. And you will not love the world. [01:28:54] (61 seconds)

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