1 John (Part 3): Do Not Love The World

1 John 2:15-17

The “world” here is not 1) Creation, 2) People but rather 3) The world that stands in opposition to God. (1 John 2:15, John 1:10, John 3:16, John 15:18-19)

Be on guard against:
1) The lust of the flesh (1 John 2:16, James 4:1-4, Romans 7:17-19, Galatians 5:14-17)

2) The lust of the eyes (2 Sam. 11:2, Job 31:1)

3) The pride in one’s possessions

The world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. (Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 2:14, 1 John 2:1-2)

TAG Questions

(try these out with friends after the worship service)
1. What is something the Lord taught you through the sermon?
2. How does it apply to your life?

Discussion Questions

1. Is there anything from Sunday’s message which stands out to you, or any part which you hope we discuss?
2. Read 1 John 2:15-17 and James 4:1-4.How does prioritizing the things of the world conflict with our love for God? Share examples from your own experiences or observations.
3. Reflecting on the sermon, what are some examples of “the lust of the flesh” that you see prevalent in today’s society? How do these desires pull people away from a love for God?
4. Pastor Josh talked about the dangers of the “lust of the eyes” in our highly visual and media-saturated culture. How can we guard ourselves against the influence of what we see and consume?
5. Lent is a time for many Christians to intentionally deny themselves of something that draws them into the love of the world. Have you ever practiced Lent or a similar form of self-denial? How did it impact your spiritual life?
6. Read 1 John 2:17. Reflect on the concept of the world passing away and the eternal nature of doing God’s will. How does this perspective shift our priorities and pursuits?
7. How can we support and encourage one another in our journey to overcome the allure of the world and grow closer to God?