Do not love the world
Verse 15
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.
- John wrote in his gospel that God loves the world (John 3:16) and its people, and wants them to be saved.
- Scripture also records that God loves and cares for his creation (Psalm 145:8-9,15-16).
So what does he mean by not loving the world?
- Romans 1:18-32 – worshipping the creature rather than the creator – we become slaves to all kinds of ungodly passions. This is the way of thinking of the world system (humanity in rebellion against God)
- Matthew 4:8-10 – Devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world.
- Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
- James 4:4 friendship with the world is enmity towards God.
- Matthew 6:24 No-one can serve two masters.
- Romans 6:6-13 (NIV) presenting your body to God, not to sin.
What’s the issue here?
The issue here is what is our ruling desire? What is the thing that drives our life?
I can say “I love riding my bike on a beautiful spring day”. Well, I do. I’m very motivated to do that. I can say “I love playing with my granddaughter”. But that desire doesn’t interfere with my love for God. It’s an expression of my love for Him.
The desire that rules my life is the desire to love God and glorify Him. Some things I can enjoy while loving Him wholeheartedly. Other things I can’t, because I know they will lead me away from him.
Verses 16-17
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.
- lust of flesh – “I want to experience it / feel it”
- lust of eyes – “I want to have it / control it”
- pride of life – “I want to be able to boast about it / get recognition for it”
The word for lust is heated (white hot) desire. You can have the same intense desire for good or evil ends. Paul says that we should eagerly desire spiritual gifts and he’s using the very same word. But the purpose is different.
“Loving the things in the world” is being focussed on getting what we want apart from God, instead of focussing our love on Him and letting Him satisfy us
He does give us many good things in addition to Himself – things we can enjoy – blessings that bring pleasure and no pain
For discussion
Why does John say “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him?”
What does he mean by “The one who does the will of God abides forever”?