1 John: In but not of the World

radiantvisalia.comIn but not of the World (1 John 2:15-17)Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 19, Matthew 13, Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11, Philippians 2:20, Hebrews 11Intro:John's letter contrasts love of the Father with love of the world.Two contrasting stories: rich young ruler (Matthew 19) and treasure in the field (Matthew 13).Call to examine our hearts and responses to Christ.What is the "World"?Not the physical world (creation is good).Not people (we are called to love them).The world is: The collective momentum and values of human beings (Lloyd-Jones).Sin that brought together has a force behind it that is hard to resist.The whole outlook upon life that is exclusive of God.A life that is based upon this world and this life only.A force and a current, a spirit of this age (Ephesians 2:2-3).Directed by Satan, the "prince of this world."The world is a war for our love, time, affection, attention, money, and talents.It offers temporary rewards: comfort, power, prestige, pleasure.Promises life without God, wholeness without God.Three Ways the World Functions:Desires/Lusts of the Flesh:Physical, bodily desires, sensuality, bodily pleasures.Includes sexual temptation, but not limited to it.Food, drink, gratification, control.Lie: It will make you happy and satisfied.Desires/Lusts of the Eyes:Greed, covetousness, discontent.Obsession with appearance and show.Eyes are the vehicle of our attention.What we see shapes what we want.Lie: It won’t hurt to look.Pride of Life:Pride in livelihood, goods, possessions.Striving for worldly honor, influence, social status.Self-glorification, contempt for others.Lie: It will make me significant.Resisting the World:This playbook is used from the beginning (Garden of Eden, temptation of Jesus).The world is passing away (1 John 2:17).Love of the world and love of the Father are opposed.The love of the world will eventually drive out the love of the Father.The more we're focused on God, the more we start to love the things that he loves.Loving the Father More:Live for Eternity:Remember the resurrection.Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).This world is temporary; an inheritance awaits (1 Peter 1).Deny Yourself:The world tells us our desires are good, but we must deny ourselves.Kill desires, crucify the flesh, live by the Spirit (Galatians 2:20).Don’t be deceived by the world.Don't just lay things down to be empty-handed, but to take hold of Christ.Treasure Christ:Feast on superior pleasure in Christ.Desires are meant to be filled, but only Christ can truly satisfy.Gaze on Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).The things of this world will grow strangely dim.Conclusion:Call to live for eternity, deny self, and treasure Christ.Urgency to choose God over the world. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.