1 John 2:15-17

Introduction:

1. This passage may be the easiest and most difficult in the whole letter.

2. It is not at all difficult to grasp its meaning, but it is quite difficult to practice.

3. It is not a question of if, but in what ways and to what degree we struggle to live in the world but not be of the world (John 17:14-16).

Discussion:

I. The Nature of Worldliness

A. John cannot mean the world in the same way here as in other passages (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2); here it is all things that oppose God (cf. James 4:4).

B. John outlined the three-pronged way sin has plagued humanity since Eden.

1. The lust of the flesh: improper physical longings

2. The lust of the eyes: often the source of improper fleshly longings

3. The pride of life: the haughtiness with which one justifies the above

C. False prophets (then and now) claimed fleshly deeds did not impact the soul.

II. The Result of Worldliness

A. John forcefully begs to differ in closing this section.

B. Attaching our affections and desires to the things that appeal to improper fleshly impulses is futile as these things are fleeting.

C. Those who do not abide in Him will shrink in shame at His coming (2:28).

D. However, those who love God will abide forever (2:17; John 6:58; 10:28-30).

III. The Impossibility of Split Loyalties

A. This is where we are struggling in today’s church.

B. John was clear that our affections belong to one or the other (2:15).

C. He was equally clear that the truth of our affections is a matter, not of what we say they are, but what our desires and choices show they are (2:16).

D. This is a common biblical theme people consistently struggle to conquer.

1. Joshua warned of the dangers of split loyalties (Joshua 24:15-19).

2. Elijah scolded Israel for their indecision (1 Kings 18:20-21).

3. Jesus plainly said we can have but one master (Matthew 6:19-24).

4. Paul said we must choose to please God or man, not both (Galatians 1:10).

5. He also said one may fellowship God or evil, not both (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

6. James dubbed lovers of worldliness enemies of God (James 4:4).

Conclusion:

1. It is no exaggeration to say worldliness is the church’s biggest threat today.

2. It is time we come out from among them and be separate, no matter the cost.