Love not the World

[12] I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

 [13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

 [14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

 [15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (I John 2:12-17)

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. (I John 2:12)

The term “little children” seems evident to me that John is speaking to little children or young people who have not grown into adulthood which in Jewish custom was around the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls.

     John had learned from the master not to despise the young or count them out.

 [13]

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

 [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

 [15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

 [16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.   (Mark 10:13-16)

Children are to be raised in the faith and encouraged. They may not have much understanding of the complications of theology or of life and yet they are capable of what Jesus called “simple child like faith”, something that sadly evades most people as they grow older. Jesus said that the kingdom of God is populated by children who have such childlike faith.

John reassures the parents and the children themselves that even though they may not be at the “age of consent” or legal adulthood that Jesus has forgiven their sin.

What about babies and toddlers who cannot know or believe in Christ yet? The Apostle Paul settles this question for Christians at least saying:

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (I Corinthians 7:14)

One believing parent brings holiness to the children and has a sanctifying effect on the unbelieving husband or wife as well. It does not say that the unbelieving husband or wife is made holy… only the children but the unbelieving spouse is sanctified… that means is set apart for a holy purpose because of their marriage to the believer. This gives hope and purpose to those who are married to an unbeliever and confidence of the hope for one’s children while they are still young.

 [13] I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

 [14] I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

John notes how the gospel works differently on different ages and stages of maturity. Fathers as the patriarchs and leaders have authority if they have known Jesus the Alpha and Omega. John states this twice. Their authority comes from knowing Christ and as such they need to read and understand what John is writing about. They must set the example of loving their wives and families and spiritual brothers and sisters.

John makes special mention of young men and appeals to their strength that has come to them through knowing the Word of God so that they are able to overcome the temptations of youth and defeat the devil.

And he encourages the children to study the Word because they know God as their father. John is calling attention to all age groups to pay attention to the admonitions he is about to give.

[15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

This is what sets believers apart. The world loses it’s allure. We become like Abraham, pilgrims in this world as we pursue a city whose builder and maker is God.

John clarifies what he means by the world. He is talking about the materialism and the allurements that appeal to our greed, envy and lust. Specifically the lust of the flesh. How difficult it is to tame the desires of our bodies but this is the constant battle for the believer. Paul tells us in Romans that this is only possible by “walking in the Spirit”

 [12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

 [13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

(Romans 8:12-14)

The lust of the eyes: to desire things we see but do not have. As believers we must guard against hungering after material things. Possessions should not possess us.

The lust of the eyes is not only the carnal desire for things that are attractive to our sight but also those things that we pursue to make ourselves attractive falling into the fads and errors of worldly ways.

 [3] Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

 [4] But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (I Peter 3:3-4)

The lust of the eyes feeds the lust of the flesh always finding more things to hunger for, things that draw our hearts and our finances away from the things of God and enslaves us to the world and it’s ways.

 [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

John reminds us that these things that the world seeks after are not the things of God and such things are going to pass away. You can’t take them with you and in the end they all will be destroyed.

How many homes are torn apart by lust and desire. Not only in the realm of faithfulness but also in the finances and decisions concerning what things are essential to the betterment of one another and the family and what things are out of personal selfishness.

The Christian is to work to be different. Not following the fads and fashions and ways of the world but seeking the ways of Christ, his church, one’s family and others around us.

We are reminded of the words of our Savior…

 [19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

 [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

 [21] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(Matthew 6:19-21)