The World Passes Away

Date: January 15, 2023

Bible Scripture Verse – 1 John 2:17 -The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, I come to you today seeking wisdom and understanding. Give me the discernment to see how this verse applies to my own life and how I can align my will with Yours. I trust in Your guidance and ask for Your continued help in growing in my understanding of Your word. Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The apostle John was one of the closest followers of Jesus and was present at the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus. 1 John was written to address certain issues that were happening in the Christian communities, such as false teachings and a lack of understanding about the nature of Jesus. John talks about the importance of living a righteous life and maintaining a close relationship with God through obedience to His commands.

He also talks a lot about the importance of love, as John writes that love is the mark of a true Christian, and the most important commandment is to love one another.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"World" refers to the present evil age, characterized by sin and separation from God.

"Pass away" means to perish or fade away, indicating that the things of the world are temporary and will not last forever.

"Desires" refers to strong desire or craving for something, often used in a negative sense to refer to sinful desires or passions.

"Will of God" refers to God's plan or purpose for our lives, revealed through His Word and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Summarize and Share

The things of this world are temporary and will soon be gone, but if we obey God, we will have eternal life. This verse can apply to our lives today by encouraging us to set our hearts and minds on eternal things rather than temporal things.

We often get so caught up in the pursuit of material possessions, wealth, and fame that only bring us temporary satisfaction. If we focus on living a life that is aligned with God's will, our actions and decisions will have a lasting impact and bring eternal rewards.

When we are facing difficult situations or temptation, it is so important to keep our eyes on God and His will for our lives rather than getting caught up in things that only make us feel good for a little while.

We need to align our will with God's will. It's not just about following rules and regulations but it's about having a personal relationship with God and having an understanding of his will for our lives, through prayer and study of scripture, so that we KNOW God's will for us and make decisions that align with it.

You have already taken the first step in this! Seeking and growing to understand His Word through prayer, studying His word and journaling about it. When we do this, we’ll be able to make decisions and live our lives in a way that brings Glory to God. 

Bible Cross Reference

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This verse reinforces the idea that the things of this world will pass away, and encourages us to focus on storing up treasures in heaven.

James 4:4 "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." This verse reminds us that our association with the world and its desires can put us in opposition with God.

1 Corinthians 7:31 "For the present form of this world is passing away." This verse confirms that the things of this world will pass away.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This verse reminds us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by renewing of our mind so that we can discern and follow God's will.