What Not to Love (1 John 2:15-17)

May 18, 2025
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What Not to Love (1 John 2:15-17)
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Series: 1 John: That You May Know

Preacher: Pastor Anson McMahon

This sermon from 1 John 2:15-17 provides a crucial examination of the Christian's relationship with the world. Anson powerfully unpacks the seemingly paradoxical command to "not love the world," carefully distinguishing this from a hatred of people or creation. Instead, he illuminates "the world" as a Satan-influenced system of values and desires that stand in opposition to God. Through a detailed exploration of the "devil's trinity" – the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life – the sermon reveals the core temptations that lure believers away from a life devoted to God. Ultimately, it contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly satisfaction with the eternal significance of loving and obeying God, urging listeners to choose a path of lasting value.

Key Points:

  • The Command Against Worldly Love: An explanation of 1 John 2:15 and the call for believers to resist loving the world and its allurements.
  • Defining "The World" Biblically: Clarification that "the world" in this context refers to a system of values opposed to God, not people or the created order.
  • The "Devil's Trinity" of Worldly Temptations:
    • The Desires of the Flesh (Lust of the Flesh): The pursuit of immediate, sensory gratification that disregards God's will.
    • The Desires of the Eyes (Lust of the Eyes): The temptation towards materialism and coveting based on visual appeal and societal trends.
    • The Pride of Life: The arrogant self-sufficiency that rejects dependence on God and seeks validation through worldly success.
  • The Transitory Nature of Worldly Pleasures: An emphasis on the temporary and ultimately unsatisfying nature of sin and worldly pursuits compared to eternal joy in God.
  • Choosing a Love with Eternal Significance: A strong encouragement to prioritize loving and obeying God, investing in what has lasting value beyond the fleeting nature of the world.

Reflect & Discuss:

  • In what specific ways do you see the "desires of the flesh," "desires of the eyes," and "pride of life" manifesting in our culture today?
  • How can believers practically distinguish between enjoying God's creation and loving the world's system?
  • What are some areas in your own life where you might be tempted to love the world or the things in the world more than God?
  • How does understanding the temporary nature of the world impact your priorities and decisions as a Christian?
  • Discuss practical steps you can take to cultivate a greater love for God and resist the allure of the world.

Scripture:

  • 1 John 2:15-17
  • Genesis 3:6
  • 2 Samuel 11:2-4
  • Joshua 7:20-21
  • Proverbs 27:20
  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10
  • John 12:42-43
  • 2 Timothy 3:2-4
  • John 3:16
  • Psalm 24:1
  • Genesis 2:9
  • James 1:14-15
  • Proverbs 14:12
  • Hebrews 11:25
  • Matthew 16:26
  • John 15:18-19
  • 1 John 5:19
  • Colossians 3:2
  • Philippians 3:20

Keywords:

Love, World, Worldliness, Desires of the Flesh, Lust of the Flesh, Desires of the Eyes, Lust of the Eyes, Pride of Life, Temptation, Sin, Eternal Life, Temporary, Values, Culture, God, Obedience, Discipleship.