SUMMARY: Shortsighted
OVERVIEW: John reminds believers that if they say they love God, they ought to live for God. Living for things of the world is foolish and shortsighted for the world and all it offers will pass away. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
BIG IDEA: Live with the end in mind.
KEY VERSE: 1 John 2:15-17 (a warning from John)
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I want you to love me, not the world. Not only am I a jealous God and want you to give me the time and attention I deserve, but I don’t want you to waste your life. You cannot love the world and me. Choose me—it is a wise investment. The world offers many things, but all provide temporary satisfaction. The world promises so much but fails to deliver. I do not lie. Pursue me and my will for your life, and you will not only find fulfillment in this life, but you will live forever.
I have given you the Holy Spirit, and you know the truth. Follow the Spirit’s leading, and Jesus will live through you. Remain faithful to me and my teaching and ignore the false teaching and destructive patterns of others. If you have me, you have all you need. Trust me and live a joy-filled life that will give you satisfaction and bless others. This is the life you were meant to live. This is life that truly matters.
NEXT STEP
Set long term goals based on what will last forever: God, the word of God, and the human soul. In what way can you align your life so that it emphasizes one of those areas? Set a goal to grow in that area and share with a friend to hold you accountable.
LYRIC VIDEO