Taking a Look at 1 John

“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”- 1 John 2:15-17New Living Translation

            False teachers in any generation will tell you anything to get you to turn from the path you are on. John was emphasizing the fact that the world has nothing to offer his readers and will fade from view eventually. The false teachings that were in existence back then exist today as well.    

            Worldliness is thought of as external behavior – the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. While it IS that, it is also internal because it begins in the heart.  There are 3 attitudes that characterize worldliness: ¹⁾A craving or preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; ²⁾ craving everything we see / bowing to the god of materialism; ³⁾ the obsession with one’s status or worldly importance. In contrast, God values self-control, a generous spirit and a commitment to humble service. That’s quite a difference.

            Satan has been given dominion of this world. He subsequently took this world and distorted every realm of God’s creation. Both God and Satan know that this sin sick world is fading away. If you knew a business was going under would you invest in it? Then why invest in anything the world has to offer. Only the Lord can help us see thru and overcome these distortions and live lives that are pleasing to him.

            This world has already been marked for judgment and destruction. “The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.” – ^{John 12:31 NLT}   Those who know God and his word will live with him forever. Those who follow the path of the world will perish, never to be heard from or seen again. Just as it was back then, so it is today. Dark clouds of corruption and sin are enveloping this world so that it is nearly unrecognizable. Serving the Lord is the path to safety and peace. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller 

^{Resources: The NIV Study Bible; The Orthodox Study Bible; The Reformation Study Bible & www.biblegateway.com}