"Do Not Love the World"
1. Read 1 John 2:15-17. John writes, "Do not love the world or anything in the world" (2:15a, NIV). Elsewhere John records the following words of Jesus: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16a). Are these verses inconsistent with each other? Do they contradict each other? Explain.

2. The things that "come from the world" include 1) the cravings (desires) of sinful man (and woman); 2) the lust (desires) of their eyes, and 3) the boasting of what they have and do (2:16). What specific types of attitudes and actions fall into these categories?

3. What is wrong with "loving the world?" What is wrong with "worldly desires?"

"friendship with the world is hatred toward God" (James 4:4, NIV)

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money" (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

Personal Reflection
† Do you recognize any symptoms of "loving the world" in your life? When someone looks at your life, do they see "friendship with the world" or "devotion to God?"

Beware!
4. Read 1 John 2:18-23. John talks about the "antichrists" (those "against Christ"). What are characteristics of these "antichrists?" What essential Christian teaching do they deny?

And Take Care!
5. Read 1 John 2:24-27. In telling believers what will keep them safe from being led astray, John uses the word "remain" several times. What will keep the believer safe?

"[God] anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22, NIV).

Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17a, NIV). "… he will guide you into all truth" (16:13b)

Personal Reflection/Application
† How do you answer the question? - Who is Jesus Christ? What you believe really matters!

† It is important to know the difference between authentic biblical Christianity and unbiblical (false) Christianity. Read Jay's "Are They 'Christians?" (on the ICF website) and "Confused by So Many Churches?" Beware of "new" and strange teachings (relative to the teaching you hear at BCF). Beware of groups that seem isolated from true Christians you know. Beware, and take care! As Christians, stay in fellowship with the church, hold tightly to God's Word (read it, know it), and pray for the Spirit's illumination and guidance.