Auburn SDA Church
Love of the World
  • Praise the Lord! You Heavens Adore Him

      • 1 John 2.15-16NKJV

      • 1 John 2.17NKJV

  • Jesus loved the world.
    John 3:16 ESV
    “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
    But Jesus commands us
    not to love the world.
    1 John 2:15 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.
    Someone once said:
    To love the world is no big chore. It's that miserable guy next door who is the problem.
    Jesus loved the world.
    We are not supposed to.
    Apparently,
    there is a
    right way
    wrong way
    to love the world.
    How can we know
    if we love the world
    in the wrong way?
    Simple:
    1 John 2:15 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.
    If we love
    the things in the world!
    Then we love the world
    in the wrong way!
    If you love the
    people of the world,
    you love it the right way.
    If you get more excited
    about things in this life
    rather than
    things of next life
    we love the world.
    Examples:
    work
    purchases
    fashion
    time
    money
    screen time.
    Can’t wait to leave church.
    No interest to read bible.
    Scrolling during sermon.
    Texting during SS.
    No desire for prayer meeting.
    Evangelism Section 2—The Metropolitan Masses

    That men may not take time to meditate, Satan leads them into a round of gayety and pleasure-seeking, of eating and drinking. He fills them with ambition to make an exhibition that will exalt self.

    Now imagine this with me for a second. Let’s say you have a pillow and let’s say the family dog got ahold of that pillow and used it for a litter box… so you took it out and put it in the dumpster, and a family of rats moved into it and used it for a bed. And just before the day the trash truck comes and empties your dumpster, your spouse goes out and gets that pillow and places it back on the bed.
    You see it and you’re like, “What are you doing? That pillow is nasty! It needs to be burned.” And your spouse says, “No, I love that pillow… it’s been in our family for a long time, it’s still useful, and it’s comfortable.” And you’re like, “Get rid of that thing! It’s soiling everything it touches… and if you use it, you could end up really sick. It can actually hurt you if you use it.” But your spouse, is like, “But I love that pillow.”

    Love of the Father

    1 John 2:15 ESV
    ... If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
    Once again,
    John is so
    black and white.
    Obviously,
    in real life,
    not so clear.
    But you know whether,
    you have a passion for
    spiritual things or not.
    One way to tell,
    can’t wait for Sabbath to come.
    can’t wait for Sabbath to end.
    Christian Service Chapter 3—Conditions among God’s People

    Many of the professed followers of Christ feel no more burden for souls than do the world. The lusts of the eye, and the pride of life, the love of display, the love of ease, separate the professed Christians from God,

    and the missionary spirit in reality exists in but few. What can be done to open the eyes of these sinners in Zion, and make hypocrites tremble?—The General Conference Bulletin, 1893, 132.

    This perfectly parallels
    the teachings of Jesus.
    Matthew 6:24 ESV
    “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
    If we love the world
    we cannot love God.
    and visa versa.
    We can choose one master.
    God
    World.
    Let me warn you.
    World is a cruel taskmaster.
    She is never satisfied.
    She always wants more.
    Jesus repeatedly
    warns against
    trying to serve two masters.
    In revelation
    John call it “lukewarm”:
    Revelation 3:15–16 HCSB
    I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
    My son Clint and I walked out of the camp office together.
    As we exited outside, there was Ivory grinning her silly smile, as she expectantly thumped her big tail against the wall.  I challenged Clint to a test, “Clint, let’s stop here and find out who Ivory really loves the most.  You go north to the road and I’ll go east to the Tabernacle.  Whom she follows will show her true allegiance.”
    He reluctantly agreed to my challenge.  I was confident she would follow me because of how faithfully she always follows me each day.
    We both agreed not to look back until we had walked to our respective spots.  As I walked the seventy-five feet to the Tabernacle, I expected at any time to hear the sound of her steps behind me.  I held off looking for as long as I could.  Reaching the sidewalk I stopped, and looked over to Clint.
    He had also stopped at his spot, the same distance from our starting point, but Ivory had followed neither of us.  There she sat right where we’d left her, anxiously looking back and forth from one of us to the other.  She excitedly wagged her tail and moved her front legs as if to come to one of us.  Then she resumed her looking as if she was saying “Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe….”
    As we approached each other, Ivory left her spot and ran to us, arriving just as we met.

    In the World

    Back to key passage.
    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
    Three categories of sins...
    These are:
    all that is in the world:
    Desire of the Flesh
    Desires of the Eyes
    Pride of Life.
    John describes these
    categories of sins as
    “all that is in the world...”
    The world is full of
    one vice after another.

    Adam and Jesus

    Paul talks about
    two men, whose actions
    impacted the entire world:
    Adam and Jesus.
    In the words of Paul:
    Romans 5:18–19 ESV
    Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
    When Adam was tempted
    he fell and
    entire human race became sinners.
    When Jesus was tempted
    he succeed and
    entire human race
    given 2nd chance
    return to Eden and live.
    Jesus ha to succeed
    on the very ground
    where Adam fell.
    Both represent
    the entire world.
    Paul calls Jesus
    “the second Adam.”
    If you consider
    their temptations
    you will see
    they fit the
    3 Categories of sin:
    Desire of the Flesh
    Desires of the Eyes
    Pride of Life.
    For both Adam and Jesus.
    Temptations of Adam
    Genesis 3:6 ESV
    So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
    Adam was tempted
    3 categories.
    The fruit was
    Good for food.
    (lust of the flesh).
    A delight to the eyes
    (lust of the eyes).
    desirable to make one wise
    (pride of life).
    Jesus did fully obey
    in every way Adam sinned.
    Counsels on Stewardship Section 9—The Pursuit of Earthly Treasure

    In the wilderness, Christ met the great leading temptations that would assail man. There, singlehanded, He encountered the wily, subtle foe, and overcame him. The first great temptation was upon appetite; the second, presumption; the third, love of the world.

    Satan never sleeps
    always busy.
    Historian Shelby Foote tells of a soldier who was wounded at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War and was ordered to go to the rear. The fighting was fierce and within minutes he returned to his commanding officer. "Captain, give me a gun!" he shouted. "This fight ain't got any rear!" 
    Daily Walk, July 10, 1993.

    Desire of the Flesh

    Let us take
    little more time
    to understand
    3 categories
    and temptation of Jesus.
    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh …
    The first category
    of sins mentioned is:
    the desire of the flesh.
    Adam experience this.
    He wanted to
    physically eat the fruit.
    (it was good for food).
    Christ had same experience:
    Matthew 4:2–3 ESV
    And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
    Satan tempted Christ to
    Turn Stones to Bread.
    This temptation
    appealed to his
    physical desires:
    appetite...
    base passions.
    This is a mirror temptation
    to that of Adam.
    Once again,
    this temptation is
    the desires of the flesh.
    This category of sins
    much broader than
    what you eat.
    1 Peter 2:11 ESV
    Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
    Passions of the flesh
    Lusts of the flesh
    desire of the flesh.
    Is a broad category.
    It represents a
    craving for sensual pleasure
    physical indulgence
    or immediate gratification
    of the senses
    that leads individuals
    away from
    reason
    self-control
    and spiritual discipline.
    This is anything that
    tends toward lowering
    self-control
    indulgence.
    You fill in the blank
    in your own life.
    All the addictive things.
    Food
    shopping
    screen time
    Sexual things
    etc.
    Counsels on Diet and Foods Chapter 8—Control of Appetite

    Bewitching temptations to follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, are to be met on every side.

    The pufferfish looks about as threatening as a pet goldfish but it carries deadly toxins that can kill a person after just a few bites of puffer sashimi. Every year several people in Japan die from eating this unique fish delicacy and many others get sick. The danger is so great that Japanese chefs must receive years of training to learn the intricate skills of removing the lethal toxin before they can be certified to serve puffer. Flirting with sin is not only foolish, it can be fatal.
    Source: USA Today, December 26, 2013

    Desires of the Eyes

    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes…
    Adam experience this
    the fruit looked good.
    it looked desirable.
    Jesus also experience this...
    Matthew 4:8–9 ESV
    Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
    The temptation was:
    Ruling the Kingdoms of the World
    (Lust of the Eyes).
    Satan said:
    look at this.
    look what you could have!
    Lust of the eyes
    relates to temptations for
    worldly power and possessions.
    Satan offer Christ a
    “Get rich quick scheme.”
    Many of us,
    don’t want poverty.
    We pray for
    good job
    good transportation
    good home.
    It is interesting that
    though God blessed
    some with financial wealth
    Job
    Abraham
    David
    Solomon
    Daniel
    Joseph.
    Many others were not
    Elijah
    John the Baptist
    Jeremiah
    Listen to the words
    of Jesus Christ:
    Luke 6:20–26 ESV
    And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
    Jesus is suggesting
    financial wealth is
    often detrimental to
    spiritual wellbeing.
    How do we experience
    Desire for the eyes?
    Monkey see
    monkey buy.
    Constant desire
    to have more.
    Make more.
    Spend more.
    Constant ads
    “You need this.”
    “It will make you happy.”
    Never True!!!
    Outward adornment
    is key way pursue
    desires of the eyes.
    SDA’s losing our
    unique example
    on this point.
    Our High Calling September

    Pride of dress is not a small matter, but a serious evil. It causes time, thought, and money to be spent in the decoration of the body, while the culture of the heavenly graces is neglected. Precious hours that our Saviour has exhorted us to devote to prayer and the study of the Scriptures are given to an unnecessary preparation of apparel for outward display.

    Our High Calling September

    Precious time is wasted in keeping pace with ever-changing and never-satisfying fashions. No sooner is one style introduced than new styles are devised, and then, in order for fashionable persons to remain fashionable, the dress must be remodeled. Thus professing Christians, with divided hearts, waste their time, giving to the world nearly all their energies.…

    Our High Calling September

    Young ladies who break away from slavery to fashion will be ornaments in society. The one who is simple and unpretending in her dress and in her manners shows that she understands that a true lady is characterized by moral worth. How charming, how interesting, is simplicity in dress, which in its comeliness can be compared with the flowers of the field!…

    Our High Calling September

    Those who practice simplicity in dress have time to visit the afflicted, and are better prepared to pray with and for them. On every Christian man and woman rests the solemn duty of regulating and contracting personal expenses, that by so doing they may be able to help the needy, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.

    In the long history of con artists, George C. Parker holds a special place of dishonor. He is remembered as one of the most successful and daring swindlers in American history. He set up an office in New York City and “sold” some of the city’s most famous attractions to tourists. His favorite was the Brooklyn Bridge, but he also sold the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, and Grant’s Tomb. He produced elaborately forged documents and deeds to convince his targets that he was the rightful owner of the landmarks he was selling.
    Parker was so persuasive that on more than one occasion, police had to come and explain why the new “owners” of the Brooklyn Bridge couldn’t put up tollbooths to collect money from those who tried to cross. After his third conviction for fraud, Parker was sentenced to life at Sing Sing Prison in New York, where he spent the last eight years of his life. He dishonestly made a fortune preying on people who foolishly believed his empty words. He not only was an expert salesman, but he realized that many people were gullible and he could use that to his advantage.
    Satan is also
    a good salesman.

    Pride of Life

    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
    The 3rd Category
    of temptations is
    Pride of Life.
    Adam experienced it.
    Satan tempted him
    to believe that if he ate
    he could be wise
    like God!
    Genesis 3:5 ESV
    For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
    Adam was tempted
    by the pride of life.
    This temptation that
    he could be God.
    Jesus experience
    the same temptation.
    Matthew 4:5–7 ESV
    Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
    The temptation
    to presumption
    was of pride.
    This temptation appealed to
    Jesus' pride and
    his potential to use
    his divine nature
    for personal gain.
    It challenged him
    to "test" God by relying on
    a dramatic display of power
    rather than trusting God's plan.
    How do we experience
    Pride of life?
    Similar to
    Lust of the Eyes.
    Lust of the eyes is
    focused on
    envy and covetousness.
    Seeing things you want
    trying to get them.
    MATERIALISM.
    FOCUS ON WEALTH.
    Whereas
    Pride of life
    is about flaunting
    what you do get.
    Pride of life
    is about
    REPUTATION
    POWER
    EGO.
    Pride is the love
    of flattery.
    Wanting to be seen
    as successful by others.
    (instead of God).
    Measuring success
    in terms of this life,
    instead of life to come
    Great Controversy Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

    The world is given up to self-indulgence. “The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” control the masses of the people. But Christ’s followers have a holier calling. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.”

    The final eruption of Mount St. Helens in May of 1980 was not a sudden event. For two months prior to the massive blast—the most deadly and destructive in American history—earthquakes and volcanic activity signaled a major event was underway. Authorities had plenty of time to sound the alarm and warn those living nearby of the looming danger. Yet despite the seriousness of the threat, some people chose to disregard the warnings.
    Probably the best known of those who refused to evacuate was Harry Randall Truman. The eighty-three year old man was the owner and caretaker at the Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake. He had survived the sinking of his troop ship by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland during World War I, and he was not about to leave just because scientists thought there was danger. Truman told reporters, “I don't have any idea whether it will blow. But I don't believe it to the point that I'm going to pack up.” On May 18, 1980, Truman and his lodge were buried beneath 150 feet of mud and debris from the volcanic eruption. His body was never found.
    It is foolish to recognize danger or temptation and think that we will somehow be exempt from the consequences if we linger. If we believe Scriptures warnings concerning temptation, we will surely flee. The only real protection that we have is the approach taken by Joseph when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. “…and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12).

    Passing Away

    1 John 2:17 ESV
    And the world is passing away along with its desires...
    All that we
    buy
    build
    create
    will pass away.
    Speaking of investments:
    Return on Investment...
    One two:
    personal character
    evangelism.
    What are you doing
    two win souls!
    influence people for heaven?
    In Heavenly Places The Church and the World, October 29

    It may be understood that you believe the seventh day is the Sabbath, that you believe in the Lord’s soon return, but what good will this do your neighbor unless you carry your belief into your daily life?… A pure example will do more to enlighten the world than all your profession.…

    Abides Forever

    1 John 2:17 ESV
    And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
    This is a true
    return on investment.
    Trade in the
    development of this life
    for a life with Christ
    in eternity.
    Let’s
    focus on
    what abides forever!
    Amazing Grace Snares to Shun, October 16

    Unless the mind is educated to dwell upon religious themes, it will be weak and feeble in this direction. But while dwelling upon worldly enterprises, it will be strong; for in this direction it has been cultivated, and has strengthened with exercise.

    Amazing Grace Snares to Shun, October 16

    The reason it is so difficult for men and women to live religious lives is because they do not exercise the mind unto godliness. It is trained to run in an opposite direction.

    Appeal

    Invest in those things
    with good return
    on investment.
    Things that are eternal!

      • John 3:16NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • Matthew 6:24NKJV

      • Revelation 3:15–16NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Romans 5:18–19NKJV

      • Genesis 3:6NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Matthew 4:2–3NKJV

      • 1 Peter 2:11NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Matthew 4:8–9NKJV

      • Luke 6:20–26NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Genesis 3:5NKJV

      • Matthew 4:5–7NKJV

      • 1 John 2:17NKJV

      • 1 John 2:17NKJV

  • Jesus Is All the World to Me

      • Colossians 1:15–17NKJV

      • Colossians 1:15NKJV

      • Genesis 1:26–27NKJV

      • Hebrews 1:3NKJV

      • John 14:9NKJV

      • Colossians 1:3NKJV

      • Colossians 1:12NKJV

      • Romans 8:29NKJV

      • Colossians 1:15NKJV

      • Colossians 1:18NKJV

      • Hebrews 1:6NKJV

      • Revelation 1:5NKJV

      • Luke 2:7NKJV

      • Psalm 89:20NKJV

      • Psalm 89:27NKJV

      • 1 Samuel 16:10–12NKJV

      • Exodus 4:22NKJV

      • Genesis 25:25–26NKJV

      • Jeremiah 31:9NKJV

      • Genesis 41:50–52NKJV

      • Hebrews 12:23NKJV

      • Colossians 1:18NKJV

      • Acts 9:5NKJV

      • Philippians 3:10NKJV

      • Colossians 1:18NKJV

      • Colossians 1:19–20NKJV

  • Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
  • I Will Sing of My Redeemer
  • Don't Forget the Sabbath
  • Praise the Lord! You Heavens Adore Him

      • Luke 22:26NKJV

      • Luke 22:26NKJV

      • 1 John 2.15-16NKJV

      • 1 John 2.17NKJV

  • Jesus loved the world.
    John 3:16 ESV
    “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
    But Jesus commands us
    not to love the world.
    1 John 2:15 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.
    Someone once said:
    To love the world is no big chore. It's that miserable guy next door who is the problem.
    Jesus loved the world.
    We are not supposed to.
    Apparently,
    there is a
    right way
    wrong way
    to love the world.
    How can we know
    if we love the world
    in the wrong way?
    Simple:
    1 John 2:15 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.
    If we love
    the things in the world!
    Then we love the world
    in the wrong way!
    If you love the
    people of the world,
    you love it the right way.
    If you get more excited
    about things in this life
    rather than
    things of next life
    we love the world.
    Examples:
    work
    purchases
    fashion
    time
    money
    screen time.
    Can’t wait to leave church.
    No interest to read bible.
    Scrolling during sermon.
    Texting during SS.
    No desire for prayer meeting.
    Evangelism Section 2—The Metropolitan Masses

    That men may not take time to meditate, Satan leads them into a round of gayety and pleasure-seeking, of eating and drinking. He fills them with ambition to make an exhibition that will exalt self.

    Now imagine this with me for a second. Let’s say you have a pillow and let’s say the family dog got ahold of that pillow and used it for a litter box… so you took it out and put it in the dumpster, and a family of rats moved into it and used it for a bed. And just before the day the trash truck comes and empties your dumpster, your spouse goes out and gets that pillow and places it back on the bed.
    You see it and you’re like, “What are you doing? That pillow is nasty! It needs to be burned.” And your spouse says, “No, I love that pillow… it’s been in our family for a long time, it’s still useful, and it’s comfortable.” And you’re like, “Get rid of that thing! It’s soiling everything it touches… and if you use it, you could end up really sick. It can actually hurt you if you use it.” But your spouse, is like, “But I love that pillow.”

    Love of the Father

    1 John 2:15 ESV
    ... If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
    Once again,
    John is so
    black and white.
    Obviously,
    in real life,
    not so clear.
    But you know whether,
    you have a passion for
    spiritual things or not.
    One way to tell,
    can’t wait for Sabbath to come.
    can’t wait for Sabbath to end.
    Christian Service Chapter 3—Conditions among God’s People

    Many of the professed followers of Christ feel no more burden for souls than do the world. The lusts of the eye, and the pride of life, the love of display, the love of ease, separate the professed Christians from God,

    and the missionary spirit in reality exists in but few. What can be done to open the eyes of these sinners in Zion, and make hypocrites tremble?—The General Conference Bulletin, 1893, 132.

    This perfectly parallels
    the teachings of Jesus.
    Matthew 6:24 ESV
    “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
    If we love the world
    we cannot love God.
    and visa versa.
    We can choose one master.
    God
    World.
    Let me warn you.
    World is a cruel taskmaster.
    She is never satisfied.
    She always wants more.
    Jesus repeatedly
    warns against
    trying to serve two masters.
    In revelation
    John call it “lukewarm”:
    Revelation 3:15–16 HCSB
    I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
    My son Clint and I walked out of the camp office together.
    As we exited outside, there was Ivory grinning her silly smile, as she expectantly thumped her big tail against the wall.  I challenged Clint to a test, “Clint, let’s stop here and find out who Ivory really loves the most.  You go north to the road and I’ll go east to the Tabernacle.  Whom she follows will show her true allegiance.”
    He reluctantly agreed to my challenge.  I was confident she would follow me because of how faithfully she always follows me each day.
    We both agreed not to look back until we had walked to our respective spots.  As I walked the seventy-five feet to the Tabernacle, I expected at any time to hear the sound of her steps behind me.  I held off looking for as long as I could.  Reaching the sidewalk I stopped, and looked over to Clint.
    He had also stopped at his spot, the same distance from our starting point, but Ivory had followed neither of us.  There she sat right where we’d left her, anxiously looking back and forth from one of us to the other.  She excitedly wagged her tail and moved her front legs as if to come to one of us.  Then she resumed her looking as if she was saying “Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe….”
    As we approached each other, Ivory left her spot and ran to us, arriving just as we met.

    In the World

    Back to key passage.
    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
    Three categories of sins...
    These are:
    all that is in the world:
    Desire of the Flesh
    Desires of the Eyes
    Pride of Life.
    John describes these
    categories of sins as
    “all that is in the world...”
    The world is full of
    one vice after another.

    Adam and Jesus

    Paul talks about
    two men, whose actions
    impacted the entire world:
    Adam and Jesus.
    In the words of Paul:
    Romans 5:18–19 ESV
    Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.
    When Adam was tempted
    he fell and
    entire human race became sinners.
    When Jesus was tempted
    he succeed and
    entire human race
    given 2nd chance
    return to Eden and live.
    Jesus ha to succeed
    on the very ground
    where Adam fell.
    Both represent
    the entire world.
    Paul calls Jesus
    “the second Adam.”
    If you consider
    their temptations
    you will see
    they fit the
    3 Categories of sin:
    Desire of the Flesh
    Desires of the Eyes
    Pride of Life.
    For both Adam and Jesus.
    Temptations of Adam
    Genesis 3:6 ESV
    So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
    Adam was tempted
    3 categories.
    The fruit was
    Good for food.
    (lust of the flesh).
    A delight to the eyes
    (lust of the eyes).
    desirable to make one wise
    (pride of life).
    Jesus did fully obey
    in every way Adam sinned.
    Counsels on Stewardship Section 9—The Pursuit of Earthly Treasure

    In the wilderness, Christ met the great leading temptations that would assail man. There, singlehanded, He encountered the wily, subtle foe, and overcame him. The first great temptation was upon appetite; the second, presumption; the third, love of the world.

    Satan never sleeps
    always busy.
    Historian Shelby Foote tells of a soldier who was wounded at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War and was ordered to go to the rear. The fighting was fierce and within minutes he returned to his commanding officer. "Captain, give me a gun!" he shouted. "This fight ain't got any rear!" 
    Daily Walk, July 10, 1993.

    Desire of the Flesh

    Let us take
    little more time
    to understand
    3 categories
    and temptation of Jesus.
    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh …
    The first category
    of sins mentioned is:
    the desire of the flesh.
    Adam experience this.
    He wanted to
    physically eat the fruit.
    (it was good for food).
    Christ had same experience:
    Matthew 4:2–3 ESV
    And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
    Satan tempted Christ to
    Turn Stones to Bread.
    This temptation
    appealed to his
    physical desires:
    appetite...
    base passions.
    This is a mirror temptation
    to that of Adam.
    Once again,
    this temptation is
    the desires of the flesh.
    This category of sins
    much broader than
    what you eat.
    1 Peter 2:11 ESV
    Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
    Passions of the flesh
    Lusts of the flesh
    desire of the flesh.
    Is a broad category.
    It represents a
    craving for sensual pleasure
    physical indulgence
    or immediate gratification
    of the senses
    that leads individuals
    away from
    reason
    self-control
    and spiritual discipline.
    This is anything that
    tends toward lowering
    self-control
    indulgence.
    You fill in the blank
    in your own life.
    All the addictive things.
    Food
    shopping
    screen time
    Sexual things
    etc.
    Counsels on Diet and Foods Chapter 8—Control of Appetite

    Bewitching temptations to follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, are to be met on every side.

    The pufferfish looks about as threatening as a pet goldfish but it carries deadly toxins that can kill a person after just a few bites of puffer sashimi. Every year several people in Japan die from eating this unique fish delicacy and many others get sick. The danger is so great that Japanese chefs must receive years of training to learn the intricate skills of removing the lethal toxin before they can be certified to serve puffer. Flirting with sin is not only foolish, it can be fatal.
    Source: USA Today, December 26, 2013

    Desires of the Eyes

    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes…
    Adam experience this
    the fruit looked good.
    it looked desirable.
    Jesus also experience this...
    Matthew 4:8–9 ESV
    Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
    The temptation was:
    Ruling the Kingdoms of the World
    (Lust of the Eyes).
    Satan said:
    look at this.
    look what you could have!
    Lust of the eyes
    relates to temptations for
    worldly power and possessions.
    Satan offer Christ a
    “Get rich quick scheme.”
    Many of us,
    don’t want poverty.
    We pray for
    good job
    good transportation
    good home.
    It is interesting that
    though God blessed
    some with financial wealth
    Job
    Abraham
    David
    Solomon
    Daniel
    Joseph.
    Many others were not
    Elijah
    John the Baptist
    Jeremiah
    Listen to the words
    of Jesus Christ:
    Luke 6:20–26 ESV
    And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
    Jesus is suggesting
    financial wealth is
    often detrimental to
    spiritual wellbeing.
    How do we experience
    Desire for the eyes?
    Monkey see
    monkey buy.
    Constant desire
    to have more.
    Make more.
    Spend more.
    Constant ads
    “You need this.”
    “It will make you happy.”
    Never True!!!
    Outward adornment
    is key way pursue
    desires of the eyes.
    SDA’s losing our
    unique example
    on this point.
    Our High Calling September

    Pride of dress is not a small matter, but a serious evil. It causes time, thought, and money to be spent in the decoration of the body, while the culture of the heavenly graces is neglected. Precious hours that our Saviour has exhorted us to devote to prayer and the study of the Scriptures are given to an unnecessary preparation of apparel for outward display.

    Our High Calling September

    Precious time is wasted in keeping pace with ever-changing and never-satisfying fashions. No sooner is one style introduced than new styles are devised, and then, in order for fashionable persons to remain fashionable, the dress must be remodeled. Thus professing Christians, with divided hearts, waste their time, giving to the world nearly all their energies.…

    Our High Calling September

    Young ladies who break away from slavery to fashion will be ornaments in society. The one who is simple and unpretending in her dress and in her manners shows that she understands that a true lady is characterized by moral worth. How charming, how interesting, is simplicity in dress, which in its comeliness can be compared with the flowers of the field!…

    Our High Calling September

    Those who practice simplicity in dress have time to visit the afflicted, and are better prepared to pray with and for them. On every Christian man and woman rests the solemn duty of regulating and contracting personal expenses, that by so doing they may be able to help the needy, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.

    In the long history of con artists, George C. Parker holds a special place of dishonor. He is remembered as one of the most successful and daring swindlers in American history. He set up an office in New York City and “sold” some of the city’s most famous attractions to tourists. His favorite was the Brooklyn Bridge, but he also sold the Statue of Liberty, Madison Square Garden, and Grant’s Tomb. He produced elaborately forged documents and deeds to convince his targets that he was the rightful owner of the landmarks he was selling.
    Parker was so persuasive that on more than one occasion, police had to come and explain why the new “owners” of the Brooklyn Bridge couldn’t put up tollbooths to collect money from those who tried to cross. After his third conviction for fraud, Parker was sentenced to life at Sing Sing Prison in New York, where he spent the last eight years of his life. He dishonestly made a fortune preying on people who foolishly believed his empty words. He not only was an expert salesman, but he realized that many people were gullible and he could use that to his advantage.
    Satan is also
    a good salesman.

    Pride of Life

    1 John 2:16 ESV
    For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
    The 3rd Category
    of temptations is
    Pride of Life.
    Adam experienced it.
    Satan tempted him
    to believe that if he ate
    he could be wise
    like God!
    Genesis 3:5 ESV
    For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
    Adam was tempted
    by the pride of life.
    This temptation that
    he could be God.
    Jesus experience
    the same temptation.
    Matthew 4:5–7 ESV
    Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
    The temptation
    to presumption
    was of pride.
    This temptation appealed to
    Jesus' pride and
    his potential to use
    his divine nature
    for personal gain.
    It challenged him
    to "test" God by relying on
    a dramatic display of power
    rather than trusting God's plan.
    How do we experience
    Pride of life?
    Similar to
    Lust of the Eyes.
    Lust of the eyes is
    focused on
    envy and covetousness.
    Seeing things you want
    trying to get them.
    MATERIALISM.
    FOCUS ON WEALTH.
    Whereas
    Pride of life
    is about flaunting
    what you do get.
    Pride of life
    is about
    REPUTATION
    POWER
    EGO.
    Pride is the love
    of flattery.
    Wanting to be seen
    as successful by others.
    (instead of God).
    Measuring success
    in terms of this life,
    instead of life to come
    Great Controversy Chapter 27—Modern Revivals

    The world is given up to self-indulgence. “The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” control the masses of the people. But Christ’s followers have a holier calling. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean.”

    The final eruption of Mount St. Helens in May of 1980 was not a sudden event. For two months prior to the massive blast—the most deadly and destructive in American history—earthquakes and volcanic activity signaled a major event was underway. Authorities had plenty of time to sound the alarm and warn those living nearby of the looming danger. Yet despite the seriousness of the threat, some people chose to disregard the warnings.
    Probably the best known of those who refused to evacuate was Harry Randall Truman. The eighty-three year old man was the owner and caretaker at the Mount St. Helens Lodge at Spirit Lake. He had survived the sinking of his troop ship by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland during World War I, and he was not about to leave just because scientists thought there was danger. Truman told reporters, “I don't have any idea whether it will blow. But I don't believe it to the point that I'm going to pack up.” On May 18, 1980, Truman and his lodge were buried beneath 150 feet of mud and debris from the volcanic eruption. His body was never found.
    It is foolish to recognize danger or temptation and think that we will somehow be exempt from the consequences if we linger. If we believe Scriptures warnings concerning temptation, we will surely flee. The only real protection that we have is the approach taken by Joseph when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. “…and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12).

    Passing Away

    1 John 2:17 ESV
    And the world is passing away along with its desires...
    All that we
    buy
    build
    create
    will pass away.
    Speaking of investments:
    Return on Investment...
    One two:
    personal character
    evangelism.
    What are you doing
    two win souls!
    influence people for heaven?
    In Heavenly Places The Church and the World, October 29

    It may be understood that you believe the seventh day is the Sabbath, that you believe in the Lord’s soon return, but what good will this do your neighbor unless you carry your belief into your daily life?… A pure example will do more to enlighten the world than all your profession.…

    Abides Forever

    1 John 2:17 ESV
    And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
    This is a true
    return on investment.
    Trade in the
    development of this life
    for a life with Christ
    in eternity.
    Let’s
    focus on
    what abides forever!
    Amazing Grace Snares to Shun, October 16

    Unless the mind is educated to dwell upon religious themes, it will be weak and feeble in this direction. But while dwelling upon worldly enterprises, it will be strong; for in this direction it has been cultivated, and has strengthened with exercise.

    Amazing Grace Snares to Shun, October 16

    The reason it is so difficult for men and women to live religious lives is because they do not exercise the mind unto godliness. It is trained to run in an opposite direction.

    Appeal

    Invest in those things
    with good return
    on investment.
    Things that are eternal!

      • John 3:16NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • 1 John 2:15NKJV

      • Matthew 6:24NKJV

      • Revelation 3:15–16NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Romans 5:18–19NKJV

      • Genesis 3:6NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Matthew 4:2–3NKJV

      • 1 Peter 2:11NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Matthew 4:8–9NKJV

      • Luke 6:20–26NKJV

      • 1 John 2:16NKJV

      • Genesis 3:5NKJV

      • Matthew 4:5–7NKJV

      • 1 John 2:17NKJV

      • 1 John 2:17NKJV

  • Jesus Is All the World to Me
  • Risen For Me
  • He Lives Again
  • Shining Brightly
Auburn SDA Church
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