“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16, NKJV)

The “world” here is not the world of people or the created world, but the world, or realm, of sin, which is controlled by Satan and organized against God and righteousness.

The “lust of the flesh” refer to the general sense of desire, or that which is the object of desire. It denotes that which pampers the appetites, or all that is connected with man’s indulgence such as sexual and impure desires or the “animal nature with cravings which incite one to sin.” “Lust of the eyes” are those merely to gratify the sight. Strong’s puts it figuratively as those from the jealous side of glance or envy. The “pride of life” may refer to hunting after honors, titles, and pedigrees; boasting of ancestry, family connections, great offices, honorable acquaintance, boasting, and arrogance or pride.

We must not allow ourselves to become affected or be compromised by the above-mentioned sinfulness of the world much less love it. The love of God and the love of the world are mutually exclusive. If we give place to the love of the world, the love of God cannot dwell in us. Love of God can be better shown by loving our brothers not the things of the world.

Sources:

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.

http://www.biblegateway.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

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