Another look at 1st John 5:4-5.......Overcoming the world.

We are told here, in 1st John 5:4-5, that those who have faith in Jesus Christ, have overcome the world. The world is something that John described in very specific detail in the 2nd chapter of this letter. See 1st John 2:15-17

We are told "not to love world, or the things in the world" And, then we are given a reason to not love the world. It's because "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him"

So, loving the world means that person will not have the love of the Father in them. What does it mean to "not love the world?"
The word love as used here, means, to be fond of, to love dearly, to be contented with it.........Or to have the world as that which you live for, i.e the passion of your life.

Now John explains what's in the world, what it's made up of. There are three things. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These are not of the Father, but are of the world.

Let's look at each of them one by one.

The lust of the flesh. This is speaking of those desire, those cravings that come from our fallen, or sinful human nature. These cravings can include many things. It's not just limited to sexual sins as it were. Some have called this, living for passion, and passions, or pleasure and pleasures.  The point is, that these cravings make up a major part of what life is like for those who do not have the love of the Father in them.

Secondly, the lust of the eyes. Or as it's been said, the lust for things. Or living for materialism. The desire to have things, to get more and more things. This also is part of how people can live, strictly for things. The lust for possessions.

Thirdly and finally, he talks about the pride of life. Or the desire to do your own thing, and be your own God, rather then letting God be God in your life, and living to accomplish His will and desires for your life.

John tells us that these things are not of the Father, but of the world. In other words, living for pleasure, living for possessions, and living in pride are not of God. These are not the things God has created us for.

The last thing God tells us here, is that the world is passing away, and the lust of it. It's all going to be gone. It's in the process of passing away. It will come to an end. Eventually, it will be gone entirely. See Rev 20-22.

The good news is, that those who do the will of God abide forever. What great, great news.
By trusting in Christ now, we move from being in the world, to being in the kingdom of God, and we have the promise of eternal life.
Additionally, there is a satisfaction that comes into our lives when we walk with the Lord.
But the most important is, that we have the promise of being with the Lord forever, and ever.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia