What a world this is that we live in. As a Christian our senses are continuously attacked in this world with images and objects designed to tempt our flesh. Even guarding ourselves against certain television broadcasts, we can still find our eyes flooded with images of carnality as a television commercial comes on in the middle of a family oriented show that to the world seems tame, but according to the word of God is wickedness. Billboards along the highway display images of scantily clothed women and men, sexual innuendo’s are prevalent in today’s advertising to the dismay of many Christian parents. We cannot get away from the world and the lusts and temptations that present themselves to us on a daily basis without climbing into a cocoon and awaiting our Lords return. But this choice is not very feasible, is it? We must carry on our lives in this world, however we do not have to be of this world in order to dwell in it, as a follower of Christ.

God has made it very clear to us that we can not serve two masters. John is telling us in these scriptures that we shouldn’t cling to those things that are of this world, now that we are believers in Christ. We should not love the same things that held us when we were lost; indeed, we are new creatures in Christ and we should allow the Holy Spirit to lead us away from worldly desires, and seek after God’s kingdom. In this sense the world is the satanic system opposing Christ’s kingdom on this earth.

John is warning us about the lusts of this world. The world is characterized by the three lusts spoken of by John in the above verse. Eve was tempted in the garden by these three lusts, (see Genesis 3:6 ) and Jesus Himself was also tempted by these three different temptations in Luke 4: 1-12.

However I believe that John was making a short list of the ways a believer could be lured away from loving God. He reminds us that these things are like dust in the wind, and they will not last. He encourages us to seek after the things of God, His kingdom, for the things of God will last forever.

The "lust of the flesh" refers to desires for sinful sensual pleasure. "The lust of the eyes" refers to covetousness or a desire for material things. "The pride of life" refers to being proud about one’s position in this world. All of these temptations are dealt with in the life of a Christian on a daily basis. Only by the strength we are given by Christ as we abide in Him, are we able to stand firm against the temptations of this world.

John also reminds us that this life is but a brief moment in comparison to our eternal life. To be consumed by this life, is to be unprepared for the next. Our enemy wants us to focus on acquiring all the lusts of this world because he knows it distracts us, and entices us away from receiving all that God wants us to have. It is tragedy to invest our entire lives into something that won’t last.

Once in a while, we are going to stumble on the path toward righteousness. This is inevitable while we are still in this flesh. But we must strive to stay focused on our Lord and abide in Him in order to keep these moments at a minimum. It is one thing to dwell continuously in sin, and another to trip up once in awhile. When we do we need to immediately take it to our Father’s throne, confessing our sin, and ask our Father to forgive us. His word tells us that Christ took care of all of our sin on the Cross, sacrificing Himself in our place. His blood justifies us in the eyes of our Father in heaven and allows us fellowship with Him the God Most High! His mercies are new each and every morning! For this we can give thanks and praise our Father in heaven!

There will come a time when all of this world will pass away. The lusts and the wickedness that surrounds us, the temptations of this world will cease to exist one day when Christ returns for His church. Until then we must stand firm in Christ. We must seek Him through prayer and meditation on the truth of His word. We have a living Hope in Christ the Lord our Redeemer, our Savior, Intercessor and Advocate at the Father’s Right Hand. Through the gift of His Holy Spirit we have a Helper and Comforter to guide us through this world. God lives inside each of us who believe in Christ. The One who created all, dwells inside of us, loves us unconditionally and calls us His own.

With God as my Helper, whom shall I fear?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"Father please continue to help me as I travel the road of righteousness in a wicked world. Separate me from the wickedness by helping me do Your will and abide in Christ. Your word says that You will continue the good work in me that You have begun until the day of Christ and I trust in You as You sanctify me. Strengthen me as I focus my thoughts on You and the coming Kingdom. Protect me from evil and help me to stand firm against temptation as only Your power can do. Help me to repent, and forgive me when I stumble and sin against You. Help me to walk in love and remain in the light of Jesus Christ, in His name I pray, Amen."

Bless you all, love in Christ, Rev. Michael

Copyright©2006 Michael Sparr