1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
The world is passing away
The phrase "the world" in this context refers to the present age and its systems, values, and desires that are opposed to God. The Greek word used here is "kosmos," which often denotes the secular world order. Historically, this reflects the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and societies, which rise and fall over time. Archaeological evidence from ancient civilizations, such as Babylon and Rome, underscores the impermanence of human achievements. From a scriptural perspective, this echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24:35, where He states, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." The message is clear: the physical world and its allurements are temporary and fleeting.

along with its desires
The term "desires" translates from the Greek word "epithymia," which refers to lusts or cravings that are often contrary to God's will. These desires can be for material possessions, power, or sensual pleasures. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from the surrounding pagan culture, which was steeped in hedonism and idolatry. This phrase serves as a warning against succumbing to such temptations, reminding believers that these desires are not only temporary but also detrimental to spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul similarly warns in Galatians 5:16-17 about the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit.

but whoever does the will of God
This phrase emphasizes the contrast between worldly desires and divine obedience. "The will of God" is a central theme throughout the New Testament, encapsulating God's desires for humanity, including living a life of holiness, love, and service. The Greek word for "will" is "thelēma," which implies a deliberate choice or intention. Historically, the early Christians were often persecuted for choosing to follow God's will over societal norms. This choice is a testament to their faith and commitment. Scripturally, Jesus models this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

remains forever
The promise of eternal life is encapsulated in this phrase. The Greek word "menei," translated as "remains," conveys a sense of permanence and stability. This assurance of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian hope, contrasting sharply with the temporary nature of the world. Historically, this promise provided immense comfort to early Christians facing persecution and martyrdom, as they believed in a future beyond their present sufferings. Scripturally, this echoes Jesus' promise in John 14:2-3, where He assures His followers of a place in His Father's house. The eternal nature of doing God's will is a profound encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and is traditionally understood to have written this letter to encourage and instruct early Christians.

2. The World
In this context, "the world" refers to the secular, sinful system that is opposed to God and His righteousness. It encompasses worldly desires and pursuits that are temporary and fleeting.

3. Believers
The recipients of John's letter, who are encouraged to live according to God's will and not be swayed by worldly desires.

4. God
The eternal being whose will is contrasted with the temporary nature of the world. Those who align with His will are promised eternal life.

5. Eternal Life
The promise of remaining forever with God, a central theme in John's writings, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's kingdom versus the temporal nature of the world.
Teaching Points
The Temporary Nature of the World
Recognize that worldly desires and pursuits are fleeting. As believers, we should focus on what is eternal and align our lives with God's will.

The Importance of God's Will
Doing the will of God is the pathway to eternal life. We should seek to understand and follow God's will through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Cultivate an eternal perspective by prioritizing spiritual growth and heavenly treasures over temporary worldly gains.

Guarding Against Worldly Desires
Be vigilant against the allure of worldly desires that can distract us from our spiritual journey. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain focus on God's will.

Encouragement in Perseverance
Take heart in the promise of eternal life. Despite the challenges and temptations of the world, perseverance in faith and obedience to God leads to eternal reward.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the temporary nature of the world influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can you actively seek to do the will of God in your life? Consider practical steps you can take.

3. Reflect on a time when worldly desires conflicted with your spiritual goals. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?

4. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your personal and professional life?

5. What are some practical ways to guard against the influence of worldly desires, and how can you encourage others in your community to do the same?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 4:4
This verse warns against friendship with the world, which is enmity with God, reinforcing the idea that worldly desires are opposed to God's will.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the eternal value of heavenly treasures.

Romans 12:2
Paul urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, aligning with the call to do God's will.

2 Corinthians 4:18
Paul speaks about focusing on what is unseen and eternal rather than what is seen and temporary, echoing the message of 1 John 2:17.
National WorldlinessS. A. Brooke, M. A.1 John 2:17
Obedience and AbidingA. Raleigh, D. D.1 John 2:17
River and RockA. Maclaren, D. D.1 John 2:17
The Abiding LifeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 John 2:17
The Evanescent and the Enduring in Human HistoryD. Thomas, D. D.1 John 2:17
The Guileless SpiritR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 2:17
The Moral Only PermanentH. Allon, D. D.1 John 2:17
The Great Danger of ChristiansR. Finlayson 1 John 2:12-17
A Dangerous ExperimentH. Bushnell, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
An Apostolic Prohibition, and the Reason ThereofW. Jones 1 John 2:15-17
Love not the WorldJames Morgan, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
Love not the WorldJ. B. Mayor, M. A.1 John 2:15-17
Love not the WorldS. S. Roche.1 John 2:15-17
Love of the WorldF. W. P. Greenwood, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
Love of the WorldE. H. Chapin, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
The Christian in the World1 John 2:15-17
The Expulsive Power of a New AffectionT. Chalmers, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
The Guileless Spirit Loving not the WorldR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
The Nature and Danger of an Inordinate Love of the WorldJohn Mason, M. A.1 John 2:15-17
The Peril of WorldlinessW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.1 John 2:15-17
The World and the FatherF. D. Maurice, M. A.1 John 2:15-17
The World We Must not LoveAbp. Wm. Alexander.1 John 2:15-17
UnladingA. Maclaren, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
When Do We Love the World Too MuchJ. Jortin, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
WorldlinessF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 John 2:15-17
WorldlinessJ. E. Welldon, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
Worldliness Impedes the Sight of Higher ThingsW. Arnot, D. D.1 John 2:15-17
Worldly Affections Destructive of Love to GodArchdeacon Manning.1 John 2:15-17
People
John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Abides, Abideth, Age, Continues, Cravings, Desire, Desires, Eternity, Forever, God's, Lust, Lusts, Pass, Passes, Passeth, Passing, Pleasure, Remains, Thereof
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 2:17

     4025   world, the
     4028   world, redeemed
     6645   eternal life, nature of
     8126   guidance, need for
     8454   obedience, to God
     8460   pleasing God
     8809   riches

1 John 2:15-17

     1175   God, will of
     4027   world, fallen
     5542   society, positive
     6243   adultery, spiritual
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies

1 John 2:16-17

     6746   sanctification, means and results

Library
Youthful Strength
'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.'--1 John ii. 14. 'What am I going to be?' is the question that presses upon young people stepping out of the irresponsibilities of childhood into youth. But, unfortunately, the question is generally supposed to be answered when they have fixed upon a trade or profession. It means, rightly taken, a great deal more than that. 'What am I going to make of myself?' 'What
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

River and Rock
'The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 John ii. 17. John has been solemnly giving a charge not to love the world, nor the things that are in it. That charge was addressed to 'children,' 'young men,' 'fathers.' Whether these designations be taken as referring to growth and maturity of Christian experience, or of natural age, they equally carry the lesson that no age and no stage is beyond the danger of being drawn away by the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Commandment, Old yet New
'I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.... Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you.'--1 John ii. 7, 8. The simplest words may carry the deepest thoughts. Perhaps angels and little children speak very much alike. This letter, like all of John's writing, is pellucid in speech, profound in thought, clear and deep, like the abysses of mid-ocean. His terms are such as a child can understand; his sentences short
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

January the Twelfth Two Opposites
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." --1 JOHN ii. 13-17. No man can love two opposites any more than he can walk in contrary directions at the same time. No man can at once be mean and magnanimous, chivalrous and selfish. We cannot at the same moment dress appropriately for the arctic regions and the tropics. And we cannot wear the habits of the world and the garments of salvation. When we try to do it the result is a wretched and miserable compromise. I have seen a
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7. 1. How short is this description of real Christians! And yet how exceeding full! It comprehends, it sums up, the whole experience of those that are truly such, from the time they are born of God till they remove into Abraham's bosom. For, who are the we that are here spoken of? All that are true Christian believers. I say Christian, not Jewish, believers. All that are not only servants, but children, of God. All that have "the Spirit of adoption, crying
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Witness of the Spirit
Discourse I "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8:16 1. How many vain men, not understanding what they spake, neither whereof they affirmed, have wrested this Scripture to the great loss if not the destruction of their souls! How many have mistaken the voice of their own imagination for this witness of the Spirit of God, and thence idly presumed they were the children of God while they were doing the works of the devil! These are truly and properly
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Bundle of Myrrh
Concerning our text, let us talk very simply, remarking first, that Christ is very precious to believers; secondly, that there is good reason why he should be; thirdly, that mingled with this sense of preciousness, there is a joyous consciousness of possession of him; and that therefore, fourthly, there is an earnest desire for perpetual fellowship with him. If you look at the text again, you will see all these matters in it. I. First, then, CHRIST JESUS IS UNUTTERABLY PRECIOUS TO BELIEVERS. The
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

In Him: Like Him
"Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." We have entered into Christ as into the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, as guest; into a banquet-hall, as returning travellers into their home. And now we abide--in Christ in this sense, that we are joined to him : as the stone is, in the wall, as the wave is in the sea, as the branch is in the vine, so are we in Christ. As the branch receives all its sap from the stem, so all the sap of spiritual life flows from Christ into us. If
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

What God is to Us.
Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7.--"The lord, the Lord God merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands." There is nothing can separate between God and a people but iniquity, and yet he is very loath to separate even for that. He makes many shows of departing, that so we may hold him fast, and indeed he is not difficult to be holden. He threatens often to remove his presence from a person or nation, and he threatens, that he may not indeed remove, but that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Brooks -- the Pride of Life
Phillips Brooks was born at Boston, Mass., in 1835, graduated at Harvard in 1855 and studied theology at the P.E. Seminary, Alexandria, Va. He was elected rector of the Church of the Advent, Philadelphia, in 1859, and three years later to that of Holy Trinity in the same city. In 1869 he became rector of Trinity Church, Boston, and was consecrated Bishop of Massachusetts in 1891. He died in 1893. He was in every sense a large man, large in simplicity and sympathy, large in spiritual culture. In his
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

That to Him who Loveth God is Sweet Above all Things and in all Things
Behold, God is mine, and all things are mine! What will I more, and what more happy thing can I desire? O delightsome and sweet world! that is, to him that loveth the Word, not the world, neither the things that are in the world.(1) My God, my all! To him that understandeth, that word sufficeth, and to repeat it often is pleasing to him that loveth it. When Thou art present all things are pleasant; when Thou art absent, all things are wearisome. Thou makest the heart to be at rest, givest it
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

But Since no Man is Worthy to Come Forward in his Own Name...
But since no man is worthy to come forward in his own name, and appear in the presence of God, our heavenly Father, to relieve us at once from fear and shame, with which all must feel oppressed, [8] has given us his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to be our Advocate and Mediator, that under his guidance we may approach securely, confiding that with him for our Intercessor nothing which we ask in his name will be denied to us, as there is nothing which the Father can deny to him (1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1;
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Moreover, the Sophists are Guilty of the Merest Trifling when they Allege that Christ Is...
Moreover, the Sophists are guilty of the merest trifling when they allege that Christ is the Mediator of redemption, but that believers are mediators of intercession; as if Christ had only performed a temporary mediation, and left an eternal and imperishable mediation to his servants. Such, forsooth, is the treatment which he receives from those who pretend only to take from him a minute portion of honour. Very different is the language of Scripture, with whose simplicity every pious man will be
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

The Last Day.
This gospel day is the last day. There never will be another age of time. An age-to-come teacher is branded by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, as a false teacher. We need no other age in which to prepare for eternity. This is the day of salvation. "Now is the accepted time." Now is the day and this is the time for us to accept Christ, and to be accepted of him. The Word of God holds no promise to you of another day of salvation. How can man, unless he be wholly subverted, teach another age to
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Add to This, and Here is Cause to Cry Out More Piteously...
37. Add to this, (and here is cause to cry out more piteously,) that, if once we grant it to have been right for the saving of that sick man's life to tell him the lie, that his son was alive, then, by little and little and by minute degrees, the evil so grows upon us, and by slight accesses to such a heap of wicked lies does it, in its almost imperceptible encroachments, at last come, that no place can ever be any where found on which this huge mischief, by smallest additions rising into boundless
St. Augustine—Against Lying

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
On Chrism. 1 John ii. 20-28 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, &c.....that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1. Having been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ [2415] , ye have been made conformable to the Son of God; for God having foreordained us unto adoption as sons [2416] , made us to be conformed to the body of Christ's glory [2417] . Having therefore become partakers of Christ [2418] , ye are properly called Christs, and
St. Cyril of Jerusalem—Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem

But, Again, Lest by Occasion of this Sentence...
50. But, again, lest by occasion of this sentence, any one should sin with deadly security, and should allow himself to be carried away, as though his sins were soon by easy confession to be blotted out, he straightway added, "My little children, these things have I written unto you, that ye sin not; and, if one shall have sinned, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and Himself is a propitiation of our sins." [2207] Let no one therefore depart from sin as though about
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Evidences of Regeneration.
III. Wherein saints and sinners must differ. 1. Let it be distinctly remembered, that all unregenerate persons, without exception, have one heart, that is, they are selfish. This is their whole character. They are universally and only devoted to self-gratification. Their unregenerate heart consists in this selfish disposition, or in this selfish choice. This choice is the foundation of, and the reason for, all their activity. One and the same ultimate reason actuates them in all they do, and in all
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The World Our Enemy.
"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."--1 John v. 19. Few words are of more frequent occurrence in the language of religion than "the world;" Holy Scripture makes continual mention of it, in the way of censure and caution; in the Service for Baptism it is described as one of three great enemies of our souls, and in the ordinary writings and conversation of Christians, I need hardly say, mention is made of it continually. Yet most of us, it would appear, have very
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

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