1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Do not love
The Greek word for "love" here is "agapaō," which refers to a deep, abiding, and selfless love. In this context, it is a command against forming a deep attachment or devotion to the world. This is not a mere suggestion but an imperative, urging believers to guard their hearts against misplaced affections. The use of "agapaō" indicates that the love being warned against is not superficial but one that competes with the love that should be reserved for God alone.

the world
The term "world" is translated from the Greek "kosmos," which can refer to the physical universe, humanity, or, as in this context, the fallen, sinful system opposed to God. Historically, the early church faced the challenge of living in a society that often contradicted Christian values. The "world" represents ideologies, values, and practices that are contrary to God's will. This is a call to discernment, urging believers to recognize and resist the allure of worldly systems that draw them away from God.

or anything in the world
This phrase expands the warning to include not just the overarching system but also the individual elements within it. The Greek word "en" (in) suggests an intimate association or involvement. Believers are cautioned against becoming entangled with specific aspects of the world that can lead to spiritual compromise. This could include material possessions, status, or any other worldly pursuit that can become an idol, taking precedence over one's relationship with God.

If anyone loves the world
This conditional statement introduces a hypothetical scenario that serves as a warning. The Greek "ei tis" (if anyone) implies that this is a real possibility for any believer. It serves as a sobering reminder that love for the world is incompatible with a genuine love for God. Historically, this reflects the early Christian struggle to maintain faithfulness amidst a pagan culture, a struggle that remains relevant today.

the love of the Father
The phrase "the love of the Father" can be understood in two ways: God's love for us or our love for God. In this context, it likely refers to the latter, emphasizing that a true love for God cannot coexist with a love for the world. The Greek "agapē" (love) here is the same root as "agapaō," underscoring the depth and purity of the love that should characterize a believer's relationship with God.

is not in him
This concluding phrase delivers a stark warning. The absence of the Father's love in someone who loves the world indicates a spiritual deficiency. The Greek "estin" (is) denotes a state of being, suggesting that the presence of worldly love effectively displaces divine love. This serves as a call to self-examination, urging believers to assess where their true affections lie and to realign their hearts with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth in his writings.

2. The World
In this context, "the world" refers to the system of values, beliefs, and behaviors that are opposed to God and His kingdom. It is not the physical world but the moral and spiritual system that is in rebellion against God.

3. The Father
Refers to God the Father, emphasizing the relationship believers have with Him through Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding The World
The Greek word for "world" is "kosmos," which in this context refers to the organized system of human civilization that is hostile to God. Believers are called to discern and reject the values and practices that are contrary to God's will.

The Incompatibility of Worldly Love and God's Love
Loving the world and loving God are mutually exclusive. When we prioritize worldly desires, we push out the love of the Father from our hearts. This calls for a self-examination of our priorities and affections.

Cultivating a Love for God
To ensure that the love of the Father is in us, we must actively cultivate our relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands. This involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly pursuits.

Practical Detachment from Worldly Values
Believers are encouraged to live in the world but not be of the world. This means engaging with society and culture without adopting its sinful values. It requires wisdom and discernment to navigate daily life while maintaining a godly perspective.

Eternal Perspective
Focusing on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains helps believers maintain their commitment to God. This perspective encourages us to invest in what has lasting significance, such as our relationship with God and service to others.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some specific ways in which the world tries to draw our love and attention away from God?

2. How can we practically identify and resist the influence of worldly values in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper love for God that surpasses our love for worldly things?

4. How does understanding the temporary nature of worldly pursuits help us prioritize our relationship with God?

5. How can we encourage one another in our faith communities to remain steadfast in our love for God amidst worldly temptations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 4:4
This verse warns against friendship with the world, equating it with enmity against God, reinforcing the idea that love for the world is incompatible with love for God.

Matthew 6:24
Jesus teaches that one cannot serve two masters, highlighting the impossibility of serving both God and worldly desires.

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 John's exhortation to reject worldly values.
The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by FaithJohn Wesley 1 John 2:15
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
Anyone, Anything, Father's, Heart, Isn't, Love, Loves, Loveth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 2:15

     1085   God, love of
     1194   glory, divine and human
     2426   gospel, responses
     8296   love, nature of
     8302   love, abuse of

1 John 2:15-16

     4030   world, behaviour in
     4124   Satan, kingdom of
     6241   seduction
     8787   opposition, to God
     8848   worldliness

1 John 2:15-17

     1175   God, will of
     4027   world, fallen
     5542   society, positive
     6142   decay
     6155   fall, of Adam and Eve
     6243   adultery, spiritual
     8211   commitment, to world
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies
     8780   materialism, and sin

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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