1 John 2:15-17 Pick your team

The daily grind and endless chase for more stuff, recognition, or whatever the world tells you is important can leave you feeling empty. You might see what everyone else has—the new truck, bigger house, or fancy vacation—and think, "I need that." But deep down, there's a nagging feeling that something's missing, that life has to be more than just chasing the next big thing.

Setting the Scene for our passage in 1 John:

Today's passage, 1 John 2:15-17, presents a stark choice: love the world or love God. There's no middle ground, no playing both sides. To understand why John emphasizes this so strongly, consider the context of the early Christians he was writing to. They lived in the Roman Empire, where diverse ideas and beliefs constantly clashed with Jesus' teachings.

N.T. Wright, a renowned Bible scholar, explains that "the world" in this context doesn't refer to nature or people. Instead, it signifies "the whole system of things that has decided to go against God." This isn't a call to abandon your job or retreat from society. It's about discerning and resisting the lies, popular ideologies, and shiny distractions that attempt to displace God from the center of your heart.

Rabbit Trail 1: John's "World" vs. Other Biblical Uses – A Literary Insight

When John uses the word "world" (κοσμος - kosmos) in 1 John 2:15-17, he's employing it in a very specific theological sense that differs from how it might be used elsewhere in the Bible, and it's crucial to understand this distinction.

In other parts of Scripture, and even in John's own Gospel, "world" can refer to:

• The physical creation: As in "God created the world." (John 1:10)

• Humanity in general: As in "God so loved the world..." (John 3:16) – implying all people.

However, in 1 John 2:15-17, and often in his epistles, John uses kosmos to denote a system or order of things that is hostile to God and His purposes. It's the spiritual "anti-kingdom" to God's kingdom. It represents humanity's organized rebellion against God, characterized by its values, desires, and pursuits that stand in opposition to divine truth and righteousness.

This literary nuance is vital. John isn't telling believers to become hermits or to despise the physical planet or other people. Instead, he's warning them against adopting the values, ambitions, and structures of a society that fundamentally rejects God's authority and wisdom. His original audience would have readily understood this distinction, as they were constantly navigating the tension between their newfound faith in Christ and the dominant pagan culture around them. For a modern reader, recognizing this specific theological meaning of "world" prevents misinterpretations and clarifies the profound challenge John presents.

Craig S. Keener further highlights that "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (verse 16) were potent temptations. "Lust of the flesh" encompassed overindulgence in food, drink, and illicit relationships common at pagan gatherings. "Lust of the eyes" centered on the desire for material possessions, status symbols, and outward appearances, which were highly valued in Roman society. "Pride of life" refers to arrogance, boasting about achievements and power instead of humble reliance on God.

Rabbit Trail 2: The Roman World's "Good Life" – A Deeper Dive into the "Lusts"

To truly grasp the punch of John's words, it helps to imagine the world his readers lived in. The Roman Empire, at its height, presented a very compelling vision of "the good life." This wasn't just about individual desires; it was deeply embedded in their society and culture.

• The "Lust of the Flesh" (ἐπιθυμία τῆς σαρκός - epithymia tēs sarkos): For many Romans, especially the elite, banquets were common, often involving excessive eating and drinking, and sexual morality (by Christian standards) was vastly different. Prostitution was legal and widespread, and orgies were not uncommon among the wealthy. John's warning against "lust of the flesh" wasn't just about personal gluttony but a direct challenge to the accepted hedonism and sensual indulgence that permeated Roman social life and entertainment, from public baths to gladiatorial games.

  
  

• The "Lust of the Eyes" (ἐπιθυμία τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν - epithymia tōn ophthalmon): This goes beyond simply wanting a new gadget. Roman society was highly visual and status-driven. Think of grand public buildings, lavish private villas adorned with art, intricate mosaics, and ostentatious displays of wealth through fine clothing, jewelry, and expensive household items. People would literally "lust with their eyes" for the visible markers of success and power. John is asking his audience to look past these dazzling, but ultimately fleeting, visual representations of worldly achievement.

  
  

• The "Pride of Life" (ἀλαζονεία τοῦ βίου - alazoneia tou biou): This phrase encapsulates the arrogance, self-promotion, and boasting that were central to Roman public life. Roman citizens, particularly men, were expected to seek honor and glory, often through military victories, political achievements, or public benefactions (like funding buildings or games). Public inscriptions proudly listed achievements, and social standing was everything. To be "proud of life" meant to boast in one's earthly accomplishments and status, deriving identity and security from them, rather than from God. John is challenging this entire framework of self-importance and earthly glory.

  
  

Understanding these specific cultural currents helps us see that John wasn't speaking in abstract terms; he was directly addressing the powerful allure of the Roman way of life that constantly pulled at the hearts and minds of his Christian readers.

This verse serves not only as a warning but also as an invitation to a different, eternal kind of love. As James 4:4 states, "You unfaithful people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means being an enemy of God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." John reveals the true consequences of misplacing our affections. Loving God and loving the world are incompatible because they operate on fundamentally different values and lead to vastly different outcomes. John declares, "The world and its evil desires are passing away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever" (verse 17). This powerfully reminds us that earthly pursuits are temporary, while living for God yields eternal rewards.

There's more to this STUDY GUIDE

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:

• Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)

• A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)

• Modern Day Application Ideas

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss

• How do you see "loving the world" manifesting in your own life, even in subtle ways?

  
  

• Considering that "the world" represents a system opposed to God, how can a working person like you identify and resist its influence in areas like entertainment, purchases, or career ambition?

  
  

• The Bible speaks of "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life." Which of these three currently presents the greatest challenge for you, and why?

Journey Group Discussion Starter

Recall a recent instance where you felt torn between God's will and the world's expectations. What transpired, and what insights did you learn?

Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)

Modern-Day Application:

John's words are timeless and resonate deeply today. For us, living by these principles requires a constant re-evaluation of our priorities.

• Watch What You Take In: Be discerning about the media you consume, the music you listen to, and the things you buy. Do these choices draw you closer to God or pull you away?

  
  

• Rethink Success: Disregard the world's definition of success (money, fame, power). Instead, embrace God's perspective, which often emphasizes serving others, humility, and love.

  
  

• Be Content with What You Have: Avoid the relentless pursuit of more. Instead, cultivate gratitude for God's provisions and find joy in life's simple blessings.

  
  

• Focus on Forever: Invest your time, energy, and resources into matters of eternal significance—nurturing relationships, helping others, sharing your faith, and growing closer to God. This is what N.T. Wright often refers to as "being part of God's new creation."

  
  

• Stick with Your Crew: Surround yourself with fellow believers who will encourage and challenge you to live distinctly from the world, helping you stay aligned with God's ways rather than getting swept away by worldly currents.

  
  

Remember, the world and all its desires are fleeting. But God's will—His love, His truth, His purpose—endures forever. Choosing to love God isn't about deprivation; it's an invitation to an abundant, unending life.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!