Do Not Love The World Do Not Love The World 1 John 2:15-171 John 2:15-17

Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermonAdapted from a Steve Shepherd sermonhttp://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/do-not-love-the-world-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-worldliness-146247.asphttp://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/do-not-love-the-world-steve-shepherd-sermon-on-worldliness-146247.asp

1 John 2:15 1 John 2:15 NET NET Do not love the world or the Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, things in the world. If anyone loves the world,

the love of the Father is not in him, the love of the Father is not in him, 1616 because because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and

the desire of the eyes and the arrogance the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. the Father, but is from the world. 1717 And the And the

world is passing away with all its desires, but the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains person who does the will of God remains

forever.forever.

An old fable says that swift-footed Atlanta An old fable says that swift-footed Atlanta challenged her suitors to race with her, with challenged her suitors to race with her, with

herself as the prize or death as the penalty of herself as the prize or death as the penalty of losing. Many competed and lost their lives. losing. Many competed and lost their lives.

Finally, a man named Hippomenes, concealing Finally, a man named Hippomenes, concealing on his person three golden apples, entered the on his person three golden apples, entered the

contest. As with the others, Atlanta swiftly contest. As with the others, Atlanta swiftly passed him, but he threw an apple. She, passed him, but he threw an apple. She,

startled, stopped to pick it up.startled, stopped to pick it up.

He regained the lead, but soon Hippomenes He regained the lead, but soon Hippomenes again saw himself gradually slipping behind; and again saw himself gradually slipping behind; and

again he threw a golden apple. Atlanta, again he threw a golden apple. Atlanta, charmed by its glitter, delayed to seize it, and charmed by its glitter, delayed to seize it, and

fell behind. But once again, as they neared the fell behind. But once again, as they neared the goal, she was about to pass him, and goal, she was about to pass him, and

Hippomenes threw his last golden apple. Hippomenes threw his last golden apple. Atlanta, lured by its charm, stopped again-and Atlanta, lured by its charm, stopped again-and

lost the race.lost the race.

Satan today throws along life's highway three Satan today throws along life's highway three golden apples that charm and destroy many a golden apples that charm and destroy many a

racer. They are: “racer. They are: “the desire of the flesh and the the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessionsby material possessions.” .” 1 John 2:16b,c,d 1 John 2:16b,c,d NET NET Multitudes of Christians today are being turned Multitudes of Christians today are being turned aside from full obedience to the will and work of aside from full obedience to the will and work of

God by Satan's “three golden apples!”God by Satan's “three golden apples!”(KERUX ILLUSTRATION DATABASE ID Number: 23354)(KERUX ILLUSTRATION DATABASE ID Number: 23354)

1515 Do not love the world or the things in the Do not love the world or the things in the world. world.

What part of "What part of "NONO" don’t you understand? " don’t you understand? Do you remember seeing that on Do you remember seeing that on

T-shirts? T-shirts? Or better yet: What part of "Or better yet: What part of "DO NOTDO NOT" do you not " do you not

understand? understand? The phrase got a wider audience when it was The phrase got a wider audience when it was

the title of country music star Lorrie Morgan’s #1 the title of country music star Lorrie Morgan’s #1 hit.hit.

What part of no don’t you understand?What part of no don’t you understand?To put it plain and simpleTo put it plain and simple

I’m not into one night standsI’m not into one night standsI’ll be glad to explain itI’ll be glad to explain it

If it’s too hard to comprehendIf it’s too hard to comprehendSo tell me what part of noSo tell me what part of no

Don’t you understand?Don’t you understand?

Instead of asking the question, there are many Instead of asking the question, there are many ways to make it a firm statement. NO MEANS ways to make it a firm statement. NO MEANS

NO! No thanks. No way, Hosea! Never. Nix. Not NO! No thanks. No way, Hosea! Never. Nix. Not at all. Not on your life, etc.at all. Not on your life, etc.

1515 Do not love the world or the things in the Do not love the world or the things in the world. world.

What did John mean?What did John mean?

Billy Graham is quoted as saying: "Our interests Billy Graham is quoted as saying: "Our interests are in ourselves. We are preoccupied with are in ourselves. We are preoccupied with

material things. Our supreme god is technology. material things. Our supreme god is technology. Our goddess is sex. Most of us are more Our goddess is sex. Most of us are more

interested in getting to the moon than getting to interested in getting to the moon than getting to heaven. We are more dedicated to material heaven. We are more dedicated to material security than to inward purity. We give much security than to inward purity. We give much more thought to what we wear, what we eat, more thought to what we wear, what we eat,

what we drink, and what we can do than what what we drink, and what we can do than what we are...."we are...."

He was right. We all have our worldly side or He was right. We all have our worldly side or worldly desires that often capture our attention worldly desires that often capture our attention

more than God or Christ.more than God or Christ.

2 Timothy 4:10a,b 2 Timothy 4:10a,b NET NET For Demas deserted For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he me, since he loved the present age, and he

went to Thessalonica...went to Thessalonica...

Demas seems to have been a big part of the Demas seems to have been a big part of the Apostle Paul’s work. Plus he was there with Apostle Paul’s work. Plus he was there with

Luke the physician Luke the physician who wrote Luke & Acts. Paul who wrote Luke & Acts. Paul went on to write 13 books of the New went on to write 13 books of the New

Testament. Testament. They were great men of God.They were great men of God.

Philemon 1:24 Philemon 1:24 NET NET Mark, Aristarchus, Demas Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too.and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too.

Colossians 4:14 Colossians 4:14 NET NET Our dear friend Luke the Our dear friend Luke the physician and Demas greet you.physician and Demas greet you.

If Demas, who worked side by side with the If Demas, who worked side by side with the Apostle Paul & Luke, fell in love with Apostle Paul & Luke, fell in love with the present the present ageage, , his world, then it can happen to us too. In his world, then it can happen to us too. In fact, I think it’s a whole lot easier today to fall in fact, I think it’s a whole lot easier today to fall in love with the things of this world than it was for love with the things of this world than it was for

Demas. Demas.

WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO FALL IN LOVE WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH!WITH!

1515 Do not love the world or the things in the Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the

Father is not in him,Father is not in him,

God said clearly, "Don’t love the world. If you God said clearly, "Don’t love the world. If you do, my love is not in you.“ When and where do do, my love is not in you.“ When and where do

we cross the fence from loving God to loving the we cross the fence from loving God to loving the world? God knows and we all need to find out.world? God knows and we all need to find out.

What is so bad about the world that we are told What is so bad about the world that we are told not to love it? not to love it?

Why is the world so evil?Why is the world so evil?

1- 1- The desireThe desire of the fleshof the flesh

2- 2- The desireThe desire of the eyesof the eyes

3- 3- The pride of lifeThe pride of life

THE DESIRE OF THE FLESHTHE DESIRE OF THE FLESH1616 because all that is in the world (the desire of because all that is in the world (the desire of

the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is arrogance produced by material possessions) is

not from the Father, but is from the world.not from the Father, but is from the world.

This worldly temptation deals with the fleshly This worldly temptation deals with the fleshly appetites: food, sex, excess in various ways, appetites: food, sex, excess in various ways,

etc.etc.

Jackson Brown Jr. Jackson Brown Jr. (American author best-known for his (American author best-known for his book Life’s Little Instruction Book which was a New York book Life’s Little Instruction Book which was a New York

Times bestseller) Times bestseller) said: I’ve learned that if you give a said: I’ve learned that if you give a pig and a boy everything they want, you’ll get a pig and a boy everything they want, you’ll get a

good pig and a bad boy. good pig and a bad boy.

If we got everything we wanted in this world, If we got everything we wanted in this world, we’d be in trouble.we’d be in trouble.

While a man & wife were shopping at a mall While a man & wife were shopping at a mall kiosk, a shapely young woman in a short, form-kiosk, a shapely young woman in a short, form-

fitting dress strolled by. The man’s eyes fitting dress strolled by. The man’s eyes followed her. Without looking up from the item followed her. Without looking up from the item

she was examining, his wife asked, "Was it she was examining, his wife asked, "Was it worth the trouble you’re in?" worth the trouble you’re in?"

This is just one temptation of this verse.This is just one temptation of this verse.

Last year, there were 3,676 traffic crashes in Last year, there were 3,676 traffic crashes in Missouri involving deer — or roughly 10 a day Missouri involving deer — or roughly 10 a day — resulting in the deaths of five people and — resulting in the deaths of five people and

injury to another 333. The majority of deer-strike injury to another 333. The majority of deer-strike crashes occur from October to December. Why? crashes occur from October to December. Why?

The bucks are in rut. They're concentrating The bucks are in rut. They're concentrating almost exclusively on reproductive activities and almost exclusively on reproductive activities and are a lot less wary than they normally would be. are a lot less wary than they normally would be.

Deer aren't the only ones destroyed by Deer aren't the only ones destroyed by preoccupation with sex.preoccupation with sex.

If we’re normal, we all can be tempted with the If we’re normal, we all can be tempted with the lust of the flesh. If we were put in the wrong lust of the flesh. If we were put in the wrong place at the right time most of us would fall. place at the right time most of us would fall.

We may be guilty anyway.We may be guilty anyway.Matthew 5:27 Matthew 5:27 NET NET "You have heard that it was "You have heard that it was said, 'said, 'Do not commit adulteryDo not commit adultery.' .' ((Exo. 20:14; Deu. Exo. 20:14; Deu.

5:185:18)) 2828 But I say to you that whoever looks at a But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed woman to desire her has already committed

adultery with her in his heart.adultery with her in his heart.

The lust of the flesh deals with others things too. The lust of the flesh deals with others things too. Did you know I have a weekly ritual of hitting a Did you know I have a weekly ritual of hitting a Chinese Buffet? I love all the different flavors Chinese Buffet? I love all the different flavors

available. It’s like a circus in my mouth! available. It’s like a circus in my mouth! Whenever I’m in Springfield during the week I Whenever I’m in Springfield during the week I try to plan it so I can eat at Ryan’s Buffet at try to plan it so I can eat at Ryan’s Buffet at

noon. noon. So much good food! So much good food!

WE DO LOVE OUR FOOD! WE DO LOVE OUR FOOD! We all love some kind of food. In fact, We all love some kind of food. In fact,

sometimes we love it too much!sometimes we love it too much!

Do you eat to live or live to eat? Do you eat to live or live to eat? I’m guilty of living to eat sometimes! Thinking I’m guilty of living to eat sometimes! Thinking

about a good tasting meal excites me! about a good tasting meal excites me! Many people live to eat and many times a day. Many people live to eat and many times a day. Living to eat could well be a part of the lust of Living to eat could well be a part of the lust of

flesh, especially, if it controls us. flesh, especially, if it controls us. My diabetic Dad always said he went to sleep My diabetic Dad always said he went to sleep thinking about the good things he was going to thinking about the good things he was going to

eat for breakfast.eat for breakfast.

It didn’t control him, but he sure enjoyed being It didn’t control him, but he sure enjoyed being at the café as soon as it opened to eat his usual at the café as soon as it opened to eat his usual breakfast (whatever that was) & visit with all the breakfast (whatever that was) & visit with all the

coffee drinking men before he went to the coffee drinking men before he went to the airport to start his day of flying.airport to start his day of flying.

Did you read about that 600 lb. woman who Did you read about that 600 lb. woman who wants to weight 1,000 lbs.? Donna Simpson, 42, wants to weight 1,000 lbs.? Donna Simpson, 42,

of Old Bridge, N.J., already tips the scales at of Old Bridge, N.J., already tips the scales at 600 pounds but says she won’t be satisfied until 600 pounds but says she won’t be satisfied until

she’s up to 1,000 - to grab the title of world’s she’s up to 1,000 - to grab the title of world’s fattest woman. She eats 12,000 calories a day! fattest woman. She eats 12,000 calories a day!

She is also the heaviest woman ever to give She is also the heaviest woman ever to give birth. In September 2010, the Guinness World birth. In September 2010, the Guinness World Records honored her as the "Heaviest Woman Records honored her as the "Heaviest Woman

to Give Birth".to Give Birth".

Philippians 3:18 Philippians 3:18 NET NET For many live, about For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. of Christ. 1919 Their end is destruction, their god Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they is the belly, they exult in their shame, and they

think about earthly things. think about earthly things. I don’t think we want to be categorized with the I don’t think we want to be categorized with the enemies of the cross! However, we can become enemies of the cross! However, we can become something of an enemy to the Lord if we allow something of an enemy to the Lord if we allow

the lust of the flesh to control us!the lust of the flesh to control us!

THE DESIRE OF THE EYESTHE DESIRE OF THE EYES1616 because all that is in the world (the desire of because all that is in the world (the desire of

the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is arrogance produced by material possessions) is

not from the Father, but is from the world. not from the Father, but is from the world.

A gentleman mugger has been jailed despite his A gentleman mugger has been jailed despite his elderly victim’s pleas for him to be let off elderly victim’s pleas for him to be let off

because he was so polite. The victim told the because he was so polite. The victim told the court in Salzburg, Austria, that she had not court in Salzburg, Austria, that she had not

come across such a well mannered criminal for come across such a well mannered criminal for a long time.a long time.

The man grabbed the old woman’s bag and ran The man grabbed the old woman’s bag and ran off but returned when he noticed she had fallen off but returned when he noticed she had fallen to the ground. "When he saw me fall, he came to the ground. "When he saw me fall, he came

back.back.

Criminals just don’t do that anymore," she said. Criminals just don’t do that anymore," she said. "He was very neat and well mannered and "He was very neat and well mannered and asked me not to report him. He said he was asked me not to report him. He said he was

really sorry, but was just desperate for money," really sorry, but was just desperate for money," she told the court.she told the court.

The 27-year-old, who has not been named, then The 27-year-old, who has not been named, then helped his victim search for her keys which had helped his victim search for her keys which had

fallen out when he grabbed the bag. fallen out when he grabbed the bag.

Police arrested the well mannered mugger after Police arrested the well mannered mugger after being called out by a passer-by who had being called out by a passer-by who had

witnessed the incident. He was jailed for two-witnessed the incident. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years despite the victim’s testimony and-a-half years despite the victim’s testimony after it was revealed it was not his first offense.after it was revealed it was not his first offense.

INTERESTING STORY. We all know that INTERESTING STORY. We all know that stealing is wrong and stealing is a matter of lust stealing is wrong and stealing is a matter of lust

of the eyes. It’s the idea that we want what of the eyes. It’s the idea that we want what someone has and if we can’t get it by paying for someone has and if we can’t get it by paying for

it, we might steal it. SOME WOULD.it, we might steal it. SOME WOULD.

The lust of the eyes deals with money and The lust of the eyes deals with money and materialism. Both grab our hearts and minds. materialism. Both grab our hearts and minds.

Some people live for making money and others Some people live for making money and others live to spend money...that is, on material things. live to spend money...that is, on material things. Both are the lust of the eyes. Some hoard and Both are the lust of the eyes. Some hoard and

some spend.some spend.

Most of my life I’ve been a spender. I’ve been a Most of my life I’ve been a spender. I’ve been a spender out of necessity: food, clothing, shelter, spender out of necessity: food, clothing, shelter, transportation. However, there have been times transportation. However, there have been times

when I’ve spent and didn’t need to spend or when I’ve spent and didn’t need to spend or didn’t really have the money. didn’t really have the money.

THAT’S THE LUST OF THE EYES. THAT’S THE LUST OF THE EYES. Buying things we don’t need with money we Buying things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like. don’t have to impress people we don’t like.

Or something like that.Or something like that.

In the mid to late 90’s I got the bug to fly again. I searched the “Trade-A-Plane” paper looking for a plane I could afford. (I couldn’t afford anything, but I

hadd a Gold Card withth aa high limit) So I drove around the mid-wmid-west & found what I thought I needed I needed in Texass jjust over the state line from Hobbs, NM. It was an experimental, canard wing “Dragonfly”

project.

Oh, I had dreams of completing the construction of it & having a ball flying it. Of course it didn’t

get finished! It traveled a lot across the country. First fromm Texas to Roscoescoe, MO, next to Buffalo, MO, then to Bto Ballentine, MT, & again to Billings,Billings, MT. FMT. Finally I ggave up hope (came to my senses!) of completing it & sold it to a man in Wyoming

so it got to travel the highway again.

The best I can remember it sold for $1000 less The best I can remember it sold for $1000 less than I paid for it. than I paid for it.

Those $$ came at a time Gayla & I really Those $$ came at a time Gayla & I really needed it! needed it!

It was fun buying it & dreaming, but that’s not It was fun buying it & dreaming, but that’s not what I should have done. what I should have done.

I want to be a better steward with what the I want to be a better steward with what the Lord’s has given me.Lord’s has given me.

The lust for either gaining money, making The lust for either gaining money, making money, and keeping money OR spending money, and keeping money OR spending

money on material things that we don’t need is money on material things that we don’t need is the lust of the eyes. And it’s also idol worship! the lust of the eyes. And it’s also idol worship!

Matthew 6:19 Matthew 6:19 NET NET "Do not accumulate for "Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and

rust destroy and where thieves break in and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. steal.

2020 But accumulate for yourselves treasures in But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. and thieves do not break in and steal. 2121 For For

where your treasure is, there your heart will be where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.also.

1 Timothy 6:6 1 Timothy 6:6 NET NET Now godliness combined Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. with contentment brings great profit. 77 For we For we

have brought nothing into this world and so we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.cannot take a single thing out either.

88 But if we have food and shelter, we will be But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. satisfied with that. 99 Those who long to be rich, Those who long to be rich,

however, stumble into temptation and a trap and however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. people into ruin and destruction. 1010 For the love For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and reaching for it have strayed from the faith and

stabbed themselves with many pains.stabbed themselves with many pains.

THE PRIDE OF LIFETHE PRIDE OF LIFE1616 because all that is in the world (the desire of because all that is in the world (the desire of

the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is arrogance produced by material possessions) is

not from the Father, but is from the world. not from the Father, but is from the world.

KJV: KJV: the pride of life the pride of life CEV: CEV: Our foolish prideOur foolish pride

THE MESSAGE: THE MESSAGE: wanting to appear importantwanting to appear important

The pride of life deals with or can deal with The pride of life deals with or can deal with fame. Most of us will never be tempted with this fame. Most of us will never be tempted with this

amount of pride, because we’re just not that amount of pride, because we’re just not that talented. talented.

Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 16:18 NET NET Pride goes before Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 16:18 MSG MSG First pride, then the First pride, then the crash-- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.crash-- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.

Speedy Morris was the basketball coach at Speedy Morris was the basketball coach at LaSalle and they were having a pretty good LaSalle and they were having a pretty good

season. One morning he was shaving and the season. One morning he was shaving and the phone rang. His wife answered it and called out phone rang. His wife answered it and called out

to him that Sports Illustrated wanted to talk to to him that Sports Illustrated wanted to talk to him. Coach Morris was excited that his team him. Coach Morris was excited that his team

was apparently about to receive national was apparently about to receive national recognition in this famous sports magazine.recognition in this famous sports magazine.

As a matter of fact, he was so excited that he As a matter of fact, he was so excited that he cut himself with his razor. Covered with blood cut himself with his razor. Covered with blood and shaving lather and running downstairs to and shaving lather and running downstairs to

the phone, he tripped and fell down the stairs. the phone, he tripped and fell down the stairs. Finally, bleeding and bruised, he crawled to the Finally, bleeding and bruised, he crawled to the

phone and breathlessly said, “Hello?”phone and breathlessly said, “Hello?”

The voice on the other end asked, “The voice on the other end asked, “Is your Is your name Speedy Morris?name Speedy Morris?””

““YesYes,” he replied.,” he replied.Then the voice continued, “Then the voice continued, “Mr. Morris, for just Mr. Morris, for just seventy-five cents an issue, we can give you a seventy-five cents an issue, we can give you a

one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated.” one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated.” (KERUX ILLUSTRATION DATABASE ID Number: 27316)(KERUX ILLUSTRATION DATABASE ID Number: 27316)

Fame or attention can come in many areas or Fame or attention can come in many areas or arenas.arenas.

The third channel of temptation is at the heart of The third channel of temptation is at the heart of the New Age Movement: the temptation to direct the New Age Movement: the temptation to direct our own destiny, to rule our own world, to be our our own destiny, to rule our own world, to be our own god. Satan tantalized Eve concerning the own god. Satan tantalized Eve concerning the

forbidden fruit. forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:4 Genesis 3:4 NET NET The serpent said to the The serpent said to the woman, "Surely you will not die,woman, "Surely you will not die, 55 for God for God

knows that when you eat from it your eyes will knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who open and you will be like divine beings who

know good and evil."know good and evil."

Satan's offer was an exaggerated appeal to our Satan's offer was an exaggerated appeal to our God-instilled propensity to rule. “Don't be God-instilled propensity to rule. “Don't be

satisfied ruling under God,” he seemed to say, satisfied ruling under God,” he seemed to say, “when you have the potential to be like God.” “when you have the potential to be like God.” When Eve was convinced that the “When Eve was convinced that the “fruit…was fruit…was

desirable for making one wisedesirable for making one wise,” ,” ((Genesis 3:6Genesis 3:6) ) she she and Adam ate. and Adam ate.

Satan's promise that the couple would become Satan's promise that the couple would become like God was nothing more than a lie. When like God was nothing more than a lie. When Adam and Eve yielded to his temptation, they Adam and Eve yielded to his temptation, they

didn't become the gods of this world as he didn't become the gods of this world as he claimed they would. Instead, they fell from their claimed they would. Instead, they fell from their

position of rulership with God, and Satan position of rulership with God, and Satan became the god of this world by default -- became the god of this world by default --

exactly as he had planned.exactly as he had planned.

Satan tried the same ploy with Jesus: Satan tried the same ploy with Jesus: ““I will give I will give you allyou all these things these things [the kingdoms of the world [the kingdoms of the world

and their glory] and their glory] if you throw yourself to the if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me."ground and worship me." Matthew 4:9 Matthew 4:9 NET NET

When you think about it, Satan's offer was pretty When you think about it, Satan's offer was pretty

ridiculous. Why would Jesus be tempted to ridiculous. Why would Jesus be tempted to worship Satan in exchange for the world when worship Satan in exchange for the world when

He already owned the universe?He already owned the universe?

1010 Then Jesus said to him, Then Jesus said to him, "Go away, Satan! "Go away, Satan! For it is written: 'For it is written: 'You are to worship the Lord You are to worship the Lord

your God and serveyour God and serve only only himhim.' ".' " ((Deu. 6:13Deu. 6:13))

The temptation of the pride of life is intended to The temptation of the pride of life is intended to steer us away from the worship of God and steer us away from the worship of God and

destroy our obedience to God by urging us to destroy our obedience to God by urging us to become our own god. become our own god.

Whenever you feel that you don't need God's Whenever you feel that you don't need God's help or direction, that you can handle your life help or direction, that you can handle your life without consulting Him, that you don't need to without consulting Him, that you don't need to bow the knee to anyone, beware: That's the bow the knee to anyone, beware: That's the

pride of life. Whenever you stop worshipping pride of life. Whenever you stop worshipping and serving God, you are in reality worshipping and serving God, you are in reality worshipping

and serving Satan -- which is what he wants and serving Satan -- which is what he wants more than anything else. more than anything else.

Instead, your life should be characterized by Instead, your life should be characterized by worshipful humility and obedience to God. worshipful humility and obedience to God.

(Abe Kudra Collection (Abe Kudra Collection TITLE: The Pride of Life TITLE: The Pride of Life AUTHOR: Neil Anderson)AUTHOR: Neil Anderson)

I think many preachers could be or are tempted I think many preachers could be or are tempted in this area, particularly those in large churches in this area, particularly those in large churches

or those on TV.or those on TV.

These preachers get a lot of attention and These preachers get a lot of attention and adulation and praise. adulation and praise.

““First pride, then the crash-- the bigger the ego, First pride, then the crash-- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.the harder the fall.””

However, we all can be tempted in this area However, we all can be tempted in this area when we do something good and we are praised when we do something good and we are praised or patted for it. We like attention but IF WE’VE or patted for it. We like attention but IF WE’VE DONE SOMETHING GOOD, IT’S FROM THE DONE SOMETHING GOOD, IT’S FROM THE

LORD. Even when it seemingly comes from us. LORD. Even when it seemingly comes from us. He alone is the author of good in our lives.He alone is the author of good in our lives.

1 Peter 5:5 1 Peter 5:5 NET NET In the same way, you who are In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you,

clothe yourselves with humility toward one clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God another, because God opposes the proud but opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. gives grace to the humble. ((Proverbs 3:34Proverbs 3:34)) 66 And And

God will exalt you in due time, if you humble God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty handyourselves under his mighty hand

All of us can fall into the sin of pride, desire for All of us can fall into the sin of pride, desire for fame, desire for praise and accolades.fame, desire for praise and accolades.

1717 And the world is passing away with all its And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God desires, but the person who does the will of God

remains forever.remains forever.

One time a man said at a church meeting, "One time a man said at a church meeting, "Mr. Mr. Chairman, I move that we move the worldChairman, I move that we move the world." ."

Instead of letting the world grab us, we need to Instead of letting the world grab us, we need to move the world by living the Christian life, by move the world by living the Christian life, by letting our lights shine, and by preaching the letting our lights shine, and by preaching the

gospel of Christ!gospel of Christ!

Instead of being in love with the world, we need Instead of being in love with the world, we need to be in love with the God who created and the to be in love with the God who created and the

Savior who died for us. This world will pass Savior who died for us. This world will pass away but whoever does the will of God lives away but whoever does the will of God lives

forever. forever. How’s that for a deal? How’s that for a deal? Do not love the world!Do not love the world!