“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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 2:15-16
“Love the world” indicates an affection for and the choosing of the sinful things of this world and this earthly life.
“Love of the Father is not in him” means those in whom God dwells love not the world that is passing away, but the kingdom that is coming and the things of God.
“Lust of the flesh … lust of the eyes … pride of life” indicate that the sinful human nature always seeks selfish things and is tempted to covet, abuse, and control all things. It finds false security in wealth and is proud of accumulated possessions that show off that wealth.
“Not from the Father” means God is not the source of sin, sinful desires, or the works of sin. Luther said, “First, the lust of the flesh must be overcome, and this is done more easily. Second, and this is more difficult, the lust of the eyes, for it cannot be deserted all at once, like the first, but it fails gradually. Finally, the most difficult is the pride of life. It, too, is born of victory over vices. Therefore this is not overcome, though it be left desolate or fail, unless it perish altogether because of its iniquity. It is the most harmful kind of vice which unjustly divides between God’s glory and self-confusion”.
Bottom line, do not cling to this world and its desires; it will soon be over. Cling to Christ and live forever! Our sinful flesh and the world entice and tempt us with wealth, power, popularity, and pleasure. But none of that provides for forgiveness, peace, and contentment. Christ alone provides and offers forgiveness, peace, and contentment.
God’s blessings on your day…