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Introduction:
John was one of the 12 Apostles that followed Jesus. He wrote about the life of Jesus through the perspective of an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. John was probably the last Apostle to be alive at the end of the 1st century, a time in history marked by the rule of the Roman Empire and the circulation of many false stories about Jesus and His resurrection. These false teachings became a major concern for John. John wrote the book of 1 John as a pathway of light to help Christians understand not just the revelation of Jesus, but His illumination. John is testifying that what was revealed should never be concealed.
“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” —1 John 5:13
This collection will encourage you on your journey with Jesus by providing hope while challenging you to stretch your faith through walking in the light. This collection of talks will include:
February 16th/19th - Walking in Joy
February 23rd/26th - Walking in Trust and Obedience
March 2nd/5th - Walking in Faith
March 9th/12th - Walking in the World
March 16th/19th - Walking in Christ
March 23rd/26th - Walking in Love
March 30th/April 2nd - Palm Sunday
April 6th/9th - Easter Weekend
Text: I John 2:15-17 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Don’t trade the love of Jesus for the love of this world.
Week 4 - Walking in the World
I. THE
AGAINST WORLDLY SYSTEMS (2:15)
Walking in the Light Thought: The world cannot give you what you need (2:15).
Things of the World
- The focus is on me.
- Make as much money as possible.
- Make a name for yourself.
- Teach your children to love themselves and seek self-fulfillment.
- Offer “acts of service” when you feel like it (on your terms).
- Come across as powerful, influential, and/or interesting.
- The things of the world are passing away.
- I do the will of the world.
Things of the Father
- The focus is on God.
- Give as much money away as possible and spend even yourself on others.
- Make His name great.
- Teach your children to love and obey God. (“behaving” is often, but not always, a blessed by-product.)
- Be a servant, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- Give preference to others in words and actions.
- The things of the Father will abide forever.
- I do the will of the Father.
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” —John 8:44
II. THE
THAT COMES FROM WORLDLY SYSTEMS (2:16)
A. The lust of the
B. The lust of the
“You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” —Matthew 5:27–29
C. The pride of
Walking in the Light Thought: The world cannot give you what it promises (2:16).
III. WORLDLY SYSTEMS WILL
AWAY (2:17)
Walking in the Light Thought: We must do the will of God like Jesus.
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work, Jesus told them.” —John 4:34
“I can do nothing on my own. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” —John 5:30
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent Me.” —John 6:38
CONCLUSION: WHAT NEXT STEPS DO YOU NEED TO TAKE TO WALK IN THE LIGHT IN THIS WORLD?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
Read through the “Things of the World + Father.” Which things on those lists are currently present in your life?
Where in your life are you giving in to the lusts of your flesh and eyes and the pride of life?
How do you think Jesus means us to follow Him in depending on doing God’s will in John 4:34?
What steps will you take this week to focus on walking in the light as you walk through this world?
Upcoming Events at City United
1. City Teens: You’ve Been Egged - Happening Now till April 2
This may be the only time you’d pay to egg a house. On Easter Eve (April 8th) our team of highly skilled teens will spread joy throughout towns as we hide eggs filld with candy in your yard or even the yards of your friends. A note will be left at the door explaining what happened and how many eggs they should be looking for. You order the “hit” and we do the egging. For any more information please email us at cityteens@cityunited.church. Deadline to order a “hit”: April 2, 2023 - 15 eggs in a basket at door - $15
2. Membership Sunday - March 26 - I’m All In!
Membership Sunday is a time when we honor those who have taken their Next Steps and are ready to make City United Church their church home. We will be recognizing them at the end of our online and campus gatherings, and we will have a special time of prayer with them. If you would like more information on taking this next step, please email office@cityunited.church.
3. Easter Volunteer Pep Rally: Let’s get ready for a BIG Easter weekend! March 26, 12:00 - 1:30pm
Calling all volunteers and those that want to help make our Easter weekend an amazing experience for attenders! Join us after the 10:30 am gathering for a briefing on what Easter weekend 2023 is going to look like and how you can get involved. Think of this as the Pep Rally before the big event. You will hear about different serving opportunities that will be available, and you will be able to sign up to join an Easter serving team. We will also spend some time praying for a great weekend. Our time together will also include food! Bring a dish to share in this potluck-style lunch. Please RSVP that you are planning to attend. Contact Alyssa Eaton if you have any questions, alyssa@cityunited.church.
4. Communion: On campus - March 30/April 2
Join us for a special time of prayer and Communion at each of our weekend gatherings. Communion is a special time of remembrance and thankfulness for what Jesus sacrificed for us on the cross. Plan to attend an on-campus or online gathering. If you plan to attend online, be prepared to participate by having the elements ready at the beginning of the online gathering you are watching.
5. Easter/Spring Church-wide Workday - Saturday, April 1 - 8a.m. - 12p.m.
City United Church is hosting a Spring campus-wide clean-up to get ready for Easter weekend. This is also a great way to connect with others at City United. We will provide the equipment. We will have projects for everyone. See you there! Please RSVP to office@cityunited.church and let us know you will be joining us!