Meaning of 1 John 2:17

This verse from 1 John 2:17 draws a stark contrast between the ephemeral nature of the temporal world and the enduring reality of a life lived in obedience to God's will. The author, likely the Apostle John, is addressing believers who are surrounded by the allurements of the world, emphasizing that these attractions are ultimately fleeting and will vanish. In contrast, those who align their lives with God's purposes find a permanence and eternal value that transcends worldly concerns. This dichotomy highlights a fundamental choice believers face: to pursue the transient pleasures of the world or to invest in the eternal rewards of faithfulness to God.

Context and Background

The epistle of 1 John was written to a community of believers to assure them of their salvation and to instruct them on how to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. A significant theme throughout the letter is the discernment between true believers and false teachers or those who have a superficial faith. The author addresses the dangers of the "world" (Greek: kosmos), which in this context refers not to the physical creation but to the system of human values, desires, and activities that are opposed to God. The "desires of the world" are the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, as described in verse 16. These are the temptations that draw individuals away from God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Transience of the World: The verse explicitly states that "the world and its desires pass away." This underscores the impermanence of all earthly possessions, pleasures, fame, and power. What seems important and captivating in the present will inevitably fade and be forgotten.
• Permanence of God's Will: The counterpoint is that "whoever does the will of God lives forever." This "living forever" speaks of eternal life, a state of being in unbroken fellowship with God that begins now and continues into eternity. Doing God's will is not a burdensome obligation but the path to true and lasting fulfillment.
• The Nature of True Discipleship: The verse implicitly defines true discipleship as actively pursuing God's will rather than being captivated by worldly desires. It calls for a reorientation of one's priorities from the temporal to the eternal.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse serves as a powerful exhortation to believers to evaluate their allegiances and motivations. It challenges the tendency to become entangled in the superficialities of life and instead directs attention to what truly matters in the grand scheme of God's eternal plan. For the individual believer, it means:

• Prioritizing God: Making God and His purposes the central focus of one's life.
• Resisting Temptation: Recognizing the deceptive and temporary nature of worldly temptations.
• Cultivating Eternal Perspective: Understanding that actions rooted in obedience to God have eternal consequences, while those driven by worldly desires are ultimately futile.
• Living in Obedience: Actively seeking to understand and fulfill God's commands and purposes for one's life.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The theme of a contrast between the earthly and the heavenly, the temporal and the eternal, is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. From the early accounts of humanity's fall and the promise of redemption, to the Old Testament prophecies of a coming kingdom, and culminating in the New Testament teachings on eternal life through Christ, the Bible consistently points to a reality that transcends the current earthly existence. Jesus Himself spoke of storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) and warned against serving two masters (Matthew 6:24). The entire redemptive work of God is aimed at rescuing humanity from the consequences of sin and its ultimate demise, and ushering them into an eternal relationship with Him.

Analogies

One helpful analogy is that of a mariner navigating treacherous waters. The "world and its desires" are like alluring but dangerous currents, whirlpools, or miry shores that promise immediate comfort or gain but ultimately lead to destruction. The "will of God" is the steady, reliable lighthouse and the true course that leads to a safe and eternal harbor.

Another analogy is that of building a house. Building on the shifting sands of worldly desires is like constructing a dwelling that will inevitably be washed away by the storms of life. Building on the solid rock of obedience to God's will is like constructing a foundation that will withstand any tempest and endure for eternity.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This verse parallels 1 John 2:17 by highlighting the exclusive nature of one's ultimate allegiance.
• Philippians 3:19-20: "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This passage echoes the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits and the eternal reality of our heavenly citizenship.
• Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This is a direct imperative to adopt the perspective advocated in 1 John 2:17.
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This foundational verse speaks of the eternal life that is the ultimate outcome of believing in Christ, a belief that naturally leads to doing God's will.