The Lord's Day Bible Message Outlines
May 17, 2009
Pastor Dana Johnson
"Do not love the world...."
-1
John 2:15
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.
The world: an ungodly
place
1. In the context this instruction is
dealing with the problem of hypocrites who are Christian in
name only.
1 John 1:6 - If we
say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness,
we lie and do not practice the truth.
1 John 2:4 - He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep
His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in
him.
1 John 2:9 - He who says he is in the light, and hates his
brother, is in darkness until now.
2. Clarification: Love for the world
is not to be confused with:
a. Appreciation for God's
physical creation.
Psalm 104:24 - O
LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have
made them all. The earth is full of Your
possessions.
b. Compassion for lost
humanity.
John 3:16 - "For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life."
3. John makes a distinction between
the world and the things in the world.
a. First, the world is a
philosophy.
Ephesians 2:2 -In
which you once walked according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit who now works in the sons of
disobedience.
b. This "spirit" of the world is
embodied in sinful humans who are under the influence of
Satan.
John 17:14 - "I
have given them Your word; and the world has hated them
because they are not of the world, just as I am not of
the world.
4. The world sells and propagates its
philosophy with its things.
a. Some things are so evil
they should not be owned or used by God's people.
b. Other things may be owned and
used; but, not to be loved.
5. Ho can we quantify love? Try these
tests:
a. Are you motivated by a
desire for this world's recognition, or, by a desire to
please God?
b. In order to participate in the
world's philosophy do you disobey clear Biblical precepts
and principles?
c. Do you enjoy being with unsaved
people more than with the Lord's people?
d. Is your soul vexed or tormented
by unrighteous behavior in the world?
2 Peter 2:8 - (for
that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his
righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing
their lawless deeds).
6. John makes it crystal clear that
you cannot serve two masters: you cannot love both the world
and the Father.
7. Remember you calling of grace as a
member of the church of God.
(All
Scripture quoted is from the New King James
Version)
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