Pastor Billy Myron continues the study of 1 John chapter 2, focusing on verses 15–17. He explains that the Greek word for “world” (cosmos) here refers to the orderly arranged human society and its system, not the physical planet or universe. Biblical examples illustrate this meaning in contexts of adornment, creation, and societal order beginning after Abel’s death.
Cain, after murdering Abel, built a city; his descendants developed trades, music, and metalwork, marking the foundation of the world system (Genesis 4, Luke 11). The world offers careers, entertainment, arts, its own wisdom, and elementary principles for living. Its purposes include organizing life for the unsaved to manage the sin nature and providing goals that distract believers from God. The system is ruled by Satan.
1 John 2:16 lists what is in the world: the desire of the flesh (contrasted with walking by the Spirit), the desire of the eyes (illustrated in Eve’s temptation and Solomon’s pursuits), and the pride of life or boasting about physical life and livelihood. These things originate from the world, not the Father. Agape love prioritizes its object; loving the world excludes loving the Father. The world and its lusts are passing away, but the one who does the will of God abides forever.
