Greater than the world.
Today's Three-minute Bible Study
Print, Study and Apply
Title:
Greater than the world.--------------------------- Date: 12/09/1999
Keywords:
"cravings" "gratify" "world"
Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand
strong in the face of sexual temptation.
Passage: I John 2:15-17*
15. Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves
the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the
lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but
from the world.
17. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the
will of God lives forever.
Question
Why do you think nothing but negative characteristics are associated
with 'everything in the world' in verse 16?
Practical help
It sure seems like John is giving the world a bad rap in this
passage? So what's up?
That really is the question! What is up? What has your focus? Who's
on first?
You? Or God?
God made the world and it's not bad. In fact it's marvelous. (See yesterday's study)
The world and its things aren't bad, but you can sure use them
badly. When a craving or a lust for a worldly delight jolts you into seeking the supplier
of all things – and then trusting what he gives – that's a very good thing. When
they drive you into a preoccupation with gratifying your own physical desires it doesn't
turn out so nice.
God made the world and its things for you to enjoy by giving him the
glory. Seek your gratification from something greater than worldly things – seek it
from God.
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*Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version © Copyright 1973,
1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.