Understanding Love and the World in 1 John

Oct 4, 2024

Lecture Notes on 1 John 2:15-17

Introduction

  • Speaker: Baucham
  • Context: Lecture given at Ligonier
  • Main Text: 1 John 2:15-17
  • Focus: Understanding the command "Do not love the world."

The Paradox of Love in Christianity

  • Christians are called to love universally:
    • Love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength
    • Love neighbors and even enemies
    • Love fulfills the law (Romans 13:8-10)
  • Apparent contradiction with John 3:16 "For God so loved the world"

Understanding "Do Not Love the World"

  • The command "Do not love the world" is critical and seemingly contradictory.
  • Key Point: Love can be sinful when misdirected.

Meaning of "World" in Johannine Literature

  • Creation: All of creation, universe
  • People: Humanity, individuals in the world
  • Spiritual Realm: System opposed to God, satanic system
    • "World" in 1 John 2:15 refers to the spiritual realm opposed to God
  • Implication: Loving this "world" is sinful as it opposes God.

Love Directed at the Wrong Object

  • Love becomes sinful when directed at what opposes God.
  • Examples in 1 John:
    • The world is ignorant of God, hates believers, antichrist, false prophets
    • Controlled by the evil one

Love Arising from the Wrong Source

  • Love becomes sinful when it arises from worldly desires.
  • Three categories:
    • Cravings: Inordinate desires
    • Lust: Sinful desires
    • Boasting: Prideful behavior
  • Distinction: True love arises from God, while sinful love arises from the world.

Consequences of Sinful Love

  • Wrong Ends: The world is passing away; sinful love leads to destruction.
  • Scriptural References:
    • 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 describes the transient nature of the world
    • Romans 1:18-27 discusses dishonorable passions

Application to Contemporary Issues

  • Same-Sex Marriage: Example of love directed at the wrong object, arising from wrong source, producing bad fruit.
  • Rebellion against God often cloaked in "love is love" ideology.
  • Key Message: Not all love is righteous; some love opposes God.

Conclusion

  • Christians are called to love God, their brethren, mankind, and enemies, but not the world.
  • Avoiding love for the world ensures alignment with God's eternal will.

Prayer

  • Closing prayer emphasizing the need for discernment and transformation to love rightly, aligning with God's purpose.
  • Call for grace to be in the world, not of it, and to love appropriately.

End of notes on 1 John 2:15-17 lecture.