The book of 1 John holds a special place for many Christians, revered for its comforting words about God’s love, forgiveness, and the essence of divine light. Yet, this New Testament book is also recognized for its complex interpretive layers. Scholars often describe John’s writing as cyclical and multifaceted, which can sometimes lead readers into a maze of spiritual examinations, unsure of their standing with God. However, the true aim of Scripture is not to confuse, but to instill confidence in the truth and authority of God’s word. Therefore, let’s establish a solid foundation as we explore a crucial passage from this book.
Establishing Our Foundation: Who is 1 John Written To?
It’s crucial to understand that the letter of 1 John is addressed to believers – individuals who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. Much like Paul’s and Peter’s letters, 1 John emerges from a time when the early church faced constant threats from false teachings. In this letter, we witness a stark contrast drawn between the life and actions of a true follower of Jesus and those who oppose Christ’s teachings.
The language in 1 John can be strong because the issues John tackles are significant. He emphasizes the vital importance of living a life that reflects Christ and equally stresses the need to avoid lifestyles that contradict His ways.
However, it’s essential to reiterate that John is writing to believers. While he addresses adversaries and those against Christ, even within the church, his primary goal is not to question the salvation of those secured by grace through faith in Jesus. Instead, for believers, this letter serves as an invitation to examine whether their lives genuinely reflect the hope they profess (Matthew 5:14–16). It’s about aligning our daily living with our faith.
Dissecting 1 John 2:15-17: A Verse-by-Verse Exploration
With this foundational understanding, we now turn to the core of our discussion: 1 John 2:15–17.
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.
1 John 2:15–17 NASB
These three verses are packed with meaning, each contributing to John’s central message about loving the world. Before we delve into each verse, notice the repetition. John intentionally emphasizes the stark opposition between godliness and worldliness. This repetition underscores the critical nature of his warning against worldliness.
Verse 15: “Do not love the world…” – Defining ‘World’
When John commands, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world,” in the first part of verse 15, it’s vital to understand what he means by “world.” It’s definitely not the same “world” he refers to in his Gospel:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NASB
In John 3:16, “world” signifies God’s creation and humanity, whom He deeply loves. However, in 1 John 2:15, “world” takes on a different connotation. Here, John cautions believers against becoming infatuated with creation in a way that overshadows the Creator. It’s not about rejecting people or denying ourselves enjoyment of God’s gifts. Rather, it’s a warning against prioritizing anything that opposes God or becoming overly attached to temporal things at the expense of eternal values. This verse is a call to examine our affections and ensure they are rightly placed.
This echoes Paul’s instruction in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” The core issue is priority: Will we place God first, or will we allow worldly attractions to take precedence? This verse challenges us to consider where our primary loyalty lies.
Verse 16: Clarifying Worldliness – Lusts and Pride
Verse 16 clarifies John’s definition of “the world” and highlights the fundamental opposition between godliness and worldliness. God’s creation, though inherently good, has been tainted by sin. This fallen condition has transformed aspects of the world into something contrary to God’s holy nature. Therefore, “the world” is characterized by “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life,” which stand in stark contrast to the attributes of God.
Let’s briefly unpack these terms:
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Lust of the flesh: This refers to sinful desires that originate from our physical nature. It encompasses cravings for sensual pleasures and bodily gratifications that are contrary to God’s will. This isn’t just about physical intimacy but includes any desire driven by our fallen nature that seeks self-gratification outside of God’s boundaries.
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Lust of the eyes: This pertains to the sinful desires fueled by what we see. It includes covetousness, materialism, and the insatiable craving for possessions or experiences simply because they appeal to our visual senses. It’s about wanting what we see, often leading to envy and discontent.
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Boastful pride of life: This describes the arrogance and self-reliance that stem from worldly achievements, possessions, or status. It’s finding our identity and security in temporal things rather than in God. This pride is rooted in the fleeting nature of earthly life, boasting in things that will not last.
Interestingly, John, like Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–48), addresses the sinful desires behind actions rather than just outward sins like murder or adultery. While temptation itself is not sin (Jesus was tempted, Matthew 4:1-11), harboring and indulging in sinful desires is indeed from the world and not from God. Recognizing these desires as worldly helps us combat them at their root.
Verse 17: The Urgency of Eternity – Why This Matters
Verse 17 provides the powerful motivation for heeding John’s warning. “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.” This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits compared to the eternal reality of God. Investing too heavily in temporary things is ultimately a waste of our limited time on earth, time that could be spent pursuing eternal values. The sinful desires and worldly attractions that seem so appealing are ultimately transient.
The second part of the verse, about doing “the will of God,” is not about earning salvation through works. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). As a recent sermon emphasized, John himself clarifies God’s will in his Gospel:
“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
John 6:40 NASB
The “will of God” in this context is believing in Jesus Christ. For believers, verse 17 is a reminder to align our priorities with eternity. It’s a call to shift our focus from the temporary allurements of the world to the enduring promises of God. It’s about living with an eternal perspective.
Living with Eternal Perspective: A Call to Action
So, what does this mean for us today? It’s not wrong to enjoy God’s creation, nor is it inherently sinful to desire things. However, when the things of this world begin to take precedence over our relationship with God, it’s time for introspection. John invites us to ask ourselves tough questions. Are we prioritizing the temporal over the eternal? Where does our true love lie?
Ultimately, 1 John 2:15-17 is a loving warning to believers. It’s a call to examine our hearts, re-evaluate our priorities, and ensure that our lives are oriented towards God and His eternal kingdom, rather than being consumed by the fleeting desires of the world. It’s about choosing the lasting over the temporary, and the Creator over creation.
