The Next Day Q&A - Episode 6

 Listen to Lori's sermon on 10-22-23 if you missed it:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/554773/13823496

Scripture References: 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 4:1-11

Intro: These sermon notes cover the Q&A discussion recorded following the sermon on 1 John 2:15-17 ("Do Not Love the World"). Featuring guest preacher Lori Riley, this session unpacks definitions, diagnostics, and practical steps related to resisting the allure of "the world." (Includes apology for missing previous week's Q&A).

Key Points:

1. Defining "The World" (v. 15): Recap of Lori's sermon definition: Not people or creation, but the system, mindset, and values organized apart from and independent of God. It's driven by: 
   • Lust of the Flesh (v. 16): Over-desire for physical gratification (food, sex, comfort, etc.). Good desires become controlling.
   • Lust of the Eyes (v. 16): Greed, covetousness, envy; obsession with appearance/possessions. What we see fuels wanting more.
   • Pride of Life (v. 16): Self-sufficiency; finding identity and glory in achievements, status, possessions. Leads to perceived independence from God. (Often subtle and dangerous).
2. Worldliness Within Believers: John's warning is primarily to the church. We can embrace worldly systems even while using biblical principles if God isn't the ultimate goal (e.g., pursuing flourishing without dependence on God).
3. Identifying "Over-Desire" (When Desire Becomes Lust): How do we recognize when a good desire has crossed into sinful "love of the world"? 
   • Hiding/Secrecy: Concealing the behavior or extent of the desire.
   • Misplaced Satisfaction: Turning to the desire/object instead of God for comfort, identity, or fulfillment.
   • Justification/Comparison: Using worldly norms ("everyone does it") to excuse behavior, ignoring the Spirit's specific conviction ("Others may; I cannot").
   • Inability to Abstain: Testing the desire by trying to go without it reveals its control.
4. Combating Worldliness: More than just willpower ("Stop it!"): 
   • Spiritual Disciplines: Intentional practices build resistance. Engagement (doing the opposite – e.g., generosity vs. greed) and Abstinence (fasting, solitude, secrecy – choosing dependence on God alone).
   • Bring Desires to God: Instead of suppressing/hiding desires, bring the underlying longing (for beauty, home, significance) to God in prayer, trusting Him as the true Source.
   • Know & Apply God's Word: Actively counter the world's powerful, often subtle narratives (about success, beauty, independence) with the truth of Scripture (faithfulness, interdependence, true identity). We must be discipled by the Word more than the world.

Conclusion: Resisting the love of the world requires accurately identifying its manifestations (lust of flesh/eyes, pride of life) in our own hearts. Through honest self-assessment, engaging spiritual disciplines, bringing our deep longings to God, and grounding ourselves in His Word, we can cultivate hearts that love the Father above the world's allure.

Call to Action: Honestly examine where "the world" might have a hold on your desires and identity. Use the signs (hiding, misplaced satisfaction, justification, inability to abstain) as diagnostics. Engage spiritual disciplines to reorient your heart. Bring your longings directly to God. Saturate yourself in Scripture's counter-narrative.