1 John 2:15-17 Worldly Christians
February 2, 2025

The Curious Case of Worldly Christians

The Believer’s Confidence in knowing God

Opening Prayer:

Starting this term, we want to emphasize prayer more in our groups and in our church. Please take time to pray as a group. Pray for our church, for the kingdom, for one another, and for anything else that God lays on your heart. Also, ask God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide your discussion.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Christians should not love the world or the things in it.
  2. Worldliness involves three main areas: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.
  3. Everything in this world is temporary and passing away.
  4. Those who do God’s will abide forever.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to “love the world”? How can we identify worldly attitudes in our own lives?

  2. The pastor mentioned three worldly affections: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. Can you give examples of each in today’s culture?

  3. How can we cultivate an eternal perspective in a world that constantly pushes for immediate gratification?

  4. The sermon emphasized that we can’t serve two masters. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to put God first?

  5. How does understanding the temporary nature of worldly things impact your priorities and decision-making?

  6. What does it look like practically to “do the will of God” in your daily life?

  7. The pastor used the illustration of a throne with room for only one. Who or what tends to sit on the throne of your life? How can we ensure God remains on that throne?

Practical Applications:

  1. Self-Examination: Take time this week to honestly assess your affections. Are there worldly things you need to “lay down on the altar”?

  2. Perspective Shift: Choose one area of your life where you tend to focus on temporary things. How can you shift your perspective to an eternal one in that area?

  3. Memorization: Commit to memorizing 1 John 2:15-17 as a reminder of this teaching.

  4. Accountability: Partner with someone in the group to help each other identify and resist worldly temptations.

  5. Gratitude Journal: Start a daily practice of writing down how God has satisfied you, to combat the lure of worldly pleasures.

Closing Prayer:

Close by praying for God’s help in loving Him more than the world and for the strength to live with an eternal perspective.