v.12-15
(1) Overview
(NET) Further assurances of their position here is in keeping with such a theme, and indeed, the topic of reassurance runs throughout the entire letter (see the purpose statement in 5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life).
(2) Key word
2:12 I am writing to you, little children, that your sins have been forgiven because of his name.
a. Note, the word "that" is translated here instead of "because." (NET) these uses of ὅτι [that/because] are more likely introducing content clauses [translated as "that"] here rather than causal clauses [translated as "because"] because such a meaning better fits the context. If the uses of ὅτι are understood as causal, it is difficult to see why the author immediately gives a warning in the section that follows about loving the world. The confidence he has expressed in his readers (if the ὅτι clauses are understood as causal) would appear to be ill-founded if he is so concerned about their relationship to the world as 2:15–17 seems to indicate. On the other hand, understanding the ὅτι clauses as content clauses fits very well the context of reassurance which runs throughout the letter.
b. Note, that the tense following "that" is in perfect tense. That means, John wrote the letter to let them know that they have that status.
(3) Reflection: John wrote this letter to let his readers know that they have the precious status in Christ. Their sins have been forgiven because of Jesus' name. They have known Jesus Who is the Creator. They have conquered Satan because God resides in them.
When we know for sure that we are saved by God should not we love Him more? Therefore, in v.15, John challenged us: 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,
When you love something you regard it as valuable and you don't want to trade that anymore (e.g. in the game of exchanging gifts). When you love the world, you think that's the most valuable. That means you do not think God is most valuable. The love of God is not in you. Pray that we love God and see Him as the most valuable and we will not trade anything in the world for God.
v.16-27
(1) Repeated word: World
What is the world?
v.15 the love of the world competes for the place in our heart which belongs to God v.15
v.15 the world and the things of the world attract us
v.16 the world is not from the Father, be careful and watch out for the world
v.17 the world and the desires is passing away-See clearly, they are in vain and has no value
(2) Reflection: the 3 components of the world:
the desire of the flesh-how can you tell if your desire is natural (which is given by God) or from the desire of the flesh (from sin nature)? From the flesh=when you did not care to sin. Yes, our bodies need relaxation, and that is natural, given by God. However, if you feel the prompt of the Holy Spirit that your way of relaxation was against God and you are still not stopping it then it is the desire of the flesh or sin. Let us pray to God that we are willing to follow the Holy Spirit every day.
the desire of the eyes -the eye is the gate of temptation, we need to be careful to guard the gate, 2 things to guard 1. pronography, 2. the world value. To guard the world value means sinful thought may not come immediately after you watch something. It can accumulate and form a system in your heart. Sooner and later you think as the world, you think the Hollywood value is ok. Or you think this is the way to chase your dream. Which media or habits that we have that lead us to "absorb" the world value most?
the arrogance produced by material possessions-the most dangerous sins, because this sin cannot be seen externally. The sin of competitive, not that you want to be beautiful, smart, or rich, but that you want to be more beautiful, smarter and richer. Lately, I joined a chat group with my high school friends. I found myself keeping comparing with them. I want people to know that I live better, having a better family, being a deeper thinker, etc. This has not happened before with my other friends. When the right moment comes my sin comes out and dominates me. How about you?
Audrey
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