Message from Scripture: 7/20/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

In this passage, John talks about the influence of the world in contrast to the influence of Christ. The world is in the process of passing away, and will not endure forever. Those who do the will of God, though, will endure forever. So, our faith in Christ will waiver when we look more to the world around us than we do to Christ. How does this work against us?

The world wants us to look to what its theology says rather than what Christ has said in His word, that being immersed is needed to save us from our sins (Matt. 28:19). The world wants us to put our desires first, but Christ wants us to put him first, setting Him apart as Lord in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15). The world wants us to consider anything more important that worshipping God, but Christ doesn’t want us to forsake our assembling together to worship Him (Heb. 10:25). The world tells us it doesn’t matter how one lives, but Jesus says we must seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The list could go on, but it is clear the world is opposed to the will of God.

While many pursue the way of the world, Jesus asks us to pursue Him instead. We have no support if our lives are not focused on Christ, but if Christ is what our lives are about, we have His support and help in everything. May our love be for the way of the Father, not the way of the world. Walk in God’s love, and have a great day. God bless.

Robert