Why We Hold Onto The World – Do Not Love The World Nor The Things In The World
5/10/2026
1 John 2:15-17 – 15 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. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
This week’s message is focused on a very common predicament for believers between loving God and loving the world. According to John, believers cannot love God while loving the world. A major theme underpinning worldly desires come from fear. This sermon describes three categories of obstacles that interfere with our ability to love God.
The desires of the flesh – These desires to satisfy your body physically. It includes indulging in comfort, pleasure, indulgence, or addiction. Beneath these desires are fears related to safety, permanence, trust, and anxiety. Accompanying these desires include questions such as “am I safe? Can I trust you or people or circumstances?” Indulgence in desires of the flesh are like painkillers; they treat the pain temporarily and gives an avenue for escape, but it does not treat the underlying cause.
The desires of the eyes – These include obsessions with appearance, possession, status, comparison, and being noticed by others. Accompanying these desires may include underlying fears seeking validation on their physical appearance, how they appear to others, their possessions, and how they are perceived. They may ask things like “am I loveable? Am I enough?” They may seek validation in the world, but the world never fully satisfies.
The pride of life – These desires refer to a desire for power, success, control and recognition. The underlying fear with these desires include losing control or appearing weak. They pursue rank, success, power, influence, and fame to feel secure and in control.
The sermon emphasized that worldly desires stem from defense mechanisms that come from our sinful nature. These sinful desires hinder our relationship with God and drives us away from Him.
Scripture teaches us that the world and its desires will eventually pass away (1 John 2:17) and that worldly pursuits are empty apart from God (Ecclesiastes). Scripture teaches us to focus on eternity and righteousness (Romans 12:1-2) by practicing the life of Jesus Christ and resembling his character. This requires us to reflect on the life that we want to live. Although we may recognize that what we are doing is sinful, does it mean that we can overcome our sinful nature through willpower alone? Jesus Christ serves as the perfect example. When Jesus was tested and tempted by Satan with physical satisfaction and worldly power, Jesus instead surrendered fully to God’s will.
True freedom from fear and worldly attachments comes not from willpower but knowing our identity as God’s children and abiding in the His perfect gift: Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions:
What was your main takeaway from this week’s message?
What desires are we currently facing in our daily lives?
What fears still hold power over us?
