First John 2:15 forbids Christians from loving the world. The “world” we are not to love is the ways of evil that are opposed to God. God certainly loves all the inhabitants of the world; He sent His Son as ultimate proof of that love (Jn. 3:16). Likewise, we should go into all the world with the Gospel so salvation can be given to as many people as possible (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15-16). Worldliness, however, must not be loved if we are to love God (1 Jn. 2:15); if one is a friend to the world in this sense, one is opposed to God (Jas. 4:4).
The devil is called the “god of this world” who blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4). Instead of giving into his temptations in conforming to this world, our minds must be renewed with the perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). The specific temptations of the world are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16). Correspondingly, Eve saw the forbidden fruit was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise (Gen. 3:6). Jesus was tempted to make stones into bread to satisfy hunger cravings, was shown the sight all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time with the offering of their glorious power, and was pressured to prove Himself the Son of God by a display of bravado in leaping off the pinnacle of the temple (Lk. 4:1-13). Jesus resisted all the devil’s temptations; thus, he never sinned and become the Savior of the world (Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 3:18).
We must put to death any worldliness in our lives, whether it is sexual sin, lust, covetousness for material wealth, anger, slander, obscene language, lying, etc. (Col. 3:5-10). Achan coveted the silver, the gold, and the beautiful Babylonian robe he saw among the spoils (Josh. 7:21). David lusted after Bathsheba while she was washing herself (2 Sam. 11:2; Mt. 5:28). The pride of worldliness leads to boasting (Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2; Jas. 4:16). Christians, be on guard, lest after you have come out of the clutches of the world, you return to your former ways and meet a worse end (2 Pet. 2:20-22). How sad it would be if the last chapter of your life on earth were similar to what was said regarding Demas, Paul’s former companion, who had forsaken him, having loved this present world (2 Tim. 4:10).
Eternal life with God is available. In heaven, God has provided for the faithful blessings far beyond the fleeting pleasures of this life. Remember, the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 Jn. 2:17). Even if you could get all the world in exchange for your soul, it would be such a foolish trade (Mt. 16:26). We pray that you will be like Moses, who chose to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:25). Look by faith to the eternal reward God has for those who follow Him (Heb. 11:6, 26).
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