Joel M Bradshaw

15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.–1 John 2

1. The Greek word for both loves is agape. This is a deep love that perfectly communicates the most important of relationships.
2. Thus, we find it here with God’s love for you. Nothing good in your life exists without God’s agape for you.
3. Do you agape the world or the things of the world? John 3:16 says that God agape-d the world, but that was to provide salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus. You most likely don’t love the world in that way. You are not God.
4. According to these verses, to love the world is to adopt its values. Living by selfish desires and being motivated by pride (acceptance, approval of others) are the ones listed in our text today.
5. Save your agape for God, not for the world.
6. Love for God would therefore imply adopting His values. You will live the family values of the family you value.
7. This is a good heart check. A great motivations check.–JMB