1. This lesson is a study of the information presented in 1 John 2:12-17. 2. In his letter John wrote at length about having fellowship with God. a. John began his letter (1:1-3) by showing that Jesus came in the flesh as the Son of God so we can fellowship with Him and the Father. b. This is good news -- John wrote it so our "joy may be full" (1:4). c. John continued by showing that having fellowship with God is conditional. 1) (1:5-7) We must walk in the light as God is in the light. 2) (1:8-10) We must confess our sins. 3) Thankfully, Jesus makes it possible for us to remain in fellowship with God (2:1-2). 4) (2:3-6) We must keep the Lord's commandments and walk as Christ walked. 5) (2:7-11) We must love our brothers and sisters. 3. (2:12-17) John showed that we must not love the world. Discussion: I. (vs.12-14) JOHN ADDRESSED HIS COMMENTS TO 3 GROUPS
A. The 3 groups are "fathers,""young men," and "little children." 1. John mentioned each group twice. 2. John also mentioned certain things about each group. a. "Fathers" (vs.13a, 14a) b. "Young men" (vs.13b, 14b) c. "Little children" (vs.12, 13c) B. We might conclude that John was addressing specific age groups. 1. However, the groups listed do not mention women. 2. John's letter applies to all Christians, including men and women of all ages. C. John was directing his comments to Christians at various levels of spiritual development. 1. "little children": new converts 2. "young men": those who had reached maturity in the Lord and developed great strength 3. "fathers": those who had been in Christ the longest and had reached a high level of spiritual strength. D. We need to notice something else about these groups. 1. John said: "I write unto you" ["I am writing to you"], and "I have written unto you." 2. Regardless of our spiritual level, to have fellowship with God we must observe the things John had written as well as the things he was writing. a. He had just dealt with one kind of love (vs.9-11). b. He continued by writing some more information about love (vs.15-17). II. (vs.15-17) CHRISTIANS MUST NOT LOVE THE WORLD
A. We must understand 2 terms to avoid misunderstanding what John said. 1. "love": to take pleasure in something, to prize it above other things, to be unwilling to abandon it or do without it 2. "the world": things of an earthly or carnal nature -- riches, pleasures, etc. B. John also mentioned "the things that are in the world," including: 1. "the lust of the flesh": uncontrolled fleshly cravings or desires 2. "the lust of the eyes": desire excited by seeing something 3. "the pride of life": vanity, vainglory. C. Why must we avoid loving the world and the things in it? 1. (vs.15b) The love of the Father is not in those who love the world (James 4:4). 2. (vs.16b) The things in the world are not "of the Father." 3. (vs.17a) The world and the lust associated with it will pass away. 4. Additional reasons are given in Matthew 13:22 and 2 Timothy 4:10a. D. (vs.17b) The good news is that those who do the will of God abide forever.
