1 John 2:15-17 “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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
Big Idea: Anchor into God’s Truth so Your Citizenship Reflects His Kingdom
- Citizens of God’s Worldview
1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
The world’s system is deeply entrenched in rebellion, one that exalts human pride, glorifies selfishness and encourages independence from God. And here is the crucial point: this world system operates under Satan’s influence.
1 John 5:19 “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
As a citizen of both earth and heaven, our responsibility is to advance God’s values and purposes whenever possible—including through our vote—reflecting His truth in the decisions we make.
- Citizens Who Reject the Lies of the World
1 John 2:16 “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.”
The values of this world system are fundamentally incompatible with the values of God’s kingdom.
Attempting to make worldly things appear “Christian” misleads us and others into aligning with a temporary, counterfeit spirituality that ultimately distracts us from the lasting kingdom of God. This is nothing short of idolatry.
- Citizens of an Eternal Perspective:
1 John 2:17: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
We do not disengage from the world because of its temporary nature; instead, we engage wisely, with an eternal perspective, knowing that God will hold us accountable for how we steward our influence.
Ultimately, what matters and what should be both the legacy of our lives and the legacy of our church is bringing people to Christ through sharing the gospel of Christ.
Big Idea: Anchor into God’s Truth so Your Citizenship Reflects His Kingdom
