Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 57 – 1 John 2:15-17 – Do Not Love The World Or Anything In The World – Growing As Disciples
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
The World
The world is an enticing place. When did you discover that? I know, I know, it should come as no huge revelation to me that the world is an enticing place. But for some reason my eyes were blind to the fact that I have been captivated by all that the world has to offer. Materialism and a continual desire for more has been a nearly constant temptation for me. The world seems to bombard me with the idea that I must have the latest and greatest thing, or I will be incomplete and unfulfilled. The world and all its cravings and lusts ask me, “How could I possibly live without this?” The continual desire for more is bad enough but trying to pursue and fulfill that desire could easily cause my life to go off course. I could misspend my entire life by pursuing all that the world has to offer. Why won’t that happen to you? I love you. I want what you want. I want to live the life you have called me to live. I want to do what is pleasing in your sight. Your love for me and my love for you is guarding and guiding my life. I am on the path of life, walking with you. Yes, you are. It is the utmost desire of my heart to know and love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. That is very good.
Let me ask you a question. I’m listening. How is our love for each other guarding and guiding your life? I am drawn near to you. You draw near to me. I want to enter into your presence. I want to listen to your voice. I want to hear your instructions. I want to follow your guidance. In your presence you have set me on fire to love, follow and serve you. You have given me a passionate desire to live my life with and for you. In your presence, you are making me to be like you. You are helping me to think your thoughts, speak your words and take your actions. Yes, I am. My desire for you has pushed the desire for the world out of my heart and mind and life. The more devoted I am to you, the less interested I am in the world. That is very good.
Heavenly Father, I know that I have been in love with the world. I have loved the things of this life. Help me to make a clean break with the world so I can be fully devoted to loving, following and serving you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. Amen
Key Question… What are signs or symptoms of someone who has fallen in love with the world?
Living It Out… Make a break from the world and be devoted to loving, following and serving your Heavenly Father.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Heavenly Father’s love for you and yours for Him will protect you from loving the world.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your love for your Heavenly Father causes you to obey Him.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you make a clean break with the world so you can love, follow and serve your Heavenly Father.
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