Good morning,
Practical application is important if we are going to live successfully in today’s world. First John 2 tells us who Jesus is, why He came, what He expects, our relationship to the lost, our relationship to our family members, and what we should know about the end times. It touches on obedience, love, hate, light, darkness, relationships, and the antichrist.
Today we will look at verses 8-17.
Light and darkness (2:8-11)
8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
Children, fathers, young men, love not this world (2:12-17)
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. 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. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Yesterday we read that to know God we must keep His commandments. We are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. God commands us to love one another. Those who walk in love are in the light.
God commands us to “Love not the world…” The world is wicked. It is counter to the commandments of God and to be avoided. Verse 16 was first penned in Genesis 3.
Tomorrow we will look at verses 18-29,
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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