Truth & Love #4

Warnings About the World

I John 2:12-17 (NKJV)

Members of the Family (v. 12-14)

I John 2:12-14 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children,

because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Three Blessings:

- Forgiveness

- A relationship with God

- Victory

Battle with the World (v. 15-17)

I John 2:15-17 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. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Three meanings of “world”

- The earth

- Mankind (John 3:16)

- An invisible spiritual system opposed to God

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. NKJV

Types of temptation

“lust of the flesh” – things that appeal to our sinful nature

Romans 7:18 “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells …” NKJV

“lust of the eyes” – pleasures that satisfy the sight and mind

Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.” NKJV

“pride of life” – seeking our own glory and power

Isaiah 14:13-14 For you have said in your heart:

‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ NKJV

Temptation calls into question God’s goodness, power and love

The world’s offerings are temporary and insufficient