New Series: Being Light in a Dark World: A Study of 1 John
Sermon Recap
John now confronts a competing love. We
cannot claim to love the Father while giving our hearts to a world organized in
rebellion against Him. “The world” in this passage does not mean people or
God’s good creation; it describes a system of desires, values, and pride that
pulls us away from God. John names three expressions of that worldliness: the
desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. All three
promise satisfaction, but none can last. The world is passing away, but the one
who does the will of God abides forever. Walking in the light requires learning
to love what lasts more than what is fading.
1 John 2:15-17
Do Not Love the World
[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.
[16] 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. [17]
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will
of God abides forever. (ESV)
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you most in 1 John 2:15-17?
- Which of John’s three categories of desire is most recognizable in our culture?
- How can good things become rival loves?
- What helps us recognize worldliness when it looks normal?
- What does “the world” mean in this passage?
- Which of the desires in verse 16 do you find most subtle?
- How can Christians enjoy God’s good gifts without loving the world?
- Where are you most tempted to seek identity from what you have, how you look, or what others think?
- What does doing the will of God look like in a specific area of your life right now?
- What is one temporary pursuit you may need to hold more loosely?
Closing Thoughts
Our culture constantly disciples our desires.
Living on mission means we cannot simply mirror whatever the world celebrates.
When believers display contentment, self-control, humility, generosity, and
obedience, we offer a visible alternative to a life built on appetite,
appearance, and status. Ask as a group: Where are we most tempted to look just
like the world around us?
END
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