“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 LUST of the flesh, the LUST of the eyes, and the PRIDE of life—is NOT OF THE FATHER but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who DOES the will of God abides (continues with God) FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17) First, When it says the love of the Father “IS NOT IN HIM” is about OUR love for the Father. God’s love for us is ALWAYS THERE for us!
These are the three temptations to sin that EVERY HUMAN will experience. Jesus experienced these three forms of temptation, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matt. 4:1-11)
Let’s see what these three temptations are about:
- THE LUST OF THE FLESH: Here are a few examples of fleshly lusts,
- Sexual sins. Sex is a sin when it is committed outside of a husband/wife relationship.
- Gossip. When we say or listen to conversations that are hurting someone else.
- Abuse. When we, out of anger, cause any kind of harm to another.
- Drug use (marijuana, pills, cocaine, alcohol, etc.) “Strong drink leads to brawls, And whoever is led astray by it IS NOT WISE.” (Prov. 20:1) This applies to using alcohol or drugs that may cause you to act, feel and think differently. You may struggle to control you actions and thoughts and do ungodly things.
- THE LUST OF THE EYES: That temptation to look upon things we shouldn’t look upon, or to have things that we shouldn’t have.
- THE PRIDE OF LIFE: The pride of life is that sinful temptation for excess greatness or power that we may feel the temptation to attain.
So, here is what we need to do, “Set your 1affection on THINGS ABOVE, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2) 1phroneō: to direct one’s mind. We must direct our thoughts to THINGS ABOVE!!!
-Bill Stockham