April 10, 2018
1 John 2:12-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
Faith–hoping for the unseen things of God–is developed over time and through experiences. On the other hand, worldliness–craving the things of this world–comes naturally/innate. Worldliness is really an internal state of the heart. We must pay attention to what our heart longs for the most; we can find answers to where we are in our faith journey by doing so.
God values things like meekness, generosity, fruitfulness, and a spirit of self control. We are not to be led by our feelings or cravings. We are to be led by the Spirit of God who exalts the Lordship of Christ. So, today, deliberately indulge yourself in those things God values; make the Lord smile.
1 John 2:12-17
12
I am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
13
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14
I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one.
Do Not Love This World
15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I do not have to follow the cravings and temptations of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.