Lesson Three: Christian Behaviour

Overview
Lesson taken from 1 John 2:15-17

"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 the 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."

Study Guide

  • Before you begin, take time to pray, asking God to give you guidance and understanding.
  • Read 1 John 2:15-17 a few times.
  • Note what you believe to be the important statements.
  • Answer the questions below.
  • Conclude your time of study with prayer, this time asking God to help you to grow to be a productive and effective follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Definition of "The World"

The world is spoken about in three ways. First, it refers to:

  • Loving the world and loving God is impossible (verse 15)
  • The world, as defined by John, is the source of all evil (verse 16)
  • The world won't last but the obedient live forever (verse 17)

The world is spoken about in three ways. First, it refers to the universe created by God. Second, it refers to all people, as in John 3:16. Third, it speaks of everything that is opposed to God's will. This is how the word is being used by John.

Several verses show the world as being opposed to God, for example: Ephesians 4:17-19; 1 Timothy 6:10; 2 Timothy 4:10; James 4:4.

'The world' leaves its effects on all who love it. 1 John 3:13; James 1:27.

Question 1: What does it mean - 'Do not love the world'? (verse 15)
Question 2: What steps can we take to ensure we don't love the world?

The Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eye and the Boastful Pride of Life

  1. Lusting means unlawful craving, the unholy desiring for gratification outside the will of God. What does the lusting of the flesh look like? See Romans 13:13-14, Galatians 5:16-21.
  2. The lust of the eye brought about the spiritual downfall of Eve, whom we read of in Genesis 3:6. It also brought about the fall of Achan and King David, whose sin is recorded in Joshua 7:21; 2 Samuel 11:2.
  3. Finally there is the boasting, the pride, the arrogance that is evil and which John identifies as being of the world. Anyone who has been captivated by the world's standards and how the world defines success etc. is being led astray. What the world applauds is condemned by God. Be sure to read Luke 16:15.

Question 3: What are the signs that would begin to be displayed in your life if you were loving the world? (verse 16)
Question 4: How would you know if you love God? (verse 15)
Question 5: What is the difference between taking pride in what you have achieved through hard work and ambition and what John calls 'the boastful pride of life'? (verse 16)


End of Lesson 3. Remember to conclude your time of study with prayer, this time asking God to help you to grow to be a productive and effective follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.