Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. 1 John 2:17 NABRE
John writing to the community speaks to them about the forgiveness of their sins. He tells them their sins have been forgiven in the name of Jesus. John is encouraging the members of the community. Then John turns his attention to living in the world, saying do not love the things of the world. When John refers to the world in this context he means human society set against the things of God, the home of the sinful patterns of life, and under the power of the evil one. When John is telling us to “not love the world or the things of the world,” he is referring not to the created order which is good, but to a system of values and a sphere of temptation in human society this is hostile to the way of God. The world presents many challenges; we have read about sensual lust, we see much that we desire, maybe referred to as adult toys, which leads to a boastful life. John cautions against desire, to keep our eyes on God and to walk humbly not boastfully. The message of John has a conclusion; if we become enticed by sinful things of the world, there is a good chance we will pass away when these “things” pass away. But those who live the will of God walk in the light and will enjoy eternal life. The point is clear, if we choose to love the world and its ways, we are loving something deceitful that will pass away; if we choose to love the Father and do His will, we will enjoy everlasting life with Him. John has a black and white perspective on this point.
We can test how we are doing following God or chasing the “things” of the world by testing what we are doing day to day. Are we living love and care for others or are we living our way to earthly safety and security.
What fills your day? What are you working towards?
We can test how we are doing following God or chasing the 'things' of the world by testing what we are doing day to day. Are we living love and care for others or are we living our way to earthly safety and security. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #sin #will #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways