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
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. —Titus 2:12, 13
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”—Joshua 1:8
I read these three verses in quick succession the other day. Each one seemed to both support and magnify the others.
The first tells us to not love the world or the things of the world because what 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 which is passing away. It then reminds us that he who does the will of God abides forever. As believers, that is who we are…people who are characterized and motivated by doing the will of our God.
Titus 2:12-13 picks up where 1 John left off and tells us to live denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…to live soberly, righteously and godly…always looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Beloved…the Lord is coming and all who love Him, long for His appearing.…and not just for ourselves and the hope He has laid up for us in heaven, but also for Him. If it is heartbreaking for us to watch as evil overflows both our country and our world how much harder is it for Jesus. How we should long for the day when He will be honored…when His name will no longer be maligned, but exalted above every other name…the day when every tongue will confess Him as Lord, to the glory of the Father.
How do we live like this? How do we put off the lusts of the flesh and put on Jesus? Joshua 1:8 has the answer.
Beloved…Immerse yourself in the word of God. Meditate on it so that you may observe to do all that is in it. Allow the Spirit of God to use the word of God to transform you from the inside out. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.—Romans 12:2
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things
And revive me in Your way.—Psalm 119:37
