We continue our study of 1 John 1 by looking at verses 15-17. We know from last week that he is writing to the family of God at all levels of maturity. He writes, “He who does the will of God abides forever.” Get ready, the old is passing away and the new is coming. Loving God changes the life we live in the flesh. John writes, “Love not the world or the things in the world.” He further states that to love the world indicates a lack of love for God. All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are not of God the Father but of the world.
Lust of the Flesh
The lust of the flesh is an intense craving to satisfy our senses. Like a fire out of control, the flesh demands fulfillment. When born into the family of God, God begins to break the power of the flesh and He teaches His children to find their fulfillment in Him. A transformation comes with the renewing of the mind as we allow the Word of God to dwell within us.
Lust of the Eyes
The lust of the eyes drives us to desire whatever shines or sparkles. Like a dog follows his nose, we follow distracting fake trinkets rather than He who is the source of all pleasure. The world is replete with offerings to our deep need of satisfaction. They are empty promises. Only rest in the arms of our loving Father, trusting His concern for us truly satisfies. Jesus says that when we seek Him first, the things we need will be given. James tells us every good and perfect gift is from above, and John tells us the love of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are of the world and not of the Father.
The Pride of Life
The pride of life says, “Look what I have done!” There is no acknowledgement of the Creator. It is the clay speaking to the Potter, “What are you doing? Why have You made me this way? You are forgetting the handles.” We become blinded to His many gifts veiled by the deceit of selfish pride. James says that being friends with the world is being an enemy of God. ” He also tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
John writes, “All that is in the world is passing away and the lust of it.” Doing the will of God is investing in forever. There is one God, not to be replaced with empty cisterns, glistening trinkets, or our selfish pride. All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are not of God the Father but of the world and the world is passing away. But if we do the will of the Father we will abide forever.