Week 9: 1 John 2:15-17

1 John 2:15-17: 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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of the Father abides forever.

1. A stern and solid warning to not love the world or the things in it.  If we do, the love of the Father is not in us.  This is sobering and an excellent fighter verse, providing the clear and obvious truths we often seek in Scripture.  How much plainer can it get?
1. What are the things that are in the world?  The desires of the flesh and eyes, as well as pride in possessions.  This tells us to not be selfish, but to deny ourselves.  By being selfless and giving--loving God and others, as it were--we will not yield to these desires.
2. This is not talking about the people that are in the world, for we are to love them wholeheartedly.  Jesus didn't look at the woman at the well and turn her away, but He loved on her and gave her Living Water.  Likewise, we should be loving on the people of this world.  As Jesus said, He didn't come to save the righteous, but sinners.
2. It's also a motivating set of verses, point blank saying that the world is passing away, with those that are lost in it.  This should fan the flame within us to go and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around to all we can. 
3. Whoever does the will of the Father abides forever.  This is such a simple tag at the end of these verses, yet it is profound.  In it we have the very key to eternal life.  How?  By doing the will of the Father.  How do we do that?  By following the two commandments Jesus called the greatest: love God with all our heart, soul, body, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves.  How do we love?  By professing Jesus as our Savior and walking in His ways.  What are His ways?  Seeking first the kingdom of God all for God's glory.  And that's the trump card.  Whatever we do, do it for the glory of God.