DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD : I JOHN 2:15-17

INTRODUCTION

There are seven  proofs that one really knows God; The fourth test that proves whether or not a person knows God. Do we love the world? If a person loves the world, he/she does not know God. No matter what a person feels or thinks, the Bible is clear and forceful; The person who loves the world does not know God.

Let us Learn.

I.  THE TEST :- DO WE LOVE THE WORLD

• Loving the world is what is called worldliness.
• Today, let each one of us take the test “ Do I Love The World ?”
• What does the “world” mean ?
• It does not mean that we don’t appreciate the beauty, splendor and resources of the earth and heaven

* The world means the earth and the heavens that are passing away.

• The world is corruptible and deteriorating and will eventually be destroyed.
• We should not as believers be attached so much to the world, but to God and heaven
• The world means a system of man-made governments and societies, some good some bad but no perfect.
• Believers should respect and be loyal to the good, but reject and stand against the bad.
• Our attachment should be heavenly and not to man-made systems and evil societies.

* The world means a system of sin, lust evil, pride and rebellion against God

• The world is full of evil people, they are proud, evil, full of lust and rebellion against God.
• Believers must not follow and love this sinful system of the world.
• The possessions and pleasures of this world are not to be loved by a child of God. (Rom.12:1-2, I Cor. 7:31, Gal.6:14, II Tim.2:4, Heb.11:24-25, John15:19, II Thess.3:6, Isaiah 52:11)

II.  AGAIN THERE IS THE PROFESSING PERSON (I John 2:15-16)

• The man talked about here is the man who professes to know God, but loves the world.
• This man although professing Christian, loves the world and its system and societies.
• He loves and is more attached to this world than to God.
• Three things happen to believers that cause them to return to the world system

1. They enjoy nature and its beauty so much that they no longer attend worship regularly. Golf, sports, fishing, hiking, camps, tours, travelling, chamas, visits etc.
2. Some become involved in man’s government and social organization, no time for God.
3. Others become so hungry for the world and its pleasures and possessions, they get lost.

• The professing man follows after the world and worldliness;

1. The lust of the flesh, feeling, touching, tasting, smelling, hearing and seeing (Gal 5:19-21)

• The flesh has desires which uncontrolled become addictions

2. the lust of the eyes , seeing and working to have what one sees. (Matt. 5:18, Rom. 1:26-28, 2Pet.2:14, Job 31:1, Luke 12:15)

• This is lust of the eyes after pleasures, wines, drugs and alcoholic drinks and things of other people. (Ps.10:8, Ecle.2:10, Pro.23:29-31)
• There is lust of the eyes after other gods (Lev.26:1)

3. There is pride of life.

• The pride of life means-self– centeredness. Seeking attention through dress and looks, rank and wealth, honor, recognition, fame, power, position, luxury, outshining others, self-importance.
• The pride of life also means self-sufficiency.
• When self-image, public image, ego and personal strength become the basis of life.
• When a person feels little need for God. Arrogant, conceited, boastful, superiority (Rev. 3:13, Prov.27:1)
• There is pride of wealth (Psalm 10:3,39:6, psalm 49:6-7, Ezk 28:5)
• There is the pride of power and position, intelligence and knowledge (Lev.26:19, I Cor. 8:2)
• There is the pride of conceit, self glory, self-righteousness.

III. THE OBEDIENT PERSON; (I John 2:17)

• This is the person who does the will of God, He abides forever, He/ She is immortal.
• He knows that this world and its pleasures shall pass away (II Peter 3:10-13, Rev. 22:14)

CONCLUSION.

¨ Do you love this world ? – You will pass away with it.

¨ Do you Love God ? – You will abide forever and ever.