We Must Not Set Our Affection on Things on the Earth (1 John 2:15-17)
Introduction:
1. This morning we showed from Colossians 3:1-2 that those who have been raised with Christ are to set their affection on the right things. a. We are to set our affection "on things above." b. We are not to set our affection "on things on the earth." 2. This evening we are studying additional passages that relate to setting our affection on the right things. 3. Let us illustrate why a person who is raised with Christ must not set his affection on things on the earth. a. This is what happened to Demas (2 Timothy 4:10a). b. In 2 Peter 2:20-22 we are told about Demas' condition. 4. Let us consider some additional reasons . . .
Discussion:
I. WHY WE MUST NOT SET OUR AFFECTION "ON THINGS ON THE EARTH"
A. The Bible clearly teaches us not to be overcome by the world. 1. (Romans 12:1-2) We are not to be "conformed to this world." 2. (Titus 2:11-12) We are to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts." B. We must not be overcome by the world because our relationship with the world determines certain things, including: 1. our spiritual allegiance a. Jesus said: 1) "I am not of this world" (John 8:23) 2) "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). b. To the contrary, Satan is described as: 1) "the prince of this world" (John 12:31) 2) "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). c. Our relationship with the world determines whether our allegiance is to Christ or the devil. 2. our ability to bear fruit as a Christian a. (John 15:8) We are the Lord's disciples and we glorify God when we bear much fruit. b. (Matthew 13:22) "The care of this world" will cause us to be unfruitful. c. The fruit that we bear will be affected by our relationship with the world. 3. the kind of religion we practice. a. Pure and undefiled religion is described in James 1:27. b. To practice pure and undefiled religion, we must keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." c. Our relationship with the world determines whether we actually practice the kind of religion that pleases God. C. Now that we understand why we must not be overcome by the world, let us turn our attention to several Scriptures that teach us . . .
II. HOW TO OVERCOME AND AVOID SETTING OUR AFFECTION "ON THINGS ON THE EARTH"
A. We must follow the Lord's example. 1. Jesus said, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). 2. We are in the world, but we must not be of the world. 3. With the Lord's help we can overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5). B. We must not love the world or the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15-17). C. We must not become friends of the world (James 4:4). D. We must "seek those things which are above" (Colossians 3:1). E. We must put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Conclusion:
1. Christians are not to be like people in the world. 2. Our speech, dress, conduct, habits, desires, and what we do for entertainment are not to be "worldly." 3. God wants His children to be different (1 Peter 2:9-11).
