12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:12-17 KJV)
Do Not Love the World
This new command of holy love, along with its motives, may be directed to the various ranks of disciples mentioned here. The different levels of maturity in the Christian church must all preserve the bond of sacred love. Since an important warning is about to follow—without which real faith in the love of God and others cannot survive—the apostle seems to begin with a solemn address to the different stages in the Christian journey: the children, the young adults, and the mature believers. All must know that they must not love this world.
The apostle addresses all levels in the church. Not all Christians are at the same stage; there are spiritual children, young adults, and older disciples. Each has different duties, but some commands apply to all—especially mutual love and detachment from the world. Wise leaders will teach accordingly, giving each group what they need: “I write to you, children, fathers, and young men.”
He starts with the youngest: “I write to you, little children” (1 John 2:12). These are the beginners in faith, those just learning the basics. The apostle encourages them by addressing them first. He reminds them:
- That their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake (1 John 2:12). Even the newest sincere disciple is pardoned. Forgiveness is granted for God’s glory or for Christ’s sake, based on His redemption. Those forgiven should not cling to a world that draws their hearts away from God.
- That they know the Father (1 John 2:13). Just as children know their earthly father, believers are to know their heavenly Father. Those who are truly reborn and adopted by grace can be sure of their relationship with God. This knowledge helps loosen their grip on the world.
Next, he speaks to the most mature believers: “I write to you, fathers” (1 John 2:13-14). These are the long-standing followers of Christ. Even they need reminders and continued instruction. He writes to them because they “know Him who is from the beginning” (1 John 2:13-14). They know Christ—the eternal One—who existed before the world began. This deeper knowledge should move them to give up their love for the temporary things of this world.
Then he addresses those in the prime of their Christian life: “I write to you, young men” (1 John 2:13-14). These believers are spiritually strong and mature. He writes to them:
- Because they have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13). These believers are spiritual warriors, capable of resisting the devil and his temptations—and are thus called to also overcome the world.
- Because they are strong and have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:14). Their spiritual strength is evident. It is their glory to be strong in Christ. Victory over the devil proves their power—and the same strength is needed to overcome the world.
- Because God’s word lives in them (1 John 2:14). Scripture nourishes and strengthens them. It is their weapon against the evil one—the sword of the Spirit. Those who have the word of God in their hearts are well equipped to resist the world.
Then comes the main warning, introduced by all this preparation: “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). Be dead to the world and its temptations. Christians of all maturity levels should agree on this. If they are united in dying to the world, they will unite in other areas too. Love should be reserved for God. The reasons for this warning are strong and necessary, since even believers often struggle to let go of the world:
- Loving the world and loving God cannot coexist: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). The heart is too small for both. The more a person loves the world, the less they truly love God.
- This love for the world doesn’t come from God: “It is not from the Father, but from the world” (1 John 2:16). This kind of desire is not God-given, but comes from worldly influence. The physical world, as God created it, is good and reflects His glory. But in our fallen state, it stirs sinful desires and competes with our devotion to God. The world and our sinful nature form an alliance against Him. These worldly desires fall into three categories: (1) The desires of the flesh—seeking physical pleasure and indulgence. (2) The desires of the eyes—covetousness, craving wealth and possessions. (3) The pride of life—seeking status, admiration, and applause.
These things must be rejected. They belong to the world, not to God, and they inflame sinful desires. - The world and its desires are temporary: “The world is passing away, and so are its desires” (1 John 2:17). Earthly pleasures fade, and even the longing for them will disappear. What remains of all the glory of those now in the grave?
- The one who loves God lives forever: “But the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). In contrast to the world’s passing nature, the true believer—who obeys God’s will—will abide forever. God’s love never fails, and the one who loves Him is destined for eternal life.
From all this, we see the purity and depth of the apostle’s teaching. The physical life must be guided by the spiritual. The body should be ruled by the soul, and the soul by the love of God.