1 John: In but not of the World

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In 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 11

Intro:

• 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.