I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 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. 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. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1Jo 2:13-17 NKJ)
Here in 1 John, John speaks to the Father, the young men, and the children, a word of encouragement. Loving the Father, being strong in the Word and overcoming the wicked one. Don’t love the world or the things of the world. Then watch out for the big three;
1. Lust of the flesh—money
2. Lust of the eyes—Sex
3. Pride of life—power
Money, sex, and power when they are worshipped or used against others is not of God, and they are temporal. Our society today is plagued by men that use sex, power and money, at the expense of young women, children and even young men—the signs of a godless society.
But he who does the will of God abides forever. What is the will of God? To love, show respect, treat everyone equally, value, build up and encourage everyone, no exceptions.