Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Eastern.
In Lesson 40, we are going to study the first part of 1 John 2:15.
Let’s read our verse.
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world...
Let’s take a look at the definitions of the words of this part of the verse.
Do not (3361. mé - Adverb) means to negate the underlying idea of a statement, ruling out its possibilities (HELPS Word-studies).
love (25. agapaó - Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural) means to wish well to, to take pleasure in, or to long for.
the world (2889. kosmos - Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular) means something ordered or an ordered system like the universe or creation. (HELPS Word-studies)
or (3366. méde - Conjunction) means not even or neither.
anything in the world (2889. kosmos - Noun - Dative Masculine Singular) means anything in this ordered system.
In other words, we are to rule out all possibilities of taking pleasure in or longing for the world or the ordered system. And, we are not to love anything in this ordered system.
What is this ordered system, or what is the world?
The evil one, or Satan, is known as the god of this world.
Satan created an ordered system that is designed to cause you to disobey and turn your attention away from God.
The things of the world are the values, desires, and behaviors that are contrary to God's will.
You have a choice. You can either love the world or love God.
You cannot love both simultaneously.
You are called to resist the temptations of the world that lead you away from God.
The temptations of the world will attack you from all angels.
In 2 Corinthians 4:4, we read that the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. The god of this world's goal is to keep you from seeing light of Christ and to entangle in the things of the world.
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
In Ephesians 2:1-3, we read that before you knew Christ, you walked according to the course of this world. The world is controlled by the Satan or the evil one and is also known as the prince of the power of the air. His world system is designed to control you through the lust of your flesh and cause you to indulge in the desires of your flesh.
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
In Ephesians 6:11-12, we read that the evil one has schemes to cause you to fall. There are rulers, powers, and world forces of this darkness that will attempt bring you down. Put on the armor that God provides to stand firm against the devil's attacks.
Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
In Colossians 1:13, we read that Jesus came to rescue us from the world, also known as the dominion of darkness.
Colossians 1:13 He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
In Romans 12:2, we read that you are called to not be conformed to this world. The world is constantly trying to conform your mind. Think about all the TV shows and social media posts that are designed to turn you away from God. This media is enticing and appeals strongly to the lust of the flesh.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
In Colossians 3:2, we read that we are to focus on heavenly things instead of the things of the world. Seek God’s will and develop a deeper love for God instead of things that detract you from spiritual growth. Align your life with God’s eternal purposes.
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
In Matthew 6:19-21, we read that we are called to store up treasures in heaven. Invest in spiritual things like loving others, doing God’s will, and making disciples. If your treasure is in earthly things, your heart will be entangled with worldly concerns and your relationship with God will suffer.
Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
In Philippians 3:18-21, we read that when your life is driven by physical appetites and a focus on earthly things, your end will be destruction. As a follower of Jesus, remember that your citizenship is in heaven and that Jesus will ultimately transform your body to be like His glorious body.
Philippians 3:18-21 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
In conclusion, we are commanded not to love the world system that is run by the evil one, and not to love anything in the world that is designed to turn us away from God and disobey Him.
The evil one wants to blind us and keep us from the light of Christ.
He wants to control us through the lust of the flesh and cause us to indulge the desires of our flesh.
The evil one has schemes that are designed to force wickedness into our lives.
Remember, Jesus came to rescue us from this dominion of darkness.
Do not be conformed to this worldly system, but focus on loving God.
Store up your treasures in heaven instead of being entangled with worldly things.
Don't set your mind on earthly things; remember that your citizenship is in heaven and that Jesus will transform you into conformity with the body of His glory.
Focus on loving God.
Let's read our verse one more time.
1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world...
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Thank you, and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
(Photo by DUK-KI KRATAVIL on Unsplash. Gaviota Beach, California, USA. Berean Standard Bible.)
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