Don't Love the World, 11 May 2025
Don't Love the World
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Series: 1 John
May 11, 2025
1 John 2:12-17
Series Big Idea: One of Jesus’ best friends offers timeless teaching on following Jesus.
Big Idea: Don’t love the world, but rather love its Creator.
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:15-17
I love to travel. I’ve been blessed to visit every continent except Antarctica—some trips for ministry, others for pleasure. I’ve encountered diverse cultures, foods, languages, music, and art. God has truly created a beautiful world for us to enjoy—alongside nearly 8 billion of our closest friends.
But this world is broken. Sin has been wreaking havoc since the Garden of Eden. So how do we live in the world but not of it?
As we continue our series on the first epistle (or short letter) written by John, we come to what feels like an intentional interruption in his message—a kind of parenthesis.
I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. (1 John 2:12) I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:13) I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:14)
John addresses children, fathers, and young men. Are these literal or spiritual categories? Scholars disagree. Let’s unpack what John is saying.
To the Children:
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12–13)
These believers knew their sins were forgiven through Jesus' death and resurrection. They had come to know the Father in an intimate way, able to call Him Abba—Papa, Daddy.
To the Fathers:
To the Young Men:
The vision of College First is to become a future-oriented church by 2028 that will see 33% of our congregation made up of kids, students, and young adults.
I’m thrilled about the direction we’re heading. Two years ago, we had one summer intern. Last year, two. This year, we’ll have six! These aren’t just helpers—they’re future pastors, missionaries, and leaders being loved, equipped, and sent out. Huge thanks to Nicky Inman and Pastor Nancy Hiser for their amazing work with NextGen.
John says twice that the young have overcome the evil one. This is already accomplished—not by our own strength, but through Christ’s victory. While the world is under the influence of Satan, believers are under the authority and protection of Jesus.
John tends to see things in black and white. I admit, life often feels more gray, but that may be more cultural than biblical. Jesus himself frequently used contrasts: light vs. darkness (John 8:12), the narrow vs. wide gate (Matt. 7:13–14), wise vs. foolish (Matt. 7:24–27), sheep vs. goats (Matt. 25:32), first vs. last (Matt. 19:30), humbled vs. exalted (Matt. 23:12).
Remember Jesus' words in John’s gospel:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. But you do not belong to the world—I have chosen you out of it. That’s why the world hates you.” (John 15:18–19)
Many people enter the U.S. as immigrants, students, or business professionals—but this is not their permanent home. In the same way, this world is not our home. We are citizens of another Kingdom—temporary residents here.
The sinful patterns of the world are in direct opposition to God’s ways. John writes:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
That’s as black and white as it gets. John is not telling us to hate creation, but to reject the world’s sinful systems. As the old saying goes: “Love God. Hate sin.”
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. (1 John 2:16)
Let’s break that down:
So here’s the real question: Has the world influenced us more than God?
I’m not saying we should all live off the grid. But are we Americans who happen to be Christians, or Christ-followers who happen to live in America?
If we are not of this world, why do we so often act like we are?
Following Jesus is more than wearing a cross necklace, saying a prayer, or going to church once a week. It’s about being holy—set apart, different, even peculiar. We are called to live in the world, but not of it.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)
Ask yourself, "Which of these will matter in 100 years?"
Jesus prayed to the Father:
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:14–15)
God doesn’t zap us to heaven the moment we’re saved because He’s given us a mission: to make disciples of all nations. We are called to influence the world—not be influenced by it.
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:16)
So What?
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
The world says it’s all about you and your happiness.
The Kingdom of God says it’s all about Jesus and his glory.
The world says live for today.
The Kingdom of God says live for eternity.
The world says set your mind on things here below.
The Kingdom of God says set your mind on things above.
The world says only love your friends.
The Kingdom of God says love your enemies.
The world says it’s your body to do with as you please.
The Kingdom of God says your body is a temple, bought at a great price.
The world says your wealth is yours.
The Kingdom of God says everything we have belongs to the LORD.
Don’t love the world. Love its Creator.
Credits: edited by ChatGPT
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Series: 1 John
May 11, 2025
1 John 2:12-17
Series Big Idea: One of Jesus’ best friends offers timeless teaching on following Jesus.
Big Idea: Don’t love the world, but rather love its Creator.
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:15-17
I love to travel. I’ve been blessed to visit every continent except Antarctica—some trips for ministry, others for pleasure. I’ve encountered diverse cultures, foods, languages, music, and art. God has truly created a beautiful world for us to enjoy—alongside nearly 8 billion of our closest friends.
But this world is broken. Sin has been wreaking havoc since the Garden of Eden. So how do we live in the world but not of it?
As we continue our series on the first epistle (or short letter) written by John, we come to what feels like an intentional interruption in his message—a kind of parenthesis.
I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. (1 John 2:12) I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:13) I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:14)
John addresses children, fathers, and young men. Are these literal or spiritual categories? Scholars disagree. Let’s unpack what John is saying.
To the Children:
- Because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. (v. 12)
- Because you know the Father. (v. 14)
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12–13)
These believers knew their sins were forgiven through Jesus' death and resurrection. They had come to know the Father in an intimate way, able to call Him Abba—Papa, Daddy.
To the Fathers:
- Because you know Him who is from the beginning. (vv. 13–14)
To the Young Men:
- Because you have overcome the evil one. (v. 13)
- Because you are strong, the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. (v. 14)
The vision of College First is to become a future-oriented church by 2028 that will see 33% of our congregation made up of kids, students, and young adults.
I’m thrilled about the direction we’re heading. Two years ago, we had one summer intern. Last year, two. This year, we’ll have six! These aren’t just helpers—they’re future pastors, missionaries, and leaders being loved, equipped, and sent out. Huge thanks to Nicky Inman and Pastor Nancy Hiser for their amazing work with NextGen.
John says twice that the young have overcome the evil one. This is already accomplished—not by our own strength, but through Christ’s victory. While the world is under the influence of Satan, believers are under the authority and protection of Jesus.
John tends to see things in black and white. I admit, life often feels more gray, but that may be more cultural than biblical. Jesus himself frequently used contrasts: light vs. darkness (John 8:12), the narrow vs. wide gate (Matt. 7:13–14), wise vs. foolish (Matt. 7:24–27), sheep vs. goats (Matt. 25:32), first vs. last (Matt. 19:30), humbled vs. exalted (Matt. 23:12).
Remember Jesus' words in John’s gospel:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. But you do not belong to the world—I have chosen you out of it. That’s why the world hates you.” (John 15:18–19)
Many people enter the U.S. as immigrants, students, or business professionals—but this is not their permanent home. In the same way, this world is not our home. We are citizens of another Kingdom—temporary residents here.
The sinful patterns of the world are in direct opposition to God’s ways. John writes:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
That’s as black and white as it gets. John is not telling us to hate creation, but to reject the world’s sinful systems. As the old saying goes: “Love God. Hate sin.”
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. (1 John 2:16)
Let’s break that down:
- Lust of the flesh: Desires for sensual gratification that pull us away from God.
- Lust of the eyes: Coveting what we see—possessions, people, power. Eve saw that the fruit was “pleasing to the eye” (Gen. 3:6). David saw Bathsheba. These desires become idols when they replace God.
- Pride of life: Arrogance about our status or success. Everything we have is a gift from God. We must live in dependence on Him.
So here’s the real question: Has the world influenced us more than God?
I’m not saying we should all live off the grid. But are we Americans who happen to be Christians, or Christ-followers who happen to live in America?
If we are not of this world, why do we so often act like we are?
Following Jesus is more than wearing a cross necklace, saying a prayer, or going to church once a week. It’s about being holy—set apart, different, even peculiar. We are called to live in the world, but not of it.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17)
Ask yourself, "Which of these will matter in 100 years?"
- A new car
- Sharing your faith
- A job promotion
- Befriending an international student
- Having the latest iPhone
Jesus prayed to the Father:
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:14–15)
God doesn’t zap us to heaven the moment we’re saved because He’s given us a mission: to make disciples of all nations. We are called to influence the world—not be influenced by it.
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (John 17:16)
So What?
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
The world says it’s all about you and your happiness.
The Kingdom of God says it’s all about Jesus and his glory.
The world says live for today.
The Kingdom of God says live for eternity.
The world says set your mind on things here below.
The Kingdom of God says set your mind on things above.
The world says only love your friends.
The Kingdom of God says love your enemies.
The world says it’s your body to do with as you please.
The Kingdom of God says your body is a temple, bought at a great price.
The world says your wealth is yours.
The Kingdom of God says everything we have belongs to the LORD.
Don’t love the world. Love its Creator.
Credits: edited by ChatGPT