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Today, we must turn our attention to a significant spiritual danger and challenge, epitomized in a contemporary setting by the song "Eternal Will of God." The central theme we shall pursue is one articulated in the book of 1 John 2:15-17, where it reads: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." Here, the Word of God presents to us a stark and unyielding dichotomy: the temporal allure of the world versus the eternal reality of walking in God's will.
1 John, the epistle from which this scripture comes, is attributed to the Apostle John, a man profoundly transformed by the eternal truth of Jesus Christ. This particular portion of scripture addresses believers grappling with a tension that is as relevant today as it was during John's time—being in the world but not of the world. Within this letter, John was combating early forms of heretical thinking, warning against false teachings and encouraging Christians to walk in the light. Specifically, he addressed the seductive nature of worldly desires which lure believers away from the truth. The context was one of steadfast encouragement, urging believers to choose the love of the Father over the fleeting allure of temporal pleasures.
The Greek term for "world" used in this passage is "kosmos" (κόσμος), which, contextually, refers to the present secular order, entrenched in sin and opposed to God. It suggests a systemic orientation against the divine will, deeply entrenched in each facet of society.
Another key term is "desires," from the Greek "epithumia" (ἐπιθυμία), meaning overmastering desires or longings, often with connotations of covetousness or lust. These are strong impulses that pull the human heart away from God's eternal purpose, fixating it on temporary gratification.
The lyrics of the song act as a clarion call against the seduction of worldly desires, systematically laying out three specific snares: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are not of the Father but of the world, echoing the temptation of Eve in Genesis 3:6—a temptation appealing to the physical, the aesthetic, and the hubristic.
John contrasts these temporal seductions with the will of God, which is eternal. Only those who submit to God's will enter the realm of everlasting life (Matthew 7:21). Jesus exemplified this submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, proclaiming, "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).
First, we must consciously guard our hearts against the allure of worldliness by setting our affections on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). We ought to deliberately choose to meditate on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Second, we must reject the lies of worldly seductions and continually renew our minds by weighting every thought and desire against the Word of God (Romans 12:2). By being transformed through scriptural truth, we counteract the deceptive influence of the kosmos.
Third, a life graced by humble obedience to God's will must be pursued. The Son of Man came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). We must seek His will in all things, acknowledging Him to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6).
Fourth, engage in fervent prayer and communion with the Holy Spirit. True alignment with God's will requires the empowering presence of His Spirit, who will teach us and guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
Let us now make a proclamation rooted in the eternal truth of the Word. Say aloud: "I choose not to love the world or anything in the world. The love of the Father abides in me. I reject the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Instead, I embrace the will of God, knowing that in doing so, I have eternal life."
Heavenly Father, we come in the name of Jesus, rejecting any affection rooted in the world. Empower us with Your Holy Spirit to discern and pursue Your will above all else. May our lives be a reflection of Your eternal glory, and may we steadfastly abide in Your truth, forever aligned with Your purpose. Amen.
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