NT Fire Starters – Day 333: 1 John 2:15-3:10

READ: 1 John 2:15–3:10

THINK: Though God Created the world, the world rejects God. Though God invites all people to be part of His family, most exercise their free will by refusing His invitation. Defying God has been the norm, ever since the first humans gave in to Satan’s temptation, disobeyed God and brought the curse of sin into the world. As a result, humankind forfeited authority over creation that God originally delegated to them (Genesis 1:26-30). Satan then seized control (John 14:30; 16:11) and began to dominate the world with his evil purposes (1 John 5:19). This means that the “world” in its present condition is characterized by rebellious, wicked and immoral lifestyles, but also by a spirit of apathy toward God. This selfish attitude is inherent in all humans and human endeavors that are not submitted to Christ’s leadership.

RESPOND: Why are we not to love “the world” or anything in it (vv. 15-17)? (See article on The Christian’s Relationship to the World, p. 1880.) How should this affect your life? What temptations and tendencies come from “the world” (v. 16)? What will eventually happen to the world (v. 17)? When is “the last hour” and how do we know it’s here? (See 2:18 note.) What does it mean that Jesus’ followers “have an anointing from the Holy One”? (See 2:20 note.) Why is it impossible for a person who is “antichrist” to have a relationship with God? (See 2:22 note.) How can you remain right with God? (See 2:24 note.) What does God’s “anointing” teach, and how can it keep you from being deceived? (See 2:27 note.) What does it mean to be “children of God”? (See 3:1 note.) What are the benefits of that relationship? How does the hope of being with God promote purity? (See 3:3 note.) What does it mean to live “in him [Jesus]”? (See 3:6 first note.) What does this passage reveal about “the devil”? (See 3:8 note.) Why is it impossible for someone in a right relationship to persistently sin? (See 3:6 and 3:9 notes.) What distinctions exist between “children of God” and “children of the devil”? (See 3:10 note.)

PRAY: Pray that your desires and affections won’t get tangled up in worldly things. Ask God for wisdom to recognize anything that opposes Jesus and His Word. Give God thanks for making you His child through a relationship with Jesus.

ACT: Are you in any way compromising with worldly behaviors or struggling with the same sin repeatedly? With God’s help, take deliberate and perhaps difficult steps to deal with the issues before they take a greater toll on you spiritually.