November 25, 2007
Sun Oak Baptist Church
Introduction
Over and over throughout the NT Christians are warned about the dangers of the leaven of the world. See Matt. 13; Matt. 16:26; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:2; James 1:27; etc.
3 reasons why we must not love the world.
I. Because Christians are commanded to not love the world. See 2:15.
A. The word “love” here is in the imperative mood – a command and is the kind of “love” described in 1st Cor. 13.
B. 3 meanings for the word “world.”
1. Sometimes refers to the round planet called earth. See John 1:10.
2. Sometimes refers to the inhabitants of this world. See John 3:16.
3. Used here to refer to the “world system” in which we live.
II. Because loving the world counterfeits our love for God. See 2:16.
A. The phrase: “For all that is in the world” has been used throughout church history to support an unbiblical approach to Christians living in the world.
B. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are Satan’s anti-trinity.
III. Because loving the world is contrary to God’s will. See 2:17.
A. God is eternal and the Christian’s hope is eternal life in heaven. It’s just the opposite for the fallen world in which we live.
B. Notice the flip slide: “he that does the will of God abides for ever.”
C. Loving the world is temporary – this world is passing away.
Conclusion