What in the World?

1 John 2:15-16 NIV

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."

One, John is not talking about the created world. Here he is referring to the world of sin.

Two, this goes back to Genesis and the Garden. Eve was enticed to eat of the forbidden fruit. The same enticements used on her are still used today.

- The lust of the flesh - unnatural pleasure that pulls us away from the natural and from God's design for our bodies. It pulls us away from God.  Homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, gluttony, drunkenness...

- The lust of the eyes - sinful desires that form in our minds. Greed, hatred, lust, envy, jealousy...

- The pride of life - living for oneself and creates the delusion that one is equal with or above God. Arrogance, dissension, boasting...

All three are in direct contrast to who God created us to be.  All three reflect the attitude of the world. All three were used by Satan to tempt Jesus. Jesus showed us how to walk away from the temptation - get closer to God through worship, prayer, and studying His Word.

How is the love of the Father evident in your life?  Is there room for His love? Are there areas you need God to forgive so His love prevails in and through you?

Leave a comment, keep reading, and join us at faithcovington.org