All that is in the World
For all that is in the world is not of the Holy Father.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
All the glory, praises and honor be to the Heavenly Father in Jesus’ precious name !
The subject verse from the first epistle of John speaks about not loving the world. For us to be right with God, we are to do what our Lord Jesus did. As the followers of Christ, we shall not lust after the world. In the context, the author asks us not to love the world or its various deceptive things. And if we look at the world, everything falls into either of the following three things temptations of sin mentioned in the subject verse.
The lust of the flesh
This is the first and foremost temptation of sin for which man easily succumbs to. This temptation seeks to derive physical pleasure by committing a sinful act. This is the desire which lies in our body and not necessarily the lust for the bodies alone. And the satan used this to tempt Jesus by asking Him to make bread out of a stone.
The lust of the eyes
The lust of the eyes could also be included in the lust of the flesh. This lust is derived after looking at the things that we are not supposed to look at or having those things that we should not have. Moreover, this lust is more of a mental pleasure as compared to the physical gratification of the lust of the flesh. Satan tried this temptation on Jesus by showing all the kingdoms of the world.
The pride of life
Pride is one such sin that God hates the most. Very importantly, pride is the very reason for the fall of Lucifer, who was once the most beautiful and powerful angel of God. With his fall he became Satan the adversary. He was cast out from Heaven the moment he proudly elevated himself above God in his thoughts. Satan used this temptation on Jesus Christ by trying to incite spiritual pride. He set Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple and asked to cast Himself down. By this the Satan wanted Jesus to succumb to the pride of the Heavenly care.
Not of the Heavenly Father
All the three temptations of the sins are ever prevalent in this world. As the subject scripture says, these are from this world and not from the Heavenly Father. Satan still employs the same temptations to lure us and keep us away from God. Therefore, as the child of the Almighty God, let us be wary of these temptations that come in varied deceptive ways. As the following verse says, let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not succumb to the lusts of the flesh.
‘But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.’
Romans 13:14
Brethren, let us also follows the way our Lord Jesus in dealing these temptations. And continually meditate on the word of God so that we also respond in the Lord’s way. Finally, fully submit yourselves to the Lord. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ‘
James 4:7
In Jesus’ matchless name. Amen.