1 John 2:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

NASB: Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

CSB: 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.

NLT: Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: 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.

Following his words to three distinct sets of believers, John instructs all three groups not to be overly attached to worldly (non-spiritual) things. Believers are to love God and one another, not the world or possessions. The term "world" is not a reference to the planet, or even to all material things. In this context, the term "world" is a reference to the fallen, man-centered system, or way of life. John gives a specific definition of this term in verse 16. Someone who loves the way this world operates, including its control by sin, is a person who cannot also focus on the Father's will.

John emphasizes this theme by saying that those who love the world, in that sense, cannot really love God. These strong words highlight the contrast between love of the world and love of the Father. Jesus offered an example of this contrast when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan told Jesus He could rule all the kingdoms of the world—if He would bow down to him. Jesus replied, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve'" (Matthew 4:10).

First John 2:15–17 is a warning from John about un-Christian attitudes. Other portions of this chapter discuss how behavior provides evidence of fellowship with God. Here, John explains that thoughts and desires do the same thing. Since these are temptations, it is possible for a true Christian to stumble into them. However, habitually displaying these is a cause for concern. Loving “the world” is defined here as physical lusts, lusts in one’s thoughts, and arrogant pride.

Chapter 2 explains the fellowship Christians have with God. Christ is our advocate, even when we sin. Christians are not to love things of the world, or to love the world. Instead, we are to live, love, and act like Christ. False teachers, and those who deny Jesus are called ''liars.'' Those who demonstrate a Christ-like behavior are ''born of'' God.

Chapter 1 introduced the primary themes of John’s letter. Chapters 2 and 3 lay out a detailed description of how Christian conduct is meant to be marked by obedience to the truth. Christians are called to live like Christ. Therefore, those who do not (live that way) do not have ''the truth'' in them. Later chapters of this letter will fill in how Christian love and conduct give us confidence in our daily lives.

First John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ. This letter also challenges false teachers and their incorrect claims about Jesus. Many themes are shared with the Gospel of John.