Continuing in our study of the apostle John’s letter which was circulated to the early church, we see that there is a great contrast between the temporary concerns and culture of this world and what matters for eternity and pleases God.
READ 1 John 2:15-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John2%3A15-17&version=NIVUK
READ 1 John 2:15-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John2%3A15-17&version=NIVUK
The world we live in has many attractions. As someone jested, “Lead me not into temptation, I can do it just fine by myself”. It is likely we all understand what John describes as the lust of the flesh and of the eyes and the pride of life.
Our culture also demands us to live by its values and follow its ways or suffer consequences created by man. This world has many attractions, things that make us feel good for the moment. Our bodies, our eyes and all our senses are sensitive to whatever surrounds us. In addition, much money and resources of the world are devoted to specifically capturing our attention through our eyes and ears, our sense of smell and our thoughts, to make us crave something that they are selling. We need to recognize when we are being targeted. God promises our personal temptations will never exceed his power to resist them and live victoriously his way.
The Lord God has created a beautiful world and we are to fully enjoy his great creation and the community of those who seek him. However we are not to love the temporary and sensual things in the world that are directly opposed to the will of God. We are reminded that the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives for ever.
What is more important to you, things of this world that are temporary and pass away or what is eternal and matters to God? In what ways will you seek God to help you with your personal priorities and life direction? God will bless you abundantly as you seek his will.
Our culture also demands us to live by its values and follow its ways or suffer consequences created by man. This world has many attractions, things that make us feel good for the moment. Our bodies, our eyes and all our senses are sensitive to whatever surrounds us. In addition, much money and resources of the world are devoted to specifically capturing our attention through our eyes and ears, our sense of smell and our thoughts, to make us crave something that they are selling. We need to recognize when we are being targeted. God promises our personal temptations will never exceed his power to resist them and live victoriously his way.
The Lord God has created a beautiful world and we are to fully enjoy his great creation and the community of those who seek him. However we are not to love the temporary and sensual things in the world that are directly opposed to the will of God. We are reminded that the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives for ever.
What is more important to you, things of this world that are temporary and pass away or what is eternal and matters to God? In what ways will you seek God to help you with your personal priorities and life direction? God will bless you abundantly as you seek his will.