I John 2:15-17, Three Temptations Every Believer Faces

“Life is something you do while waiting to die,” once opined Janis Joplin, the popular folk singer of my generation.

Joplin was an iconic hippie of the 1960s. She was the stereotypical rock ‘n roller, immersed in sex, drugs, and wild living. She engaged in sexual relationships with both men and women.

Unknown to most, Janis Joplin was immersed in something else. In 1950, as a little girl, she, along with her family, attended the First Christian Church in Port Arthur, Texas, and was baptized for the remission of sins by John Hughes. For a period of time, she was involved in the church’s ministry and sang in the choir.

However, something changed. Joplin became enticed by worldly pleasures and addicted to Satan’s allurements. And while the world celebrates her musical success and honors her memory, she left behind heartbroken parents who saw her as a prodigal child caught in the web of sin.

Joplin’s story has been retold so many times before her life and since afterwards. Its cause and consequences are succinctly stated in today’s text.

“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. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” — 1 John 2:15–17

John contrasted two loves, two pursuits, and their ultimate destinies. The way of the world is enticing, but temporary and empty. The way to the Father offers a life-giving, sufficient, and satisfying eternal life.

Note that John does not declare that the world God created is evil. God created the world. The wonder of the cosmos, the beauty of the sun-kissed beaches, the majestic mountains, and the gorgeous sunsets are ours to enjoy. Furthermore, the Bible says, “God so loved the world” in John 3:16. “World” in this text refers to the people. We are to love the world (people) too. And enjoy relationships that are God-approved.

John, however, uses the word “world” to identify the sphere of ungodliness. “Love not the world” speaks to the attitudes, actions, priorities, and values embraced by secularism, hedonism, and humanism. It’s sinful pleasures promoted by the “god of this world” (2Cor. 4:4). Interestingly, the same three methods of temptation identified by John are the same three the Devil used to tempt Eve, who sinned, and Jesus in the wilderness, who resisted and didn’t sin. Although means, methods, and modern technology change the Devil’s approach, his devices are still the same to lure us into sin.

1. The lust of the flesh

This is the pull of our desires when they become cravings that rule us. It’s the impulse that whispers, “If it feels good, do it.” Whether it’s sexual immorality, indulgence, laziness, or anything that feeds our appetites at the expense of holiness, the lust of the flesh seeks to dethrone God by enthroning pleasure.

2. The lust of the eyes

This is the craving for what we see—possessions, beauty, status symbols, lifestyles we envy. Our eyes often outrun our contentment. The world trains us to measure worth by what can be seen, purchased, or admired. Yet John reminds us that everything the eye covets is passing away.

3. The pride of life

This is the temptation to find our identity in achievement, status, reputation, or self-promotion. It is the desire not just to have, but to be recognized. Pride whispers, “Look at me. Notice me. Praise me.” But pride is sand. God alone is the solid rock.

While we may feel good that we’ve not succumbed to the depths of the world’s sinful pleasures, commentator Warren Wiersbe offers this warning.
“Worldliness is not so much a matter of activity as of attitude. A Christian can stay away from questionable amusements and doubtful places and still love the world, for worldliness is a matter of the heart. To the extent that a Christian loves the world system and the things in it, he does not love the Father.”

It’s so easy to be caught up in the world’s values without even realizing it. It’s subtle, shrewd, and insidious. That’s why the Bible warns to “be watchful” (1 Pet. 5:7), to be “sober-minded” (1 Thess. 5:7), and to equip ourselves with the armor of God to withstand the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:10-17)

To stay on guard, be advised, as Kevin DeYoung put it, “Worldliness is whatever makes sin look normal and holiness look strange.” And never forget that “the world fades, but God remains.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman