Lesson 5: Love God, not the World
1 John 2:12-17 (ESV) - www.bible.com/bible/59/1jn.2

God’s Words:
“I am writing to you, little children,
 because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
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.
I write to you, 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 abides in you,
 and you have overcome the evil one.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

My words:
Forgiving Father, I praise You as the Victorious One. Because Your Son won the ultimate and complete victory over the evil one, I can also win the victory over temptation and choose not to sin against You – in Your strength. I thank You I can know You from personal experience … my abundant life flows out of my fellowship with You, Lord.

Continue to draw me back, Father, when the love of this world tries to squeeze out my love for You. In those times, I feel isolated from You – but I know you never leave me or forsake me. I look forward to an eternity with You – obeying you here on earth can be a struggle, but it will come naturally when I’m living with You in the place Jesus is preparing for me.
Even so come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

*When have you experienced vitality and strength from your fellowship with God?